There’s something deeply soothing about coming home to a kitchen filled with the aroma of slow-cooked beef. This slow cooker beef tips with gravy recipe captures that feeling, turning simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The kind of dish that invites you to kick off your shoes and settle in for a cozy evening.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe—I was juggling a busy day and honestly wasn’t sure if I’d have the patience to wait for six hours. But the slow cooker did its magic while I got distracted by a book, and when I finally peeked inside, the beef was so tender it almost melted in my mouth. The gravy had thickened just right, coating every bite with a savory richness. I think I might have gotten a bit impatient and dipped into it before it was fully ready, but hey, it was worth it.
- This recipe transforms inexpensive beef sirloin tips into something that feels special without a fuss.
- The slow cooking process means you can set it and forget it, though the wait tests your willpower.
- It has a comforting, homestyle vibe, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just pure, slow-cooked flavor.
Even if you’re not the slow cooker type, this recipe eases you into the process with minimal hands-on time and maximum payoff.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker beef tips simmered in a rich and savory gravy, perfect for a comforting meal served over mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef sirloin tips, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef sirloin tips in batches and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
Gradually whisk in beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until beef is tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Using a slow cooker means no special equipment is needed beyond your basic crockpot. I usually serve this with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of gravy, but it’s just as good over rice or even buttered egg noodles. Sometimes I toss in extra mushrooms when I have them on hand, though they can soak up some of the sauce, so I don’t add too many. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a nice depth, but I’ve skipped it a couple of times when I ran out and it was still delicious. If you want to change things up, swapping thyme for rosemary might work, but I haven’t tested it enough to be sure it’s better.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef? Sirloin tips work best here for tenderness, but you can try chuck roast cut into chunks; just expect a longer cooking time.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
Can I make this gravy thicker or thinner? Yes, adjusting the cornstarch slurry lets you control the thickness; just add slowly and stir well.
Ready to bring this comforting dish to your table? Give it a try and see how slow cooker magic turns a simple weeknight into something memorable.