You want old-fashioned comfort food. Something that fills the house with the smell of a home-cooked meal. But you don’t have time to stand over the stove all day.
These crockpot beef tips and gravy are exactly what you need.
Tender chunks of beef simmer low and slow in a rich, savory gravy until they’re fall-apart tender. No browning required – but you can if you want deeper flavor. Just dump the ingredients in the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Each serving packs 25 grams of protein. The gravy is rich and silky. And the beef is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
The best part? The “no peek” rule means you keep the lid closed and let the crockpot do its magic. The result is always tender, never dry.
Let’s get cooking.
Why This Recipe Works
- No-peek cooking. Keep the lid closed and let the crockpot do the work – no need to dry out the meat.
- 25g protein per serving. A hearty, satisfying meal that keeps you full.
- Rich, savory gravy. Cream of mushroom soup, tomato paste, and onion soup mix create a flavorful sauce without any fuss.
- Fall-apart tender. Low-and-slow cooking turns stew meat into tender perfection.
- One-pot meal. Serve over noodles, rice, or potatoes for a complete dinner.
Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
These beef tips are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich, velvety gravy. A few simple ingredients build deep beefy flavor while the slow cooker does the work, turning affordable stew meat into a comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 3/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp butter (adds richness)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Build the gravy mixture. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, black pepper, and thyme until smooth.
- Do not add extra salt at this stage. The onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup already contain a significant amount of sodium.
- Add the beef and mushrooms. Place the beef in the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced mushrooms over the top if using. Pour the gravy mixture over the beef and sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over everything. Add the butter. Stir gently to coat the beef.
- Slow cook until tender. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Start checking around 6 hours. The beef is ready when a fork slides easily into a piece of meat and the meat is tender enough to cut without resistance.
- Keep the lid closed as much as possible during cooking. Opening the slow cooker releases heat and can extend the cooking time. The beef’s tenderness ultimately comes from cooking it long enough for the connective tissue to break down.
- Make the gravy. Once the beef is tender, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens enough to coat the beef generously.
- If the gravy is already thick enough, you don’t need to add the entire slurry. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish and serve. Taste the gravy before serving. If it needs more brightness, add 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Add salt only if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over: mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, white rice, or mashed cauliflower
Notes
What to look for: The beef should be very tender and easy to cut with a fork, but it shouldn’t be completely dry or falling apart into fibers. The gravy should be thick, glossy, and spoonable, coating the beef rather than pooling thinly around it.
Quick Tip: If the gravy is too thin after 20 minutes, mix another 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and add it gradually. Cook for another 5-10 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of warm beef broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
Protein and Nutrition
Each serving provides approximately 25 g of protein. The exact amount depends on the cut of beef and the specific brands of soup and broth you use.
To boost protein:
- Use a leaner cut of beef (sirloin has slightly more protein per ounce than chuck)
- Serve over high-protein egg noodles or quinoa instead of regular pasta.
- Add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms – they add minimal protein but boost nutrition and umami.
Note: For exact nutrition information, check the labels on your specific beef, soup, and broth brands.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips
Don’t skip the “no-peek” rule. This is the most important tip. Lifting the lid releases steam and heat, which can make the beef tough. Keep it closed for the full cooking time.
Use the right cut of beef. Chuck roast or beef stew meat works best. They have enough marbling to become tender during long, slow cooking. Lean cuts like sirloin can work but may be slightly drier.
Don’t add extra salt right away. The onion soup mix and beef broth already contain sodium. Taste the gravy before serving and add salt only if needed.
Brown the beef for deeper flavor (optional). Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on several sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a noticeably richer, more savory flavor. If convenience is your priority, skip it – the slow cooker version will still be delicious.
Thicken the gravy at the end. Add the cornstarch slurry gradually until you reach the desired consistency. You don’t need to use all of it.
Make it a one-pot meal. Add sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or baby carrots to the crockpot for extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over buttered egg noodles for a classic comfort meal.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans
- Serve over steamed rice with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color
- Add a side of crusty bread for soaking up extra gravy.
- Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Meal Prep
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy dinner later. The beef tips are also great for meal prep – portion with noodles or rice for grab-and-go lunches.
Recipe Variations
Mushroom lovers. Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms to the crockpot at the start. They’ll release their flavor into the gravy.
Beef and noodles. After shredding the beef, stir in cooked egg noodles and let them soak up the gravy for a hearty beef-and-noodles dish.
Red wine version. Replace 1/2 cup of the beef broth with dry red wine for deeper flavor.
Garlic herb version. Add 1 tsp of dried thyme and 2 extra cloves of minced garlic for extra depth.
Creamy version. Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes for an extra-creamy gravy.
Low-sodium version. Use low-sodium beef broth and a reduced-sodium onion soup mix to control the salt.
Instant Pot version. Use the sauté function to brown the beef (optional). Add all ingredients, pressure-cook on high for 35 minutes, then release naturally for 10 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in these crockpot beef tips?
Each serving has approximately 25g protein. The exact amount depends on your beef cut and other ingredients.
What’s the best cut of beef for crockpot beef tips?
Beef chuck roast or pre-cut beef stew meat are the best choices. They have enough marbling to become tender during long, slow cooking.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes! Cream of mushroom is classic, but cream of celery or cream of chicken also work well. For a dairy-free option, use a can of tomato soup or a homemade mushroom sauce.
Why is my beef tough?
The most common reason is lifting the lid during cooking. Each time you open the lid, you release steam and heat, which can make the meat tough. Follow the “no-peek” rule.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours. LOW is preferred for the most tender results, but HIGH works if you’re short on time.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Add sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or baby carrots to the crockpot at the start. They’ll cook along with the beef, adding flavor to the gravy.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Use a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Should I brown the beef first?
It’s optional but recommended for deeper flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and sear the beef in batches until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef (optional). Add all ingredients, pressure-cook on high for 35 minutes, then release naturally for 10 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry on the stovetop.
What should I serve with beef tips and gravy?
Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread are all great options for soaking up the gravy.
Can I freeze beef tips and gravy?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
These crockpot beef tips and gravy are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few minutes of prep and the “no-peek” rule, you can come home to a tender, flavorful, high-protein dinner that everyone will love.
The rich gravy, fall-apart beef, and easy preparation make this a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for the ultimate cozy meal.
Give this recipe a try. Your family will ask for it again and again.
