Slow Cooker Beef Tips Gravy

There is nothing cozier than a pot of slow cooker beef tips simmering all day and filling the house with deep savory scents. This recipe is my go-to when I want something hearty that takes almost no effort. You get tender beef in a rich, velvety gravy perfect for ladling over a pile of mashed potatoes. It is classic comfort food that always disappears fast at my table.

What Makes It Special

• Uses an inexpensive cut of beef and turns it fork tender
• All the ingredients go straight into the slow cooker so there is barely any cleanup
• This meal makes delicious leftovers and reheats perfectly

I first made this when I needed dinner to cook while I was out for a long day. The smell when I walked in the door convinced me to make it again and again and my family gets excited every time they see it on the menu.

What You’ll Need

• Stew meat or beef tips: Two pounds of beef means solid protein and flavor. Look for well-marbled pieces for tenderness and ask your butcher for a mix of chuck and round if you can
• Flour: This lightly coats the beef and helps the gravy thicken luxuriously as it cooks
• Yellow onion: Chopped for a gentle sweetness and mellow backbone in the gravy
• Tomato paste: Adds deep umami and rounds out the flavors. Tube tomato paste is handy for this so you can save the rest
• Herb and garlic seasoning: Brings an aromatic punch. Look for a blend with a hint of rosemary and thyme
• Salt: You can adjust this to your taste especially if your seasoning has plenty of salt already
• Beef broth: The essential liquid for making a rich silky gravy. Go for low sodium if you want more control over saltiness

Let’s Cook This Together

Prep the Beef:

Add your stew meat to the slow cooker in an even layer so every piece cooks evenly in the heat and juices

Flour Coating:

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss everything so each piece is dusted. This is your key to that thick luscious gravy at the end

Flavorful Additions:

Stir in the diced onion tomato paste herb and garlic seasoning and salt. Make sure everything is well combined so you get even flavor in every bite

Pour the Broth:

Add the beef broth last. Give the mixture one more gentle stir so broth settles around the beef without washing off your flour coating

Slow Cook to Tender:

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for six to eight hours if you have the time or high for three to four hours if you need dinner sooner. The beef will be fall-apart tender when ready

Serving Time:

Spoon the beef tips and all that amazing gravy over your favorite base mashed potatoes egg noodles or rice is always a hit in my house

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Good to Know

• Packed with protein and iron
• This meal is even better the next day after flavors meld
• Freezes and reheats beautifully so you can stock your freezer

My favorite part is watching how my kids always go back for seconds of the gravy. Sometimes I sneak a spoonful of the sauce before dinner because it is just so savory and comforting.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftover beef tips keep really well in the fridge for three days. Store them in a container with the gravy to keep everything moist. When reheating add a splash of beef broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. The flavors get even richer after a night in the fridge and it is a treat to open a lunchbox and find these waiting.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

No stew meat in your fridge Try this recipe with sirloin tips or even pork shoulder for a different twist. If you are out of beef broth use a mix of chicken broth and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic the savory flavor. Fresh garlic is great if you want a bit more kick just mince two cloves and add with the other seasonings.

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How to Serve It Right

Spoon these beef tips over the creamiest mashed potatoes you can make or pour everything on top of buttered egg noodles. For a lighter option serve with steamed rice and a green vegetable like broccoli on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end gives a pop of color and a fresh lift.

Behind the Dish

This recipe came together during a busy week and quickly became one of our family traditions. It reminds me of the slow Sunday suppers my grandmother used to make but with a modern slow cooker twist that makes life so much easier. The beef is always melt-in-your-mouth tender and the gravy tastes like it has simmered all day with very little hands-on time.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Let the slow cooker do all the work for fall-apart beef and effortless gravy
• Taste and adjust salt at the end since the broth and seasoning blends vary so much
• If you double the recipe do not overcrowd the slow cooker as it could affect how tender the beef gets

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Stew meat or beef tips are ideal since they become tender during slow cooking. Chuck roast cut into cubes also works well.

→ How long should the beef cook for optimal tenderness?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow cooking helps the beef become melt-in-your-mouth soft.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the cooked beef tips and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

→ What are the best serving suggestions?

Serve the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.

→ How can I adjust the seasoning?

Taste the finished dish and add more salt or herbs as needed, accounting for the salt content in your herb seasoning blend.