Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef tips slow-cooked in a savory, rich gravy. This dish is perfect for busy nights, offering a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Crockpot Beef Tips

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Beef Tips recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the slow cooker, absorbing all the savory goodness of the gravy. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and smoked paprika gives the gravy a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the beef. Plus, the mushrooms add an earthy richness to the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a family dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 tablespoons avocado or canola oil, separated
3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium or unsalted beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (8-ounce) package sliced button mushrooms
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes

Directions

Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef dry with a paper towel and cut it into 1 ½-inch cubes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to combine.
Brown the Beef: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the slow cooker on Sauté mode (or in a large skillet if your slow cooker doesn’t have a Sauté function). Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides for 2–3 minutes per batch. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Prepare the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, one big splash at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5–6 minutes, until it slightly thickens.
Cook in the Crockpot: If using a skillet, transfer the gravy mixture to the slow cooker. Add the browned beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms during the last 60 minutes on LOW or last 30 minutes on HIGH of cooking.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh chopped parsley (if using). Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with mushrooms or lentils and vegetable broth for a rich and flavorful dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the gravy for a subtle kick of heat.
Different Cuts of Meat: You can substitute the chuck roast with other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or round steak, although chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its tenderness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover beef tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a little beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the chuck roast with other cuts like round steak or sirloin, but chuck roast tends to be the most tender when slow-cooked.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

3. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the beef and gravy on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat. Allow the beef to cook for about 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it’s tender.

4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the gravy.

5. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it first for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

6. Can I freeze leftover beef tips?

Yes, you can freeze the beef tips and gravy for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan or slow cooker.

7. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If the gravy is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the gravy. Let it simmer until thickened.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add carrots, peas, or green beans to the crockpot along with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.

9. Can I skip browning the beef?

Browning the beef enhances the flavor of the dish, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the beef directly to the slow cooker. The beef will still be tender, though the flavor may be a little less rich.

10. Can I use beef stew meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use beef stew meat. However, chuck roast is preferred because it’s more flavorful and tender when slow-cooked.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Tips are an easy, hearty, and comforting dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The tender beef and rich gravy make this a perfect meal to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this slow cooker recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a flavorful gravy that everyone will love!