Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Best Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe You’ll Ever Make

I brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker because those caramelized edges bring more flavor to the beef tips. Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and onion soup mix give the cooking liquid plenty of savory flavor without relying on canned soup.

Cooking the beef low and slow gives tougher pieces enough time to become fork-tender without drying out. I also wait until the end to add the cornstarch slurry, so you can thicken the gravy without affecting how the beef cooks.

If hearty beef dinners are always a hit at your house, try my Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks next. My Loco Moco piles beef and rich gravy over rice, while Hamburger Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is another satisfying dinner when you’re craving classic comfort food.

Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Ingredients

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and exact measurements.

• Beef Stew Meat or Sirloin: Either works well here. Cut larger pieces into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Garlic Powder: This seasons the beef before it goes into the skillet.
• Olive Oil: You’ll need just enough to brown the beef before transferring it to the crockpot.
• Onion: Sliced onion softens during the long cooking time and adds flavor to the gravy.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds another savory layer to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: This makes up the base of the gravy and gives it plenty of beefy flavor.
• Onion Soup Mix: One packet is an easy way to add more savory onion flavor to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tablespoon adds a deeper savory flavor that works especially well with beef.
• Soy Sauce: This adds another layer of savory flavor. You don’t need much to make a difference.
• Dried Thyme: Thyme adds a mild herb flavor that holds up well during slow cooking.
• Dried Rosemary: A little rosemary works nicely with the beef without overpowering the gravy.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the cooking liquid into gravy shortly before serving.
• Cold Water: Mix this with the cornstarch before adding it to prevent lumps.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor that goes especially well with the gravy.
• Use Chuck Roast: Cut a boneless chuck roast into bite-sized pieces instead of using packaged stew meat.
• Make It Lower Sodium: Choose low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce since the onion soup mix already contains salt.
• Add Carrots: Add chopped carrots at the beginning, since they can handle the long cooking time.
• Give It More Garlic: Add another clove or two if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips (Step-by-Step Directions)

STEP 1: Season the beef pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, tossing until evenly coated.

STEP 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary.

STEP 3: Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic.

STEP 4: Pour the beef broth into the crockpot. Stir in the onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary.

STEP 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

STEP 6: About 15 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until completely smooth.

STEP 7: Stir the slurry into the crockpot. Leave uncovered and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.

STEP 8: Give everything a final stir and serve the beef tips with plenty of gravy.

Tips for Making Beef Tips in a Crock Pot

• Pat the Beef Dry: Removing surface moisture before seasoning helps the pieces brown instead of steam in the skillet.
• Sear in Batches: Leave room in the pan so each piece develops a good brown crust.
• Cut the Beef Evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook at roughly the same rate and give you a more consistent texture.
• Cook Until Fork-Tender: If the beef is still chewy, it probably needs more time, not less.
• Taste Before Adding More Salt: Beef broth, soy sauce, and onion soup mix all contribute salt to the gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crock-Pot Beef Tips

• Crowding the Skillet: Packing too much beef into the pan traps moisture and prevents proper browning.
• Opening the Lid Frequently: Every peek releases heat and can increase the amount of time needed to tenderize the beef.
• Adding Cornstarch Directly: Always combine cornstarch with cold water first, or you may end up with lumps in your gravy.
• Stopping When the Beef Is Tough: Slow-cooked beef that’s still chewy usually hasn’t cooked long enough for the connective tissue to soften.
• Using Warm Water for the Slurry: Cold water makes it easier to whisk the cornstarch smoothly before it reaches the hot gravy.

How to Store

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the beef in the gravy helps prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: Freeze the cooled beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Serving Suggestions

These crockpot beef tips work well served over something that can soak up all that gravy. Spoon them over noodles, rice, or my Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream for a hearty dinner. Add Sautéed Broccoli Rabe on the side, then finish with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Pudding Cake for dessert.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips FAQs

Other Slow Cooker Beef Recipes to Try

• Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa gives you tender, flavorful shredded beef that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, and other Mexican-inspired meals.
• Slow Cooker Beef Taco Casserole turns familiar taco flavors into an easy family dinner with very little hands-on cooking.
• My Slow Cooker Beef Curry is a hearty option when you want tender beef with plenty of warm, savory flavor.
• Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli makes it easy to enjoy a takeout-inspired beef dinner right at home.
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef combines tender beef with a savory-sweet sauce for another easy crockpot meal.