Best Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Imagine tender beef tips simmering in a rich, savory gravy, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This crock pot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Have you ever wondered how to achieve melt-in-your-mouth beef with perfect gravy in a slow cooker? This dish is the answer, combining simplicity and bold flavors for a dinner that feels like a treat.

Why This Dish Stands Out

• The slow cooker ensures the beef stew meat becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the flavors of the gravy.
• A combination of herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce creates a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
• The optional addition of mushrooms adds a layered earthiness, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients and Quantities

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup mushroom gravy (or 1 can of mushroom soup)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Start by tossing the beef stew meat with flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This coating helps thicken the gravy and enhances the flavor of the beef.

Layer the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your crock pot. Add the coated beef on top of the onion and garlic.

Prepare the gravy mixture by combining beef broth, mushroom gravy, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and soy sauce in a separate bowl. Pour this over the beef in the crock pot, ensuring every piece is covered.

If desired, add the sliced mushrooms on top for an extra burst of flavor. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.

For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot about 30 minutes before serving, leaving it uncovered until the gravy thickens.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of mushroom gravy, a can of cream of mushroom soup works well as a replacement. Add a splash of extra beef broth to maintain the consistency.

No dried rosemary on hand? Swap it with dried parsley or oregano for a slightly different herbaceous note.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot for an even richer flavor.
• Use fresh thyme and rosemary if available; their flavors will be more vibrant than dried herbs.
• If your gravy turns out too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.