If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, these easy crockpot beef tips and gravy are exactly what you need. With only 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker transforms affordable beef into tender, flavorful bites coated in a rich homemade gravy. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple enough for busy weekdays but satisfying enough for Sunday dinner.
- Just 10 minutes of prep
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Rich, savory gravy
- Tender beef every time
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Easy to customize with pantry staples
- Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy (Just 10 Minutes of Prep)
Make easy crockpot beef tips and gravy with just 10 minutes of prep. This budget-friendly slow cooker dinner is tender, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef tips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker if desired for easier cleanup.
- Spread the sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the beef tips on top of the onions. If using mushrooms, scatter them over the beef.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the beef.
- Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the butter if using.
- If you'd like a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for another 20–30 minutes.
- Taste the gravy before adding any extra salt since the soup mix and gravy mix are already seasoned.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 387Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 786mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 52g
All nutritional values provided on this website (including calories, macros, and nutrient percentages) are estimates intended for informational and educational purposes only. These values are calculated using online recipe nutrition databases and software. Because individual cooking methods, product brands, ingredient substitutions, and exact portion sizes vary, the actual nutritional content of your meal may differ from the estimates shown here.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips
A few simple tips will help you get the most tender, flavorful results every time.
- Cook on Low whenever possible for the most tender beef.
- Keep the lid closed while cooking to maintain the proper temperature.
- For extra flavor, brown the beef in a skillet for 3–4 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but worth it if you have a few extra minutes.
- If the gravy becomes thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash of beef broth before serving.
- Let the beef rest in the gravy for about 10 minutes before serving so it absorbs even more flavor.
Budget-Friendly Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is flexible and works well with what you already have on hand.
- Use beef stew meat instead of beef tips when it’s on sale.
- Swap fresh onions for frozen pearl onions.
- Use homemade beef stock if you have it.
- Skip the mushrooms if your family doesn’t enjoy them.
- Add carrots or celery for a heartier meal.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These crockpot beef tips pair well with plenty of easy side dishes.
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- White or brown rice
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A simple garden salad
For more easy, family-friendly dinner ideas, check out our collection of protein meals.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.
FAQ
Can I use stew meat instead of beef tips?
Yes. Beef stew meat is an excellent substitute and is often more affordable. It becomes tender after several hours in the slow cooker.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
No. This recipe is designed for minimal prep so that you can add everything directly to the slow cooker. Browning the beef is optional but adds a little extra flavor.
Can I cook crockpot beef tips on High?
Yes. Cook on High for 4–5 hours or on Low for 7–8 hours. Cooking on Low generally produces the most tender beef.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
What can I serve with crockpot beef tips?
Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread are all delicious choices.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely. Carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onions all cook well with the beef. Frozen peas can be stirred in near the end of cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Allow the beef and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These easy crockpot beef tips and gravy are the kind of comforting dinner you’ll want to keep on repeat.
With simple ingredients, just 10 minutes of prep, and a rich, savory gravy, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for an easy, budget-friendly family dinner that’s both satisfying and filling.
