Irresistible Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe in 8 Hours

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite “set it and forget it” dinner – these melt-in-your-mouth crockpot beef tips and gravy! I swear, this recipe has saved me on more busy weeknights than I can count. There’s something magical about how that tough beef transforms into fork-tender bites swimming in the richest, most flavorful gravy after hours of slow cooking. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinnertime, your house will smell like a cozy diner that specializes in comfort food. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe too!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen:

• Effortless magic: Dump everything in the crockpot and let time do all the work – no babysitting required!
• Comfort in every bite: That rich, savory gravy coats each tender beef tip like a warm hug.
• Pantry staples: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand (no fancy grocery runs needed).
• Versatile superstar: Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles – it’ll make anything taste amazing.
• Leftover gold: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen (if you have any left!).

Seriously, this crockpot beef tips and gravy recipe is the ultimate “looks like you slaved all day” meal without any of the actual work!

Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, flavor-packed meal. I’ve included my favorite substitutions too – because we all know those “oops, I’m out of that!” moments in the kitchen!

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces – chuck roast works great too)
• 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix (or 2 tbsp homemade gravy powder if you’re fancy)
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix (my secret flavor booster!)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (cream of golden mushroom adds extra richness)
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt, or use water in a pinch)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (that umami kick is everything)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, but I always use it for that perfect gravy thickness)

See? Nothing complicated – just simple ingredients that work magic together in the crockpot. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Okay, let me walk you through just how ridiculously easy this crockpot beef tips and gravy recipe is. I swear, my dog could probably make this (if he had thumbs and wasn’t so distracted by squirrels). Here’s how we turn those simple ingredients into magic:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

First things first – grab that beef stew meat and give it a quick pat dry with paper towels. Now, here’s my little secret: if you’ve got an extra 5 minutes, sear those beef tips in a hot skillet first. Just a quick brown on all sides adds SO much flavor. But hey, no shame if you’re rushing – straight into the crockpot works too!

Step 2: Mix the Gravy Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until it’s smooth as silk. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps – they’ll disappear during cooking. This mixture is about to become liquid gold!

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour that glorious gravy mixture over your beef in the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to coat everything, then pop the lid on. Now comes the hard part – waiting! Cook on low for 7-8 hours (my preferred method for ultra-tender beef) or high for 4-5 hours if you’re in a hurry. You’ll know it’s done when the beef falls apart at the slightest poke of a fork.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

If you’re like me and love a thick, luxurious gravy (and really, who doesn’t?), mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir this into your crockpot and let it cook uncovered for another 15 minutes. Watch as your gravy transforms into silky perfection!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

After making this recipe more times than I can count (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for perfect crockpot beef tips every single time:

• Choose your beef wisely: Leaner cuts like sirloin tips work great, but if you use fattier cuts, skim the grease off the gravy before serving.
• Size matters: Keep those beef pieces around 1-inch – too big and they won’t get as tender, too small and they might overcook.
• Don’t peek! Every time you lift that lid, you’re adding 15-20 minutes to your cook time. Resist the urge!
• Gravy control: If it’s too thin, use cornstarch. Too thick? Stir in a splash of beef broth until it’s just right.
• Season at the end: Wait until cooking’s done to adjust salt – those soup mixes can be salty little buggers!

Follow these tips and you’ll have beef tips so good, they’ll ask you to open a restaurant!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Oh boy, let me tell you – this crockpot beef tips and gravy is like the prom queen of main dishes! She plays well with everyone. My personal favorite? Piled high over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes – the way that rich gravy soaks in is absolutely sinful. But don’t stop there!

• Classic comfort: Fluffy white rice or egg noodles make perfect gravy carriers
• Mashed potato hack: Try roasted garlic or horseradish mashed for extra oomph
• Veggie love: Green beans almondine or honey-glazed carrots balance the richness
• Bread bonus: A warm crusty roll for sopping up every last drop of that glorious gravy

Honestly? I’ve been known to eat this straight from the bowl when no one’s looking – it’s that good!

Storing and Reheating Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Listen, if by some miracle you have leftovers (we rarely do!), here’s how to keep that beefy goodness tasting fresh. Scoop everything into an airtight container and refrigerate – it’ll stay perfect for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to bring the gravy back to life. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day after all those flavors have really gotten to know each other!

Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Variations

Oh, the fun part! This recipe is like your favorite little black dress – perfect as is, but so easy to dress up! Here are my go-to ways to switch things up:

• Mushroom madness: Toss in a cup of sliced mushrooms with the beef – they soak up all that gravy goodness beautifully
• Wine upgrade: Swap 1/2 cup broth for red wine – hello, fancy French beef bourguignon vibes!
• Smoky twist: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for subtle heat and depth
• Fresh herb pop: Stir in some chopped rosemary or thyme at the end – those bright flavors cut through the richness

See? Endless possibilities to make it your own signature dish!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Here’s the skinny on this hearty meal (per serving): about 320 calories, 35g protein, and 12g fat. Remember, nutrition varies based on your ingredients and brands – these are just estimates! But let’s be real – when gravy’s involved, we’re not counting calories anyway!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe from friends and family over the years – here are the ones that come up most often with my tried-and-true answers!

Can I use fresh onions instead of onion soup mix?

Absolutely! Dice up one medium onion and sauté it until soft before adding to the crockpot. You’ll want to add an extra pinch of salt and maybe a dash of garlic powder to make up for the seasonings in the soup mix.

Why did my beef turn out dry?

Oh no! This usually happens if the beef was too lean or cooked too long. Stick with well-marbled cuts like chuck roast, and don’t go beyond the recommended cooking times – even if it smells amazing and you’re tempted to let it go longer!

Can I make this with chicken instead?

You sure can! Use chicken thighs (they stay juicier than breasts) and swap the beef broth for chicken broth. It’ll be a totally different but equally delicious dish!

My gravy is too thin – help!

No worries! Make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it in. Let it cook uncovered for 15 more minutes – it’ll thicken right up. Works like magic every time!

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! The beef tips freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the gravy.

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