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.

Beef Tips with Gravy: Savory Slow Cooker Favorite

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy recipe offers tender, flavorful beef stew meat cooked low and slow in a rich, savory gravy made with garlic, onion soup mix, and beef broth. Perfectly easy to prepare and great served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this comforting dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Tips

2 lbs stew meat
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
3 tbsp garlic (minced)
1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
2 cups beef broth
3 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

Prepare the beef: Place the stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together salt, black pepper, dried thyme, minced garlic, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until well combined.
Combine and cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef tips in the slow cooker, cover with the lid, and cook on low heat for 8 hours to allow the beef to become tender and flavorful.
Serve: Once cooking is complete, serve the beef tips and gravy hot over your choice of rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Notes

Deeper Flavor: Sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with butter or olive oil for a few minutes before adding to the slow cooker. This browns the meat and adds extra flavor.
Thicker Gravy: For a thicker gravy, mix additional cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker near the end of cooking and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Make Ahead: Prepare the seasoning mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator for quicker meal prep the next day.
Cook on Low Heat: Cooking the beef tips on low heat ensures the connective tissue breaks down for tender results; avoid cooking on high.
Even-Sized Beef Tips: Ensure the stew meat pieces are cut to similar sizes for even cooking throughout.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg