If you are looking for a hearty dinner with tender beef and plenty of rich savory gravy, these Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are an easy comfort-food recipe worth adding to your rotation. Chunks of beef are seasoned, browned for extra flavor, and slowly cooked with onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs until they become fork-tender.
The linked recipe uses either beef stew meat or cubed chuck roast and recommends browning the meat before placing it in the slow cooker. The beef then cooks slowly in a savory broth before a simple cornstarch slurry transforms the cooking liquid into gravy.
This meal is especially delicious spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice. It is ideal for busy family dinners, cooler evenings, meal prep, or weekends when you want the slow cooker to handle most of the cooking.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
This recipe takes a relatively inexpensive cut of beef and gives it enough time to become tender and flavorful.
Chuck roast works especially well because its marbling and connective tissue respond beautifully to long, gentle cooking. The linked recipe also lists stew meat and sirloin tips as possible choices while specifically noting chuck roast as a particularly juicy option.
Browning the beef before slow cooking creates additional savory flavor, but the recipe can still be made without that step when you need an especially easy dinner.
The gravy is another highlight. Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, garlic, onion, and herbs create a deeply savory base, while cornstarch thickens the cooking juices near the end.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Slow Cooker Gravy
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
The core broth, Worcestershire, optional soy sauce, thyme, parsley, onion, and garlic combination comes from the linked recipe card.
For Thickening the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Fresh thyme, optional
- Freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
1. Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Cut larger pieces into approximately 1½-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
Place the beef in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
2. Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil.
Allow the skillet to become properly hot before adding the beef.
A hot surface helps create browning rather than steaming.
3. Sear the Beef
Add the beef in a single layer.
Work in batches if necessary.
Sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side until several surfaces are well browned.
You do not need to cook the centers completely.
The linked recipe also recommends searing the beef briefly before transferring it to the slow cooker, although it notes that browning is optional.
4. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef into your slow cooker.
Spread it into an even layer.
Avoid adding excessive oil from the skillet.
5. Add the Onion
Scatter the diced onion evenly over the beef.
As it cooks, the onion will soften and contribute sweetness and savory depth to the gravy.
The original recipe also cooks chopped onion directly with the beef in the slow cooker.
6. Add the Garlic
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the beef and onions.
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount to 5–6 cloves.
7. Add the Beef Broth
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
The liquid does not need to completely cover the meat.
The beef and onions will release additional moisture during cooking.
8. Add the Worcestershire and Seasonings
Add the Worcestershire sauce and optional soy sauce.
Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, black pepper, and Dijon mustard if using.
Stir gently to distribute everything.
The linked recipe specifically uses Worcestershire sauce and suggests optional soy sauce for additional savory depth.
9. Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for approximately 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
The original recipe provides these same approximate cooking ranges.
For especially tender beef, LOW is usually my preferred method.
10. Check for Tenderness
Near the end of cooking, test a piece of beef with a fork.
It should be very tender and easy to break apart.
If the beef still feels firm or chewy, continue cooking for another 30–60 minutes.
Tenderness is more important than following the clock exactly because different cuts and slow cookers can cook at slightly different rates.
11. Make the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water.
Stir until completely smooth.
Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding it to hot gravy.
Otherwise, lumps can form.
12. Thicken the Gravy
Pour the slurry into the slow cooker.
Stir gently until evenly distributed.
Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.
The linked recipe uses the same cornstarch-and-water method near the end of cooking.
13. Adjust the Consistency
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.
If it is still too thin, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and add it gradually.
Remember that gravy will continue thickening slightly as it cools.
14. Taste and Season
Taste the gravy before serving.
Add additional salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs if necessary.
Because beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire can all contribute saltiness, it is best to adjust the final salt at the end.
15. Garnish and Serve
Spoon the beef tips and gravy into a serving dish.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and black pepper.
Serve hot with plenty of gravy.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Creamy mashed potatoes are one of the best choices because they soak up the rich gravy beautifully. The source recipe also lists mashed potatoes as a classic serving option.
Buttered egg noodles are another excellent choice.
You can also serve the beef tips over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or regular white rice. The linked recipe suggests both noodles and rice as serving options.
For vegetables, try roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus.
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up any remaining gravy.
For something lighter, serve the beef over cauliflower mash with roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Use chuck roast when possible for especially tender results.
Cut the beef into similar-sized pieces.
Pat the meat dry before browning.
Do not overcrowd the skillet.
Brown the beef in batches if necessary.
Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce so the gravy does not become overly salty.
Cook on LOW when you have enough time.
If the beef is still tough, continue cooking rather than assuming it is overcooked.
Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it.
Taste the gravy before adding additional salt.
Easy Recipe Variations
Mushroom Beef Tips and Gravy
Add 8–12 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms.
You can sauté them with the beef or add them during the later portion of slow cooking. The source also suggests mushrooms as a variation.
Garlic Herb Beef Tips
Increase the garlic and add fresh rosemary or additional thyme.
The linked recipe likewise suggests rosemary and thyme for a more herb-forward variation.
Creamy Beef Tips
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream near the end.
Do this after the beef has become tender and keep the heat gentle.
The source also suggests adding sour cream or heavy cream for a creamy version.
Spicy Beef Tips
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the gravy.
Beef Tips with Onions
Double the onions and slice them rather than dicing them for a more onion-forward gravy.
Beef Tips with Carrots
Add thick carrot pieces for a more complete slow cooker meal.
Beef Tips with Peas
Stir frozen peas into the slow cooker during the final 10 minutes.
Red Wine Beef Tips
Replace approximately ½ cup of the beef broth with dry red wine for a deeper braised flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The linked recipe gives the same refrigerated storage recommendation.
The gravy will naturally become thicker once refrigerated.
To reheat, place the beef and gravy in a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has become too thick.
Warm gently until heated throughout.
Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave.
For longer storage, freeze the beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to approximately 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating; the source gives the same freezer guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What beef is best for slow cooker beef tips?
Chuck roast is one of the best options because the slow cooking process allows its connective tissue and marbling to become tender.
Beef stew meat and sirloin tips can also work. These are the same primary beef options discussed in the linked recipe.
Do I have to brown the beef?
No.
You can place the seasoned raw beef directly in the slow cooker.
However, browning creates additional color and flavor, which is why the source recommends it when possible.
Why are my beef tips tough?
They probably need additional cooking time.
Slow-cooking cuts such as chuck can remain firm until enough connective tissue has broken down.
Continue cooking and check again after 30–60 minutes.
Why is my gravy too thin?
Different slow cookers retain moisture differently.
Stir in a cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the gravy thickens. The linked recipe uses this same method.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely.
Mushrooms pair especially well with the beef gravy.
Sauté them first for deeper flavor or add them directly during cooking.
Can I make this creamy?
Yes.
Stir heavy cream or sour cream into the finished gravy near the end of cooking.
Keep the temperature gentle after adding dairy.
Can I cook beef tips on HIGH?
Yes.
The linked recipe gives a HIGH cooking range of approximately 3–4 hours, although LOW works especially well when you have enough time.
Can I serve beef tips with pasta?
Absolutely.
Buttered egg noodles are one of the classic serving options suggested by the source, and they are excellent for holding the gravy.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy combine tender chunks of beef, onions, garlic, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth in a rich savory gravy that is perfect for classic comfort-food dinners. The linked recipe uses the same core slow-cooker approach, with an optional browning step followed by gentle cooking and a cornstarch slurry at the end.
Serve the beef tips hot over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice with plenty of gravy spooned over every serving. Add roasted vegetables and warm dinner rolls for a hearty, satisfying family meal.