If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef swimming in rich, savory gravy that effortlessly comes together in your slow cooker—while you go about your day. Trust me, this recipe has become a family favorite, and I can’t wait to share all my tips that make it foolproof and downright delicious.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or handle your busy day.
Tender, Flavor-Packed Beef: Slow cooking really breaks down the meat, resulting in juicy beef tips full of deep, savory flavor.
Versatile Comfort Food: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles—perfect for a cozy weeknight or special family meal.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything in your pantry or local grocery, no fancy items needed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about layering flavors that meld beautifully in the slow cooker. Choosing the right beef and balancing the herbs and spices ensures your gravy isn’t just tasty, but downright luscious without being overpowering.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe - Ingredients

Sirloin Tips or Beef Stew Meat: Tender enough to break down during slow cooking but hearty enough to hold their shape and stay juicy.
Olive Oil: For a quick sear to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a savory foundation.
Tomato Paste: Adds depth and subtle sweetness to the gravy’s rich base.
Beef Broth: The main liquid that infuses the beef with savory goodness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Umami booster with a tangy kick.
Dried Herbs and Spices (Oregano, Rosemary, Paprika): Earthy and smoky notes that elevate the dish.
Cornstarch Slurry: To thicken the gravy perfectly at the end without lumps.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the finished dish and adds a fresh herbal touch.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried adding veggies and swapping ingredients to suit different moods or what I have on hand. You should definitely feel empowered to put your own spin on it!

Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in extra nutrition and flavor—it’s a win-win.
Wine Upgrade: For a richer touch, swapping half the beef broth for dry red wine adds a lovely depth that impresses guests.
Heat It Up: Crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce amped things up when I wanted a little kick.
Skip the Sear: When I’m pressed for time, I skip searing. The beef still turns out tender—they just lack that extra caramelized flavor layer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

First things first: heat up that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your beef cubes in batches—don’t crowd the pan! This helps each piece get a beautiful brown crust. I like to cook them about 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step locks in juices and adds a rich depth that slow cooking alone can’t fully achieve. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another), add diced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Next comes the tomato paste—a little trick I learned to boost the umami. Stir it in and let it cook for 2 more minutes; this gently caramelizes it, making the gravy richer. Then transfer everything into the slow cooker over the beef.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a nice stir to blend all those flavors. This simple combo turns into magic after hours of slow simmering.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours if you’re short on time. The beef will become incredibly tender—so soft it literally falls apart but still holds together nicely. Be patient here; the low-and-slow method really is worth it!

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for those last 30 minutes to get that luscious, silky gravy to the perfect thickness. If it seems too thick or too thin, you can adjust with a bit more broth or cornstarch slurry.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your beef tips and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery egg noodles—it’s all excellent! I often pair it with mashed potatoes for that ultimate cozy meal.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: I know it takes extra time, but browning the beef really elevates the flavor. It’s the difference between good and unforgettable.
Avoid Overcrowding: When searing, crowding the pan causes steaming instead of browning, so work in batches if needed.
Customize Your Thickener: Cornstarch works wonderfully, but if you prefer, you can use arrowroot powder or flour mixed with water to thicken the gravy.
Slow Cooker Lid Trick: Resist the urge to peek frequently; every lid lift adds cooking time and lowers temperature, so trust the slow cooker to do its job.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled right before serving—it lightens the rich gravy with a pop of color and herbal brightness. A few cracked black peppercorns on top add subtle heat and a rustic finish. Sometimes, I throw on a little grated sharp cheddar or even a dash of horseradish for some zing when I want to mix it up.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes—the gravy soaks in like a dream. But egg noodles or fluffy white rice work just as well. When I want more veg, I often serve it alongside buttered green beans or roasted carrots to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving these beef tips in small cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins, placing them on a bed of creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a sprig of rosemary on top. It makes for an elegant yet hearty presentation that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the beef tips cool slightly before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor. When you open the container later, it still tastes freshly made.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion out the beef tips with gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry, since slow reheating keeps the beef tender and preserves the rich sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips and stew meat are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just keep in mind tougher cuts may require a bit longer slow cooking time to become tender.
Do I have to sear the beef before slow cooking?

You don’t have to, but searing really enhances the flavor by browning the meat and locking in juices. If you’re short on time, skipping this step still yields tender beef, but the dish will have a bit less depth in taste.
How do I adjust the thickness of the gravy?

If your gravy is too thin after cooking, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking for an extra 10-15 minutes. If it gets too thick, thin it out with a splash of beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers enhances both nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the beef. They’ll get tender and soak up the delicious gravy.
What’s the best way to serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy?

My favorite way is over creamy mashed potatoes, but it also pairs well with rice or egg noodles. Serving with a simple vegetable side like green beans or peas rounds out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s those meals you can rely on to deliver comfort and satisfaction every time, no matter how busy your day gets. The tender beef, rich gravy, and simple prep make it my go-to when I want to impress without stress. Give it a try—I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite in your home too!