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Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips cooked low and slow in a rich and flavorful gravy make this slow cooker recipe a comforting classic. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it delivers satisfying, hearty flavors with minimal effort.
I first made this during a hectic week and was amazed at how tender the beef became after hours of slow cooking. Now it is a family favorite, often requested on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Two pounds of beef stew meat: tender, bite-sized pieces that hold up beautifully to slow cooking
- One packet of dry onion soup mix: provides savory concentrated flavor that forms the base of the gravy
- Two cups of beef broth: opt for low-sodium to control saltiness and create a rich sauce
- Three tablespoons of ketchup: adds a touch of sweetness and tang to deepen the flavor
- One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce: enhances savory, umami notes, making the gravy more robust
- Three tablespoons of cornstarch: thickens the gravy to a velvety, smooth consistency
- Three tablespoons of minced garlic: infuses bold, aromatic flavor
- Half teaspoon of dried thyme: a subtle herbal note that rounds out the dish well
- Salt and pepper to taste: season according to your preference, but be cautious as the soup mix already contains salt
Ingredients
When choosing beef, look for pieces that are bright red with minimal marbling to ensure tenderness while slow cooking. Low-sodium beef broth helps you better control the seasoning level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Use paper towels to pat the beef stew meat dry. This removes excess moisture allowing the meat to brown slightly and absorb flavor better. Arrange the beef evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Mix the Seasonings:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, dried thyme, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is smooth and completely lump-free to avoid gravy clumps.
- Combine and Cook:
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours to allow the beef to become tender and soak up the savory flavors.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, gently stir so the gravy is evenly distributed. Serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles. For freshness and color, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the deep, comforting flavor of the gravy that develops over hours of slow cooking. One memorable family moment was serving it during a snowstorm when everyone gathered around the table warm and satisfied after a long day.
Storage Tips
Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickened too much. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge for best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a gluten-free dish, substitute the onion soup mix and beef broth with certified gluten-free versions. You can swap ketchup for tomato paste plus a small amount of sugar if you want a less sweet flavor. For added richness, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for soaking up every bit of gravy. Buttered egg noodles or steamed rice also work well as bases. For veggies, try roasted carrots, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Cultural Context
Beef tips and gravy is a classic comfort food popular in many American households, reminiscent of hearty home-cooked meals. Using the slow cooker brings convenience to traditional recipes that once required stovetop attention for hours.
Pro Tips
- Patting the beef dry beforehand helps achieve better texture and flavor absorption
- For thicker gravy, whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes
- Add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms halfway through cooking to avoid them turning mushy
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use different beef cuts?
Yes, cuts like chuck roast, sirloin tips, or beef round work well as long as pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- → What’s the best cooking heat setting?
Low heat for 7–8 hours yields tender, flavorful beef, while high heat shortens time but may toughen meat.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions added halfway through cooking enhance texture and flavor.
- → How do I fix overly salty gravy?
Add a splash of water or unsalted broth, or include a peeled potato to absorb excess salt during cooking.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth substitutes to keep this dish gluten-free.