why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a fantastic dish for anyone who loves hearty meals that are easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something comforting waiting for you after a long day. The slow cooker does the hard work, allowing the beef to become tender and flavorful while you attend to other tasks. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a family or have leftovers for easy lunches!
how to make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients:
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast (cut into chunks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
Directions:
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Season and Sear the Beef: Start by patting the beef dry. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides for about 2–3 minutes until they are nicely browned. This step is optional but adds great flavor. Once done, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
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Build the Sauce: Place the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef in the slow cooker. Then, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Add the thyme and parsley, then stir gently to combine everything.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
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Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. Cover again and cook for another 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
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Serve: Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Don’t forget to spoon extra gravy on top!
how to serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
You can serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy over a variety of sides. Classic options include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or a bowl of steamed rice. Each of these choices will soak up the delicious gravy, making for a satisfying meal. For an extra touch, fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper can enhance the presentation.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stove or use the microwave until hot. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the beef tips and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Chuck roast or beef stew meat works great because they become tender with slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: While it’s optional, searing the meat adds depth to the flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices based on your taste. A bit of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like it spicy.
- Be Patient: Let the beef cook until it’s very tender. The slow cooker allows the flavors to blend beautifully over time.
variation
You can change the flavors of this dish by adding vegetables such as carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker. Another option is to use different herbs or switch up the broth, like using chicken broth instead of beef for a lighter flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or round, but chuck roast is the best choice for tenderness.
Is it necessary to brown the beef?
No, it’s not mandatory, but browning the beef enhances the overall taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the slow cooker in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just set it to cook the next day!
How spicy is this dish?
The dish is not spicy as written but can easily be adjusted to add a kick by including red pepper flakes.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast (cut into chunks) Choose chuck roast for tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by patting the beef dry. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides for about 2–3 minutes until they are nicely browned. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
- Once done, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Build the Sauce
- Place the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Add the thyme and parsley, then stir gently to combine everything.
Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cover again and cook for another 20–30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serve
- Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Don’t forget to spoon extra gravy on top!