This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy is a flavorful and tender beef dish made effortlessly in the slow cooker. The beef is slow-cooked to perfection in a savory mushroom and garlic gravy, making it ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. This is a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (or beef tips)
- 1 cup beef broth (for added moisture and flavor)
- 1 (10¾-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 package (0.8 to 1 ounce) brown gravy mix (for a rich gravy flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch whisked with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening the gravy)
Instructions for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Ingredients
- Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and brown gravy mix until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot, ensuring that all the beef is covered.
3. Cook the Beef Tips
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
4. Thicken the Gravy
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the beef and gravy in the crockpot.
- Cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
5. Serve
- Once the beef tips are tender and the gravy has thickened, serve the dish hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Beef Tips: You can use beef stew meat or sirloin tips for this recipe. The slow cooking process will tenderize even tougher cuts of beef.
- Extra Veggies: If you’d like to add vegetables, mushrooms or carrots make great additions and can be added at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thinner gravy, reduce or omit the cornstarch slurry. For a thicker gravy, you can double the cornstarch mixture.
Variations for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
1. Spicy Beef Tips
- Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.
2. Herb-Infused Gravy
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the crockpot for an earthy, herbaceous flavor.
3. Mushroom Beef Tips
- Stir in sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for a heartier, more rustic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish, refrigerate it, and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
A Hearty, Comforting Dish
These Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With minimal prep time, the slow cooker does all the work to create tender beef in a rich, savory gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners!
