Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those meals that never fails to impress. With tender, juicy beef tips swimming in a rich, savory gravy, this recipe is comfort food at its finest. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit.
If you’ve ever made beef tips and gravy in a crockpot, you know just how magical the slow cooker can be. The beauty of using a crock pot is that you can simply set it, forget it, and return to a house that smells heavenly. By the time you’re ready to eat, the beef is perfectly tender, and the gravy is thick and full of flavor.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy from the best cuts of meat to the easiest steps for making the gravy just right. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen pro.
What Are Beef Tips?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what beef tips actually are.
Beef tips refer to small chunks of beef, usually cut from a tender cut like chuck roast or sirloin. These chunks are perfect for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender while absorbing all the flavors from the gravy. When you cook them in a slow cooker, the beef tips break down beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The beef is ideal for pairing with a rich gravy, making it a hearty and filling meal.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Beef Tips?
A crock pot, or slow cooker, is the perfect tool for making beef tips because it allows the meat to cook low and slow. This method helps to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making them juicy and flavorful. The slow cooking process also ensures that the beef absorbs all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and broth.
Here’s why you should opt for a crock pot when making beef tips and gravy:
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Convenience: You can set it and forget it, making it an ideal dish for busy days.
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Tender Meat: Low and slow cooking ensures that even tougher cuts of beef come out incredibly tender.
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Flavorful Gravy: The slow cooker allows all the seasonings to meld together into a rich, flavorful gravy that coats the beef perfectly.
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Hands-Off Cooking: Unlike stove-top cooking, you won’t need to keep an eye on the pot, making it easier to multitask while the meal cooks.
Ingredients You Need
To make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather:
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Beef Chuck Roast: The best cut for slow cooking. It’s affordable and becomes extremely tender when cooked low and slow. You can also use round steak or stew meat.
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Beef Broth: This provides a rich base for the gravy. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup: A key ingredient for the gravy that adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup.
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Dry Onion Soup Mix: This seasoning mix adds depth and enhances the savory flavor of the dish. You can make your own homemade onion soup mix if you prefer to avoid store-bought versions.
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Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adds a zesty, subtle flavor that complements the richness of the beef and gravy. You can substitute this with your favorite seasoning blend, but lemon pepper is highly recommended.
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Butter and Flour: These are used to thicken the gravy. Together, they form a roux, which is the key to creating a smooth, velvety gravy.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy: Step by Step
Now, let’s go over the process for making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. This recipe is as easy as it gets, and the results are incredibly satisfying.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This allows the beef to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the gravy. Once your beef is cut, season it with lemon pepper seasoning. You don’t need to go overboard—just a light coating will do. The seasoning will bring out the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering the dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
In a 5-quart crock pot, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and dry onion soup mix. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps—the slow cooking process will take care of that. Add the seasoned beef to the crock pot and stir everything together to ensure the meat is well-coated with the broth mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender your beef will become. If you’re using a tougher cut of meat, you might want to aim for the full 8 hours to achieve maximum tenderness.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Once your beef is fully cooked, you can start working on the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 3 tablespoons of flour. Stir the flour and butter together until they form a smooth paste, known as a roux.
Slowly add about 2 cups of the beef broth mixture from the crock pot into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Gravy with the Beef
Once your gravy has thickened, pour it back into the crock pot with the beef tips. Stir everything together to coat the beef with the rich gravy. You can cook it for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is best served over a base that will soak up all that delicious gravy. Here are a few options:
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Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the gravy and complements the beef.
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Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty meal, mashed potatoes are an excellent choice.
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Egg Noodles: These provide a soft, chewy base that goes wonderfully with the beef and gravy.
You can also serve the beef tips and gravy on their own or with a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Variations to Try
While the basic recipe is simple and delicious, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
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Mushroom Lovers: If you love mushrooms, add fresh mushrooms to the crock pot along with the beef for an even richer flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
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Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas to the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy if you need a gluten-free version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
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Overcooking the Beef: While slow cooking is forgiving, cooking the beef too long can result in dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking time to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Not Seasoning Enough: Be sure to season the beef well. You can always adjust the seasoning later, but starting with a good base will give you the best results.
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Rushing the Gravy: The gravy needs time to thicken and come together. Be patient and let the roux cook properly before adding it to the broth.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Once your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is ready, the next step is deciding how to serve it. This dish is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to elevate it based on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
1. Over Steamed Rice
A classic way to serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is over steamed rice. The soft, fluffy rice soaks up the rich, flavorful gravy and complements the tender beef perfectly. Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice, it will enhance the dish without overpowering it.
2. Mashed Potatoes
For a more hearty and comforting meal, serve your beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes. The smooth, creamy mashed potatoes act as a perfect base for the beef and gravy, making it feel like a true home-cooked meal. Add a little butter and cream to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
3. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are another excellent choice for serving with Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. Their soft texture allows them to absorb the gravy, giving you a delicious bite with each spoonful. If you prefer pasta over rice, this is the way to go.
4. Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter, vegetable-rich meal, pair your beef tips with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. The natural sweetness of roasted veggies contrasts beautifully with the savory beef, creating a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
5. In a Bread Bowl
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, serve your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy in a hollowed-out bread bowl. The bread will soak up the gravy and become a delicious part of the meal itself, adding texture and flavor.
6. With a Side Salad
For a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and gravy, serve a light side salad alongside. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette will balance the heaviness of the dish and provide some freshness.
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy stores wonderfully and makes for an excellent meal prep option. Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers properly:
1. Storing in the Refrigerator
To store your leftover Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the beef cool down to room temperature before storing it to avoid any excess moisture in the container.
2. Freezing Leftovers
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy also freezes very well, which is perfect for preparing meals in advance. To freeze, place the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the meal overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating
To reheat your leftover Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, simply place it in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, you can add a little beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Alternatively, you can reheat the leftovers in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure it heats evenly.
Recipe Card for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients:
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1 packet dry onion soup mix
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1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
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1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
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1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
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1 ½ tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (or seasoning of choice)
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To thicken gravy:
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons flour
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Instructions:
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In a 5-quart crock pot, combine dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Whisk together until smooth (don’t worry if there are lumps; they will dissolve as it cooks).
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Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season with lemon pepper seasoning.
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Add the beef to the crock pot and stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
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About 20 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a medium pot. Add flour and whisk until smooth to form a roux.
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Gradually add 2 cups of the beef broth mixture from the crock pot to the butter/flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the gravy thickens.
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Once the gravy reaches the desired thickness, pour it back into the crock pot and stir to coat the beef.
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Serve the beef tips and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Enjoy!
Notes:
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For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
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If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more flour to the roux.
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You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if you don’t like mushrooms.
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Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
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The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 1486mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Iron | 2mg |
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 380 kcal
Yield: 4 servings
The Best Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning (or seasoning of choice)
To thicken gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- In a 5-quart crock pot, combine dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Whisk together until smooth (don’t worry if there are lumps; they will dissolve as it cooks).
- Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and season with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Add the beef to the crock pot and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a medium pot. Add flour and whisk until smooth to form a roux.
- Gradually add 2 cups of the beef broth mixture from the crock pot to the butter/flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the gravy thickens.
- Once the gravy reaches the desired thickness, pour it back into the crock pot and stir to coat the beef.
- Serve the beef tips and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more flour to the roux.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if you don’t like mushrooms.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the crock pot for a one-pot meal.
- The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.