Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy is a rich, comforting slow cooker dinner made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory brown gravy until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for:
- busy weeknights
- Sunday dinners
- meal prep
- cold weather meals
- comfort food cravings
The slow cooker does most of the work, making this one of the easiest hearty dinners you can prepare with minimal effort.
Serve these tender beef tips over:
- mashed potatoes
- rice
- egg noodles
- cauliflower mash
- buttery biscuits
The thick homemade-style gravy and fork-tender beef make this recipe a family favorite year-round.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Once the ingredients are added to the crockpot, the slow cooker handles the cooking.
This makes it perfect for busy schedules.
Rich Comfort Food Flavor
The slow simmer creates deep savory flavor while the gravy becomes thick, rich, and hearty.
Tender Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef
Slow cooking allows tougher cuts of beef to become incredibly tender.
Budget-Friendly Dinner
Beef tips and gravy use affordable cuts of beef while still tasting rich and satisfying.
Great for Meal Prep
The leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are bite-sized chunks of beef typically cut from:
- stew meat
- sirloin tips
- chuck roast
- round roast
When cooked slowly, these cuts become extremely tender and flavorful.
Chuck roast is especially popular because the marbling creates juicy, rich beef after long cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Stew Meat or Chuck Roast
Chuck roast creates the most tender beef tips.
Cut the beef into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
Beef Broth
Beef broth creates the flavorful base for the gravy.
Low-sodium broth works best so you can control the seasoning.
Onion
Onion adds savory depth and sweetness while cooking down into the gravy.
Yellow onions work especially well.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds bold flavor and richness.
Brown Gravy Mix
Brown gravy mix helps thicken the sauce while adding extra beef flavor.
Onion Soup Mix
Onion soup mix adds seasoning and rich savory flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth and balances the richness.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup creates creamy texture and thicker gravy.
You can also use:
- cream of onion soup
- cream of celery soup
Butter
Butter adds richness and smoothness to the gravy.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the gravy at the end if needed.
Seasonings
Simple seasonings include:
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- paprika
- thyme
Best Beef for Crockpot Beef Tips
Chuck Roast
Chuck roast is one of the best options because it becomes extremely tender during slow cooking.
The marbling creates flavorful juicy beef.
Stew Meat
Pre-cut stew meat is convenient and affordable.
Sirloin Tips
Sirloin tips are leaner but still tender when slow cooked properly.
Round Roast
Round roast works well but benefits from longer cooking time.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Cut beef into evenly sized chunks if needed.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Dry beef browns better and develops deeper flavor.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Season beef with:
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- paprika
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a skillet.
Brown the beef in batches until deeply golden.
Searing adds extra flavor to the final gravy.
While optional, it makes a major difference.
Step 4: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place beef into the slow cooker along with:
- onions
- garlic
- beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- cream soup
- gravy mix
- onion soup mix
- butter
Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cook until the beef becomes fork tender and the gravy thickens.
Low and slow cooking creates the best texture.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy if Needed
If the gravy is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water.
Stir into the crockpot during the final cooking stage.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve over:
- mashed potatoes
- noodles
- rice
- biscuits
Garnish with:
- parsley
- black pepper
Tips for the BEST Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Sear the Beef First
Browning adds deeper flavor and better texture.
Don’t Rush the Cooking Time
Long slow cooking creates tender beef.
Cooking too quickly can leave the meat tough.
Use Chuck Roast for Maximum Flavor
Chuck roast produces the richest gravy and most tender texture.
Stir Near the End Only
Frequent stirring can break apart the beef too much.
Taste Before Adding Extra Salt
Soup mixes and gravy packets already contain salt.
Easy Variations
Mushroom Beef Tips
Add sliced mushrooms for extra earthy flavor.
Creamy Beef Tips
Add sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
Garlic Butter Beef Tips
Add extra garlic and butter for richer flavor.
Cajun Beef Tips
Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika for spice.
Onion Gravy Beef Tips
Use extra onions and onion soup mix for deeper onion flavor.
What to Serve With Beef Tips and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Classic creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with rich gravy.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles soak up the gravy beautifully.
White Rice
Rice makes this meal extra hearty and budget friendly.
Biscuits
Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up gravy.
Roasted Vegetables
Serve with:
- carrots
- green beans
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
Can You Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Crockpot beef tips are excellent for meal prep and reheating.
The flavors deepen overnight.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Beef Tips and Gravy?
Yes.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat
Stovetop
Reheat slowly over medium-low heat.
Add broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Microwave
Heat in short intervals while stirring occasionally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Sear
Searing creates richer flavor.
Cooking on High Heat Only
Low heat creates more tender beef.
Using Lean Beef
Lean cuts can become dry and chewy.
Adding Too Much Salt Early
Soup mixes already contain sodium.
Over-Thickening the Gravy
The gravy thickens naturally as it cooks.
Add cornstarch slowly if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Put Raw Beef in the Crockpot?
Yes.
However, searing first improves flavor significantly.
Why Is My Beef Tough?
The beef likely needs more cooking time.
Tough cuts become tender after long slow cooking.
Can I Make This Without Cream Soup?
Yes.
Use extra broth and a homemade roux instead.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely.
Popular additions include:
- mushrooms
- carrots
- peas
- celery
Can I Cook It Overnight?
Yes.
Use the low setting for overnight cooking.
Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season beef.
- Sear beef in skillet.
- Add ingredients to crockpot.
- Cook on low until tender.
- Thicken gravy if needed.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.
