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Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

slow cooker beef tips and gravy - featured image

This easy slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe delivers tender beef in a rich, savory gravy—perfect comfort food for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it a fuss-free favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1– to 2-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth or stock (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Brown beef cubes on all sides, working in batches if needed. Transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
  2. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour onions and garlic over beef in slow cooker.
  3. Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, flour, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Pour mixture over beef and onions in slow cooker. Add mushrooms and bay leaf if using.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender. Stir gently halfway through cooking.
  5. If a thicker gravy is desired, whisk cornstarch with water and stir into slow cooker for last 30 minutes of cooking.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf and any herb stems.
  7. Serve beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Brown the beef for best flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. For gluten-free, swap flour for cornstarch and soy sauce for tamari. Mushrooms and bay leaf are optional but add depth. Gravy thickness can be adjusted by removing the lid or adding more broth. Leftovers improve overnight and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, beef tips, gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, crockpot, family meal, beef stew, gluten-free option