Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Crock pot beef tips and gravy is 2 pounds of beef tips cooked slowly in a gravy made from brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, with sliced onion on top. The slow cooker does the work, and the beef comes out fall-apart tender in a gravy that soaks into rice or mashed potatoes. It makes 4 servings and needs only 15 minutes of prep.

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The cooking time is long but hands-off: 7 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, so the total is about 8 hours 15 minutes on the low setting.

What Goes in the Slow Cooker

The amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each ingredient adds.

• Beef tips (2 pounds): small pieces of meat that suit slow cooking and become very tender by the end.
• Brown gravy mix (1 packet): gives the sauce depth and richness without any extra work.
• Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): adds creaminess and a mild earthy flavor, and helps thicken the sauce.
• Beef broth (1 cup): brings more beef flavor and keeps the gravy at the right consistency for spooning over rice or potatoes.
• Onion (1, sliced): goes on top. It softens as it cooks and blends into the gravy with a sweet flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): adds a tangy depth and a savory note that suits the beef.
• Garlic powder, pepper and salt (1 teaspoon each): season the whole pot.

Timing and Thickening

Low or high. Cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours tenderizes the beef fully. High for 3 to 4 hours works when you are short on time. Either way, the beef needs to cook long enough to absorb the flavors of the gravy.

For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It gives a velvety sauce that clings to the beef.

Adding vegetables. Carrots or potatoes turn it into a complete meal. The slow cooker is forgiving, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste.

Ways to Change It

• Vegetables: carrots, potatoes or green beans can go into the slow cooker with the beef. Cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
• A different soup: replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery, or with a can of diced tomatoes for a tangier gravy.
• Heat: add a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of hot sauce.
• Herbs: rosemary or thyme adds freshness and a more complex flavor.
• Another cut of beef: chuck roast or brisket can replace the beef tips. Cut the meat into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. The slow cooking helps tougher cuts turn tender.

What to Serve With It

Mashed potatoes are the classic choice, since they soak up the gravy. Steamed rice does the same job in a lighter way. To balance the richness, add a green salad with a light vinaigrette, or steamed broccoli or green beans for color. Buttered bread or dinner rolls let everyone finish the last of the gravy.

How Long It Takes

Prep takes 15 minutes: gather the beef, seasonings and sauces and mix the gravy. Cooking takes 7 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. The card lists a cook time of 8 hours and a total of 8 hours 15 minutes.

Nutrition per Serving

Each serving has approximately 450 calories, 20 grams of fat (8 grams saturated), 40 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 30 grams of protein and 800 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.

FAQ

What is the best way to serve it?

Over mashed potatoes or steamed rice, which soak up the gravy. For a complete meal, add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Can other cuts of beef be used?

Yes. Chuck roast or brisket both work. Cut the meat into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do you thicken the gravy?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can vegetables go in the crock pot?

Yes. Carrots, potatoes or green beans can cook along with the beef. Cut them into uniform sizes.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us