I have to share this recipe with you because it’s become a household favorite in my kitchen. The first time I made Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, my family couldn’t stop raving about the rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
What I love most is how simple it is to prepare, yet it comes out tasting like I spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become a go-to comfort meal for your family as well!
Ingredients
Get everything ready before you start. Here’s a quick list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 hearty portions.
Variations
Want to customize this recipe? Here are some ideas:
- Dairy-Free: Skip any butter or cream additions and stick with broth-based gravy.
- Low Sodium: Use reduced-sodium beef broth and lighten up on the Worcestershire sauce.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine for depth or a sprig of rosemary for some fragrant flair. For a similar depth of flavor, try this Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce recipe which pairs wine beautifully with hearty meats.
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Toss in carrots, celery, or green peas for added texture and nutrients.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to make this comforting meal:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours (low heat)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
You’ll need just a few kitchen essentials to make this dish:
- Crock Pot: Crucial for the slow-cooking magic!
- Large Skillet: For browning the beef to enhance flavor.
- Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring the gravy.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping the veggies and cubing the beef.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Here’s how you make magic happen in your Crock Pot. Each step is straightforward and easy to follow.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your beef into even cubes. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Chop your onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear the beef cubes on all sides to get that beautiful caramelized crust. It’s worth the extra step for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Add the chopped onions and garlic first, forming a savory base. Place your seared beef cubes on top. This layering ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Whip Up the Gravy
Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the meat in the Crock Pot. Add the sliced mushrooms for extra savoriness.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your Crock Pot on low and cook for 6-8 hours. The wait is so worth it. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and lets every ingredient shine.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once everything’s perfectly cooked, serve your beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Grab a fork and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
For a similar cozy dish with caramelized goodness, you can also enjoy Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions, which delivers both depth and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll make it on repeat:
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep time and the slow cooker does all the work.
- Rich and Satisfying: The slow-cooked beef and thick gravy are irresistibly flavorful.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit any dietary preference.
- Versatile Pairing: Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or even bread.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
This dish is just as beautiful as it is tasty. Serve it in a shallow bowl to highlight the rich, glossy gravy. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of parsley for a bit of fresh, green contrast. You can pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread.
And for a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables. And for another hearty option, you might want to check out this soothing Italian Sausage Orzo Soup that’s full of bold and comforting flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the dish’s nutritional profile per serving:
- Calories: About 320
- Protein: Roughly 30g
- Carbohydrates: Around 10g
- Fat: Approximately 17g
Make Ahead and Storage
The best part about this recipe? It’s even better the next day. The flavors deepen and become more satisfying.
Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days! When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to keep the gravy luscious.
Freezing for Future Meals
Want to freeze it? No problem. Portion out the beef and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Having made this recipe more times than I can count, here are a few helpful tips to make it even better:
- Sear the Meat: While optional, browning the beef first really pays off with richer flavor and a more complex gravy.
- No Rushing: Always cook on low heat for the best texture and taste. The slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender.
- Thickening Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste before serving and tweak the seasonings. You can add more Worcestershire sauce or even a tiny bit of soy sauce for depth.
- Prepare Ahead: Chop your veggies and cube the beef the night before to save prep time the next day.
Crock Pot Beef Tips And Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Start by cutting your beef into even cubes. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Chop your onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear the beef cubes on all sides to get that beautiful caramelized crust. It’s worth the extra step for enhanced flavor.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic first, forming a savory base. Place your seared beef cubes on top. This layering ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the meat in the Crock Pot. Add the sliced mushrooms for extra savoriness.
- Set your Crock Pot on low and cook for 6-8 hours. The wait is so worth it. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and lets every ingredient shine.
- Once everything’s perfectly cooked, serve your beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Grab a fork and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Notes
- Sear the Meat: While optional, browning the beef first really pays off with richer flavor and a more complex gravy.
- No Rushing: Always cook on low heat for the best texture and taste. The slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender.
- Thickening Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste before serving and tweak the seasonings. You can add more Worcestershire sauce or even a tiny bit of soy sauce for depth.
- Prepare Ahead: Chop your veggies and cube the beef the night before to save prep time the next day.
