There’s something undeniably satisfying about a meal that’s rich, hearty, and practically cooks itself. Enter easy crockpot beef tips and gravy, a recipe that’s a favorite in households across the country for its unbeatable combination of simplicity and flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this dish is a surefire hit for the whole family. Check out what makes this recipe a star, plus all the tips, variations, and ideas you’ll need to make it your own.

Why Everyone Loves Easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Beef tips and gravy have long been a staple of comforting home-cooked meals, but making them in the crockpot takes this classic to another level. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef until it practically melts in your mouth, while the gravy thickens into a luscious sauce packed with flavor. This recipe’s popularity stems from its versatility and universal appeal—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a flexible addition to your meal rotation. Plus, it requires minimal hands-on time, so you can focus on other tasks while your crockpot works its magic.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy

Cooking beef tips to perfection doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few simple techniques can take your dish to the next level. Follow these tips to ensure your beef tips and gravy are a hit every time:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
   Opt for chuck roast or sirloin tips for the best results. These cuts have enough marbling to stay tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
2. Sear the Meat (Optional)
   Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot isn’t strictly necessary, but it can add a depth of flavor to the dish. If you have time, give the beef a quick sear in a hot skillet before starting the recipe.
3. Layer Your Ingredients Wisely
   Place the beef on the bottom of the crockpot, where it will stay moist and soak up the most flavor. Then, pour your gravy mixture on top to ensure even cooking.
4. Thicken the Gravy at the End
   For a perfectly thickened gravy, mix a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water) and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this easy crockpot beef tips and gravy pairs perfectly with a range of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes
  Nothing complements the rich, savory gravy like a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. This duo is a timeless pairing that always satisfies.
• Buttered Egg Noodles
  For a simple yet satisfying option, serve the beef tips over a bed of buttery egg noodles. The noodles soak up the gravy beautifully, creating a dish that’s hard to resist.
• Steamed Vegetables
  Balance the richness of the dish with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. The fresh, vibrant flavors are a perfect match.
• Crusty Bread
  Don’t let a drop of that delicious gravy go to waste—serve the meal with warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste

One of the best things about easy crockpot beef tips and gravy is how adaptable it is. You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or experiment with different flavor profiles. Here are some variations to try:

1. Add Mushrooms
   Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the dish. Add them at the beginning of cooking for tender mushrooms, or stir in sautéed mushrooms toward the end for a firmer texture.
2. Spice It Up
   For a kick of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
3. Herbal Twist
   Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
4. Red Wine Gravy
   Replace half of the beef broth with red wine for a more complex, luxurious gravy. The wine will enhance the dish’s overall flavor and elevate it to dinner-party status.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

Leftovers of this dish are just as delicious as the day you make it, and they store beautifully for easy meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat your beef tips and gravy for the best results:

1. Refrigerate
   Allow the beef and gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freeze
   For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
3. Reheat
   Warm the beef tips and gravy on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

Easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Recipe by Jessie

Course: MainDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

7

hours 

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy—this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb beef chuck roast or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1/2 c all-purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 c beef broth

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 Tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

• 2 Tbsp water

Directions

• Season the beef pieces with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a large bowl or zip-top bag, add the beef, and toss to coat evenly.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the floured beef in batches, browning on all sides. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
• Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the beef and aromatics in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the beef is tender.
• About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
• Continue cooking on low for the remaining 30 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the gravy mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch and water mixture accordingly.
• Adding vegetables like mushrooms or carrots can enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.

Wrapping It Up

Easy crockpot beef tips and gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. With its tender beef, rich gravy, and endless serving possibilities, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let this delicious recipe work its magic. Your family will thank you—and don’t be surprised if this becomes your most requested meal!