Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy cooks up seasoned stew meat into a tender, flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it transforms budget-friendly beef into a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. With just ten ingredients, this slow cooker recipe is an effortless addition to your dinner rotation.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Beef Tips
• For the Gravy Mixture
• For Thickening
• How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
• Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
• Step 2: Mix Ingredients
• Step 3: Cook
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
• Over Rice
• With Noodles
• Mashed Potatoes
• On Crusty Bread
• In Tacos
• With Steamed Vegetables
• How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
• Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
• Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other cuts of beef?
• What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy?
• Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy gluten-free?
• How do I add vegetables?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of seasonings and sauces creates a savory gravy that enhances the taste of the beef.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive stew meat, this recipe is easy on your wallet.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals while you’re busy with other tasks.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Whisk: This tool helps combine all the sauces and seasonings smoothly, which helps create that delicious gravy texture.

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips

• 2 lbs stew meat
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme

For the Gravy Mixture

• 3 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For Thickening

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
1. salt
2. black pepper
3. dried thyme
4. garlic
5. dry onion soup mix
6. beef broth
7. ketchup
8. Worcestershire sauce
9. cornstarch

Whisk together until well combined, then pour over the beef tips in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Serve

Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve this meal.

Over Rice

• Fluffy white or brown rice makes an excellent base for the rich gravy, soaking up all the flavors.

With Noodles

• Egg noodles work wonderfully, providing a hearty texture that complements the tender beef tips and savory gravy.

Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, offering a smooth canvas to absorb the delicious sauce.

On Crusty Bread

• Serve the beef tips on slices of crusty bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich perfect for lunch.

In Tacos

• Use tortillas to create tasty beef taco fillings, adding your favorite toppings like cheese and salsa.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance to this comforting dish.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose the right cut of beef: Select stew meat that has good marbling for tenderness and flavor.

• Sear the meat first: Browning the beef in a skillet before slow cooking enhances the flavor profile.

• Use quality broth: A rich beef broth elevates the taste, making your gravy more flavorful.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for perfect seasoning.

• Thicken wisely: Mix cornstarch with water before adding it to thicken the gravy evenly without lumps.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into gravy; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal.

3. Coleslaw: A crunchy side that provides a nice contrast to the tender beef.

4. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, it offers a nutritious twist alongside the rich gravy.

5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of beef tips.

6. Corn on the Cob: A fresh side that’s easy to prepare and enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the beef tips before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season your meat with salt and pepper for a good base.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the cooker beyond its capacity can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount of stew meat for the best results.
• Not using enough liquid: A lack of broth can cause the beef to dry out. Ensure you have enough liquid to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high when low is recommended may lead to tough meat. Follow the suggested cooking times for tender beef tips.
• Neglecting to thicken the gravy: Forgetting to add cornstarch at the end can leave you without a rich gravy. Mix cornstarch with water before adding it to thicken your sauce properly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for ideal taste.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover in an oven-safe dish. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Stir halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy:

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, feel free to use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket if you prefer! Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Choose your favorite!

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce and check your broth for gluten content.

How do I add vegetables?

You can add carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms about halfway through cooking. This adds flavor and nutrition!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different spices or vegetables based on your preferences. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!