Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy – Tender & Flavorful!

This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a comforting family dinner.

The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a hearty and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles!


Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy

For the Beef Tips:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)

For the Gravy:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Garnishing (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra black pepper

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker (Crockpot)
  • Large skillet (for optional searing)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Tips

  1. Season beef cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. (Optional but recommended) – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor.

2. Assemble in the Crockpot

  1. Place chopped onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add the seared (or raw) beef cubes on top.
  3. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and paprika.
  4. Stir to combine, then cover.

3. Slow Cook Until Tender

  1. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4. Thicken the Gravy

  1. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
  2. Stir the slurry into the crockpot 30 minutes before serving, then cover and cook until the gravy thickens.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra black pepper.
  2. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips

Sear the beef first – Adds extra depth of flavor to the dish.
Use a fatty cut like chuck roast – Becomes tender and flavorful.
Don’t skip the soy sauce – Enhances the umami taste of the gravy.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking on HIGH – Beef turns tough; LOW heat is best for tenderness.
Skipping the cornstarch slurry – The gravy will be too thin.
Not stirring before serving – Helps distribute flavors evenly.


Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
  • Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme or a drizzle of extra gravy.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

  • Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it dairy-free – This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
  • Use different cuts of beef – Try sirloin, chuck roast, or round steak.
  • Add mushrooms – Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Tips

  • Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
  • Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
  • Homemade dinner rolls or crusty bread

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen beef?

Yes! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 35 minutes, then do a 10-minute natural release.

How do I make the gravy richer?

Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste or a splash of heavy cream for extra depth.


Conclusion

This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy is tender, flavorful, and effortless, making it a perfect family-friendly comfort meal! Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy slow cooker meals!


Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 380 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) / 3-4 hours (HIGH)
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW) / 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
  • Serves: 6
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Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy – Tender & Flavorful!


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

These Crockpot Beef Tips are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a rich, savory gravy! A perfect slow cooker comfort meal for busy nights!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Tips:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)

For the Gravy:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnishing (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Tips

  1. Season beef cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. (Optional but recommended) – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor.

2. Assemble in the Crockpot

  1. Place chopped onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add the seared (or raw) beef cubes on top.
  3. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and paprika.
  4. Stir to combine, then cover.

3. Slow Cook Until Tender

  1. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4. Thicken the Gravy

  1. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
  2. Stir the slurry into the crockpot 30 minutes before serving, then cover and cook until the gravy thickens.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

 

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra black pepper.
  2. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Notes

Sear the beef first – Adds extra depth of flavor to the dish.
Use a fatty cut like chuck roast – Becomes tender and flavorful.
Don’t skip the soy sauce – Enhances the umami taste of the gravy.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 3H
  • Category: DINNER
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380