Slow Cooker Beef Tips

There’s something special about a meal that practically cooks itself while filling the house with incredible aromas. This Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy recipe does just that and has become my go-to for cozy dinners that don’t keep me tied to the stove. The tender beef and rich, glossy gravy create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember how, growing up, the slow cooker was always working quietly in the corner on Sundays, and by evening we’d gather around a meal that brought the whole family together.

I first made this on a busy weeknight and was shocked at how deep the flavors were with so little hands-on time. Now, it’s a regular request when I want comfort food that doesn’t drain my evening.

Ingredients

• Beef tips or stew meat: chuck roast is ideal because it’s well-marbled and becomes succulent with long cooking, look for fresh meat with even color and little excess liquid
• Onion: fresh chopped adds natural sweetness and depth as it simmers into the gravy, yellow or white onions both work well
• Garlic: fresh minced garlic offers vibrant flavor but garlic powder can be used in a pinch
• Beef broth: choose a good-quality low-sodium broth for rich flavor and better control over salt
• Worcestershire sauce: boosts savory umami notes and enriches the gravy’s complexity
• Soy sauce (optional but recommended): adds color and depth without overpowering the flavor, look for a naturally brewed soy sauce
• Cream of mushroom soup: the secret shortcut to a thick, velvety gravy that blends seamlessly
• Brown gravy mix packet: thickens the sauce and boosts beefy taste for an authentic comfort-food feel
• Seasonings such as salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika: combine for a warm savory flavor profile
• Cornstarch slurry (optional): to thicken the gravy further if you prefer a more coating consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle oil to coat. Add the beef pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each side for a couple of minutes until nicely browned and caramelized. This step builds a flavorful base that makes the dish taste richer. It only takes a few minutes but makes a noticeable difference.

Add Beef to the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. If you choose to skip browning, just place raw stew meat inside — the dish will still cook well but the flavor won’t be quite as deep.

Add Onions and Garlic:

Evenly scatter the chopped onions and minced garlic over the beef. As they slow-cook, these soften and melt into the sauce, adding sweetness and aroma.

Mix the Gravy Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and the brown gravy mix until smooth and well combined. Pour this gravy mixture over the meat and onions in the slow cooker.

Season:

Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika on top to infuse the dish with warm, savory notes.

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Thicken the Gravy (Optional):

If you want an extra-thick gravy, mix one to two tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water to make a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the sauce nicely.

Taste and Adjust:

Before serving, taste the gravy and add more Worcestershire sauce or seasoning as needed. This final tweak often elevates the dish.

Serve:

Ladle beef tips and rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or your chosen side. Enjoy warm and comforting.

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Chuck roast is my favorite choice here because the marbling ensures juicy, tender bites every time. One of my favorite memories is slow cooking this dish for a family gathering when the house smelled like a cozy bistro and everyone kept sneaking bites before dinner was officially served.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight and the beef becomes even more tender. For longer storage, freeze cooled portions for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much when reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, use one cup of heavy cream combined with a tablespoon of cornstarch and extra beef broth. The texture will vary slightly but still be rich and thick. For gluten-free cooking, opt for a gluten-free brown gravy mix and substitute soy sauce with tamari. Garlic powder works as a convenient substitute when fresh garlic isn’t available. Mushrooms can be added either sautéed with the beef or stirred in during the last hour to amplify earthy flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines served over creamy mashed potatoes which soak up all the luscious gravy. Buttered egg noodles are another classic pairing, offering a smooth texture that complements the tender beef. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice make a lighter base for the rich sauce. For a lower-carb option, garlic mashed cauliflower provides a creamy alternative without the carbs. Roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts balance the meal with some fresh texture. Don’t forget warm homemade dinner rolls to scoop up every last bit of that gravy.

Cultural Context

Beef tips and gravy have roots in traditional American comfort cooking, often eaten in family kitchens on weekends or holidays when slow-cooked meals bring everyone together. Using the slow cooker modernizes this concept by simplifying the process while capturing those nostalgic flavors. The addition of Worcestershire and soy sauces hints at umami-rich cooking influences beyond the classic stew, showing how home cooks embrace layers of flavor to create truly memorable meals.

Pro Tips

• Always take the time to brown the beef ahead of slow cooking for richer flavor, even though it is tempting to skip
• Taste the gravy before serving and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce if needed to brighten and deepen the sauce
• If your slow cooker runs hot and the gravy gets too thick, stir in a little beef broth or water while reheating to loosen it up

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can frozen beef be used?

Yes, frozen beef can be used but won't brown first, so extend cooking time by about 30-45 minutes for tenderness.

→ What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

Use heavy cream with a bit of cornstarch and extra broth for a slightly different but still creamy sauce.

→ Is searing the beef necessary?

Searing adds rich caramelized flavor but can be skipped if time is short; the dish will still turn out tender.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free gravy mix and substituting soy sauce with tamari, it suits gluten-free needs.

→ Why might my gravy be thin?

Gravy thickness varies by slow cooker. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry during the last 20-30 minutes if needed.

→ Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes, transfer ingredients to a Dutch oven and bake covered at 325°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.