Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, then look no further than this recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy. Tender beef stew meat simmers in a rich, flavorful gravy all day long, creating a meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and you’ve got a winner that will please the whole family.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is the epitome of comfort food. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Effortless Cooking: Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavor Explosion: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic blend perfectly to create a savory gravy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even crusty bread.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: A delicious recipe that even picky eaters will love!

What’s in the Bowl

To whip up this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Recommended Tools

Before diving into the cooking, gather these essential tools:

• Slow Cooker: A must-have for this recipe. Choose one with a 4-6 quart capacity for best results.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for chopping your onions and mincing garlic.
• Knife: A sharp knife will make your prep quick and easy.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key for balanced flavors.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing the cornstarch and water before adding to the slow cooker.

Directions: Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. Set them aside, ready for the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In the slow cooker, add the beef stew meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Once the cooking time is up, remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and mix it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Add the Thickener

Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the beef tips over your favorite base, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to lighten the dish or add some nutritional benefits, consider these tweaks:

• Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce sodium content.
• Incorporate more vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or peas into the slow cooker.
• Replace beef stew meat with leaner cuts of beef, like sirloin or tenderloin.
• Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Problems & Prevention

While this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are a few common issues and how to prevent them:

• Gravy Too Thin: If your gravy is runny, ensure you mix the cornstarch thoroughly with the cooking liquid before adding it back to the slow cooker.
• Beef Toughness: If the beef isn’t tender, it may not have cooked long enough. Always allow for adequate cooking time.
• Flavor Lacking: Be sure to taste the dish before serving and adjust seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
• Overcooked Vegetables: If you add vegetables, consider adding them halfway through the cooking time to prevent mushiness.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To keep your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy fresh and tasty, follow these guidelines:

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen the gravy.

Reader Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or sirloin. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

What can I serve with the beef tips?

These beef tips are incredibly versatile! They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even a crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by browning the beef and onions in a pot, then adding the remaining ingredients, bringing it to a simmer, and cooking for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.

How do I adjust for a smaller or larger batch?

For a smaller batch, simply halve the ingredients. For a larger batch, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker has enough capacity to handle the increased volume.

Quick Weeknight Wins

Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Here are some quick wins you can make in a flash:

• Quick Chicken Tacos – A delightful 15-minute dinner that’s sure to please.
• Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry – Packed with nutrients and ready in under 30 minutes.
• One-Pan Pasta – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• 15-Minute Shrimp Curry – A flavorful dish that comes together quickly.

Final Bite

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is the kind of dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s perfect for those days when you want to come home to a house filled with delicious aromas and a comforting meal waiting for you. The beef becomes incredibly tender, the gravy rich and savory, and every bite is a reminder of home-cooked goodness.

So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare—but really, it only took minutes to set up! Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your household.

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