There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty meal that fills the house with delicious aromas, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to serve your family something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for quick family dinners, especially when paired with some easy pasta recipes! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fork-tender beef tips that melt in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
To make these delicious beef tips and gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs Stew meat (beef tips – Hearty, becomes fork-tender)
- 1 tsp Salt (Enhances natural beef flavor)
- 1 tsp Black pepper (Adds gentle warmth)
- ½ tsp Dried thyme (Earthy aromatic undertone)
- 3 Tbsp Garlic minced (Pungent depth)
- 1 1 oz package Dry onion soup mix (Savory base with onion and herb seasoning)
- 2 cups Beef broth (Liquid base for gravy adds umami)
- 3 Tbsp Ketchup (Balances acidity and sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Boosts savory complexity)
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch (Thickens gravy to silky consistency)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy:
- Start by seasoning the beef tips with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This will enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the beef tips on all sides. This step adds depth to the flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your beef tips and gravy turn out perfectly:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth.
- If you like a bit of heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Don’t rush the browning process; it’s key to developing rich flavors.
- For a creamy twist, serve the beef tips over creamy garlic pasta for a delightful pairing!
How to Serve
When it comes to serving your Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy, the options are endless! Here are a few ideas:
- Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience.
- Pair with rice or noodles to soak up that delicious gravy.
- For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side to mop up every last drop of gravy!
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, let the beef tips cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat!
So there you have it! A delicious, easy recipe for Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy that’s sure to become a family favorite. If you’re looking for more weeknight dinner ideas, check out my Cattle Drive Casserole or Beef with Broccoli. And if you’re in the mood for something different, my Ground Beef Stroganoff is another fantastic option! Happy cooking!
Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Method
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours until beef is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the gravy.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.