These Crock Pot Beef Tips are all about tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites of beef simmered low and slow in a rich, savory gravy. With simple ingredients and almost no hands-on time, this cozy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot (slow cooker).
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Pour in a splash of the beef broth to deglaze the pan, then transfer the onion, garlic, and any pan juices to the crock pot.
- Add the remaining beef broth, sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, cover, and let the gravy thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Variation
- Add vegetables: Toss in carrots, celery, or potatoes during the last 2–3 hours of cooking for a one-pot meal.
- Creamy beef tips: Stir in 1/2–3/4 cup sour cream or heavy cream at the very end of cooking for a richer, creamier gravy.
- Red wine twist: Replace 1/2–3/4 cup of the beef broth with dry red wine for deeper, more robust flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Browning the beef first builds rich flavor in the gravy; don’t skip this step if you can help it.
- Cook low and slow for the most tender beef—aim for the full 7–8 hours on LOW if time allows.
- Season at the end: the sauce reduces slightly as it cooks, so wait until just before serving to do a final salt and pepper adjustment.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of green beans or roasted carrots for a classic comfort plate.
- Spoon over buttered egg noodles or steamed rice to soak up every drop of gravy.
- Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls and a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Tips
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels before searing to help it brown instead of steam.
- Cut the beef into even-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (or 3–4 hours on HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on LOW)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Sodium: 750 mg (approx.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes works especially well and often turns out even more tender and flavorful than packaged stew meat. - Can I make this without searing the beef first?
You can, but searing adds a lot of flavor and color. If you skip it, the dish will still be tasty but the gravy will be lighter in flavor. - How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and make sure your beef broth is certified gluten-free. The cornstarch slurry is naturally gluten-free. - Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?
Yes. Simmer covered in a Dutch oven on low heat for about 2–2 1/2 hours, or bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for a similar time, until the beef is tender.
Conclusion
These Crock Pot Beef Tips deliver classic, stick-to-your-ribs comfort with almost zero effort. Toss everything in the slow cooker, let it work its magic, then serve the tender beef and rich gravy over your favorite starch. It’s a hearty, family-friendly recipe you’ll come back to all fall and winter long.
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Crock Pot Beef Tips
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
These Crock Pot Beef Tips are all about tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites of beef simmered low and slow in a rich, savory gravy. With simple ingredients and almost no hands-on time, this cozy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot (slow cooker).
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Pour in a splash of the beef broth to deglaze the pan, then transfer the onion, garlic, and any pan juices to the crock pot.
- Add the remaining beef broth, sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, cover, and let the gravy thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a well-marbled stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the beef on the earlier end of the cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
- Low-sodium broth and soy sauce let you better control the final salt level.
- If the gravy gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (or 3–4 hours on HIGH)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 750 mg (approx., will vary with broth and soy sauce brands)
- Fat: 15 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 5 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 34 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 100 mg (approx.)
Keywords: crock pot beef tips, slow cooker beef tips, beef tips and gravy, comfort food, easy crock pot dinner