This Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef cooked slowly with a rich gravy makes for a hearty meal with minimal effort.
You can toss everything in the pot and let it do its magic while you relax. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or stew meat works best for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using flank steak. Ground beef is another alternative, but it will change the texture of the dish.
Onion: A medium onion adds great flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use shallots or green onions instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder equals 1 clove of fresh garlic.
Beef Broth: Use beef broth for rich flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth is fine if you’re in a hurry or want a lighter taste.
Onion Soup Mix: This is handy for adding depth but can be replaced with a mix of dried onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef Tips Are Tender?
Cooking the beef low and slow is key to achieving tender tips. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by searing the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot for a nice crust, which enhances flavor.
- Keep the crock pot covered as much as possible to maintain moisture and heat.
- Let it cook longer on low heat if you’re not in a rush; 8 hours will yield beautifully tender beef.
Additionally, cutting the beef against the grain helps ensure it’s tender when served. Just remember, patience is vital when it comes to crock pot meals!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional: sliced mushrooms (about 8 oz)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus you’ll need to let it cook in the crock pot for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. So, total time will be approximately 6 to 8 hours, but most of that is hands-off while the crock pot does the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by placing the beef tips in the crock pot along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms if you’re using them. This combination will add great flavor to your dish!
2. Add Broth and Seasoning:
Pour the beef broth over the meat and veggies. Then, sprinkle the onion soup mix, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce over everything. This will create your delicious gravy base!
3. Mix Well:
Stir all the ingredients together gently to ensure everything is combined nicely. This will help to evenly distribute all those lovely flavors.
4. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook. If you have the time, cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours for super tender beef. If you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Thicken the Gravy:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the gravy. Cover and let it cook on high for another 15–20 minutes.
6. Final Touches:
Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. You can add a little more salt or pepper if you’d like!
7. Serve:
Dish out the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. If you want to add a bit of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Hope you enjoy making and eating this hearty crock pot beef tips and gravy! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
FAQ About Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it completely beforehand for even cooking. Thaw beef in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method, placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Substitute the Beef Broth?
Absolutely! If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the richness of the gravy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, choose a gluten-free onion soup mix and ensure that your beef broth is also gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you can use that to thicken the gravy without any worries.
What Should I Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!
