Beef Tips with Gravy: Savory Slow Cooker Favorite

Getting a comforting, hearty dinner on the table takes just a little prep with this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe. You can walk away and come back to tender beef swimming in rich, savory gravy—that's my kind of dinner magic.

The image shows a close-up of a rich brown stew with thick gravy, filled with tender, chunky pieces of meat coated in the sauce. The stew has small bits of green herbs scattered throughout, adding a touch of color contrast. A wooden spoon is lifting a portion of the stew, holding several large chunks of meat that glisten under the light, highlighting the smooth and shiny texture of the sauce. The background features the same stew, giving a sense of depth and fullness. The overall color palette is deep brown with subtle green accents on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m a big fan of slow cooker meals that feel like they took hours of effort but really didn’t. This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is a total winner anytime you want comfort food without fuss. Plus, it’s flexible and forgiving, perfect for busy days.

Hands-Off Cooking: You just add everything to the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you focus on other things.
Ultimate Tenderness: Slow cooking transforms even tougher stew meat into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Rich, Flavor-Packed Gravy: Every bite is coated in this luscious gravy that’s the true star of the show.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether it’s mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a simple but crucial role in building layers of flavor for our Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe. From the seasoning mix to the beef broth, everything blends into a cozy, hearty meal.

Flat lay of fresh raw beef stew meat chunks, a small pile of coarse salt crystals, a small mound of whole black peppercorns, a few dried thyme sprigs, a small heap of minced fresh garlic, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with brown dry onion soup mix powder, a small white ceramic bowl with rich dark brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding glossy red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick dark Worcestershire sauce, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Stew Meat: Chosen for its marbling and connective tissues that break down into tender, juicy morsels after slow cooking.
Salt & Black Pepper: The basic seasoning backbone that enhances and balances flavors throughout.
Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy note that complements the beef perfectly.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a punch of savory depth that lifts the entire dish.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: A convenient, flavorful seasoning blend that brings savory onion and herb tones without extra effort.
Beef Broth: The liquid base that simmers into a luscious sauce as the beef cooks.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang that balances the savory ingredients.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings subtle umami complexity and a slight tang that rounds out the gravy.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cooking juices into that perfect gravy consistency.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is how adaptable it is—I've tweaked it plenty of ways depending on mood and what I have on hand, and it always turns out great.

Variation: Try searing the beef tips before slow cooking for extra flavor and a deeper crust—that little step takes it from good to restaurant-quality in your own kitchen!
Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium beef broth and adjust the salt accordingly if you want more control over the saltiness.
Mushroom Upgrade: Adding sliced mushrooms halfway through cooking gives an earthy boost and makes the gravy even heartier.
Slow Cooker vs Instant Pot: If you're short on time, this recipe adapts well to the Instant Pot but keep an eye on cook times to avoid overcooking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

A white bowl held by a woman's hands contains a meal with three main layers. On one side, there are bright orange cooked baby carrots topped with small green parsley pieces. The middle layer is creamy white mashed potatoes with a soft and smooth texture, partially covered by a thick dark brown beef stew with visible chunks of beef in rich sauce scattered with parsley bits. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with green parsley leaves around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Set the Stage with the Beef

I usually start by placing my stew meat right into the bottom of the slow cooker. If I have time, I brown the pieces quickly in a hot skillet with a little oil—just enough to get a golden crust on the outside. That adds a lovely depth to the flavor and makes each bite extra satisfying. But don’t stress if you skip this—it still turns out tender and delicious.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Bomb

In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, thyme, minced garlic, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully incorporated—that way the gravy will thicken perfectly without lumps.

Step 3: Pour, Cover, and Cook

Pour the mixture evenly over your beef in the slow cooker, then pop on the lid. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours to let the meat get wonderfully tender and soak up all those rich flavors. Resist the urge to stir too often—that slow simmer is what breaks down the connective tissue and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Final Touches for the Perfect Gravy

If your gravy isn’t quite thick enough at the end, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for about 10-15 more minutes to thicken up nicely. You want that glossy, pourable sauce hugging the tender beef.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned what really makes a Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe shine, and these little tips can save you from common pitfalls.

Even Sizing Matters: I always cut my beef into similar-sized pieces so they cook uniformly—no surprises with some pieces being tougher than others.
Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat long enough breaks down collagen for that fork-tender texture—trust me, patience pays off here.
Don’t Overdo the Cornstarch: Start with the recipe’s amount to thicken—adding too much can make the gravy gloopy, so adjust carefully.
Enhance Flavor with Searing: If time permits, browning the meat first adds caramelized notes that elevate the overall dish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

A shiny silver frying pan with a few small pieces of seared meat scattered inside, each piece showing a mix of pink and browned colors from cooking. The meat pieces are uneven in shape, with browned edges and some light sear marks on top. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and faint steam rises from the meat, giving a fresh cooked feeling. A worn, slightly tarnished handle with a gold

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that bright pop of color and herby freshness. Sometimes a few finely chopped chives also work wonders to add a gentle onion flavor that complements the gravy beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up every drop of gravy. But it’s just as lovely over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice. On the lighter side, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts pair perfectly to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the beef tips in individual ramekins with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad. It feels elevated but keeps the heartiness front and center—your guests will feel like you worked overtime, even if you didn’t!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors only deepen, so it often tastes even better the next day. Just give it a stir before reheating to redistribute the gravy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I pop leftover beef tips and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat—it holds up without losing its tender texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickened too much. Microwave works too, but be sure to cover and pause to stir regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat works best for its texture and ability to get tender after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin as they can dry out during long cooking times.

Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning the beef before slow cooking is optional but recommended. It adds a deeper, caramelized flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still end up with tender beef and tasty gravy.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

If the gravy is too thin after cooking, mix additional cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Then cook on high for 10-15 more minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes with natural release. Just watch the liquid levels and be prepared to thicken the gravy afterward if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe holds a warm spot in my heart because it’s both a cozy classic and a no-fuss meal that never disappoints. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, I know I can rely on it for big flavors and tenderness. I hope you give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food like I did!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way