Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy Recipe

There’s nothing better than coming home to the comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Beef Tips simmering in a rich, savory gravy.

This easy crockpot recipe transforms simple beef stew meat into incredibly tender bites coated in a flavorful mushroom-and-onion gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

With just a few minutes of preparation, your slow cooker does all the hard work while the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal.
• Rich, flavorful homemade gravy.
• Fork-tender beef every time.
• Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly comfort food.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
• Freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips

• 2½ pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Gravy

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes until browned on all sides. (This step is optional but adds extra flavor.)

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Add:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Beef broth
• Brown gravy mix
• Onion soup mix
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Thyme

Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

• LOW: 7–8 hours
• HIGH: 4–5 hours

The beef should be fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, until the gravy thickens.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve hot over:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• White rice
• Creamy polenta
• Biscuits

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips

• Searing the beef adds deeper flavor but isn’t required.
• Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level.
• Stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding it to avoid lumps.
• Don’t rush the cooking time—low and slow makes the beef incredibly tender.
• Fresh mushrooms add extra richness to the gravy.

Variations

Creamy Beef Tips

Stir in ½ cup sour cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Vegetable Beef Tips

Add carrots, celery, or peas during the final 1–2 hours.

Red Wine Version

Replace ½ cup of the beef broth with dry red wine.

Garlic Butter Beef Tips

Add 2 tablespoons butter and extra minced garlic before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These beef tips pair perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• White rice
• Brown rice
• Buttered noodles
• Biscuits
• Dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use stew meat?

Yes! Beef stew meat is an affordable option that becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking.

Can I skip browning the beef?

Absolutely. While browning adds extra flavor, you can place the seasoned beef directly into the slow cooker if you’re short on time.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. The flavors become even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.