Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is a delightful way to bring comfort food to your dinner table. With tender beef tips bathed in a rich, savory gravy, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, making it a versatile choice that suits any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth and spices creates a deeply flavorful gravy that enhances the beef.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles for a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for future meals.
• Customizable: Easily add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is key for achieving tender beef without constant supervision. It allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours.
• Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining all seasonings and liquids efficiently before adding them to the beef.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps in your gravy.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors.

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp cornstarch

For Seasoning

• 3 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the beef in a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, thyme, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is fully coated.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Pairing it with the right sides enhances its comforting flavors and makes for a hearty meal.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic choice, absorbing the rich gravy beautifully.
• Add a dollop of butter or a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor.

Over Rice

• Fluffy white or brown rice offers a subtle base that complements the savory beef tips.
• Try adding a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist.

With Noodles

• Buttered egg noodles provide a delightful texture and soak up the gravy.
• You can toss them with herbs like parsley for added freshness.

In a Sandwich

• Make an open-faced beef sandwich using crusty bread, topped with gravy.
• It’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner option.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing with seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
• Think carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil.

Accompanied by Salad

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Include ingredients like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for crunch.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Perfecting your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. Here are some helpful tips:

• Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled beef stew meat for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the meat before adding it to the slow cooker enhances depth of flavor.
• Monitor Liquid Levels: Ensure there’s enough broth during cooking to keep the meat moist but not too watery.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for more complexity.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit after cooking helps flavors meld together nicely.
• Adjust Thickness: For thicker gravy, add cornstarch mixed in water toward the end of cooking.

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Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Complement your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy with these delicious side dishes. Each one enhances the overall meal experience.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate pairing, these potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly.
2. Steamed Rice – A light option that balances out the rich flavors of the beef tips.
3. Buttered Egg Noodles – Easy to prepare, these noodles catch every bit of gravy deliciously.
4. Roasted Root Vegetables – Seasonal veggies add sweetness and texture alongside savory beef tips.
5. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread adds crunch while mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate.
6. Simple Green Salad – Fresh greens provide a refreshing contrast to hearty beef tips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always sear the meat in a hot pan first.
• Overcrowding the pot: Filling the slow cooker too full can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to recommended amounts for best results.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for maximum flavor.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short will affect texture. Stick closely to the suggested 7-8 hours on low.
• Using low-quality broth: Cheap broth can lead to a less flavorful gravy. Invest in good quality beef broth for richer results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?

Serving this dish over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles enhances its comforting appeal.

Can I add vegetables to my Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?

Yes! Adding carrots or mushrooms halfway through cooking adds nutrition and flavor.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?

It typically takes about 7-8 hours on low heat for the beef tips to become tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth.

What should I do if my gravy is too thin?

To thicken your gravy, remove some liquid at the end of cooking and whisk in cornstarch dissolved in water, then return it to the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a delightful dish that combines convenience with rich flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize with different sides or vegetables. Give this recipe a try for an easy weeknight meal that your family will love!