Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

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The ultimate comfort food has arrived slow-cooked beef tips smothered in a rich, savory gravy that’s brimming with homestyle flavor. This dish is the definition of “set it and forget it,” perfect for busy families or anyone craving a cozy, satisfying meal without the fuss.

Tender chunks of beef soak up a deeply flavorful sauce made from pantry staples like ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, and creamy mushroom soup. Whether ladled over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles, this hearty dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Add beef stew meat to the crock pot.
In a medium bowl, mix together brown gravy mix, ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the mixture over the beef in the crock pot and stir to coat.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high) | Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

There’s something inherently comforting about a slow-cooked meal that fills your home with rich, savory aromas. Among these beloved classics is Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, a dish known for its tender beef, robust flavors, and thick, hearty gravy that wraps everything together like a warm hug. This timeless recipe is a staple for families, home cooks, and comfort food lovers everywhere. It’s incredibly simple to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to serve over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even polenta. If you’re looking for a meal that will become a go-to in your kitchen, this dish deserves a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.

Why Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a Classic

Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is not just delicious it’s practical. It embodies the best of slow cooking: low-effort preparation with high-reward results. The beef becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, and the gravy is rich, savory, and indulgent without requiring hours at the stovetop.

This dish is ideal for:

Busy families looking for easy, dump-and-go meals.
Meal preppers who need satisfying leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Home cooks craving classic comfort food without the complexity.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. After a quick preparation, you can walk away and come back hours later to a fully cooked, flavorful meal. This convenience makes it a weeknight lifesaver and a weekend comfort staple.

The Heart of the Dish: Tender Beef and Flavorful Gravy

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the beef tips. These chunks of beef stew meat become incredibly tender when cooked slowly over several hours. This slow braising process breaks down the connective tissue, releasing deep beefy flavor into the gravy while achieving that desirable fork-tender texture.

The gravy, meanwhile, is what binds this dish together. It’s typically made using a combination of pantry staples like brown gravy mix, ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. This blend creates a deep umami flavor profile, rich in savory notes with just a touch of creaminess. The ranch seasoning provides subtle herbs and spices, enhancing the depth of the sauce without overpowering the dish.

Optional cornstarch slurry can be added near the end of the cook to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency ideal if you want something that clings beautifully to potatoes or noodles.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy

One of the things that makes Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy so loved is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Mashed potatoes: Arguably the most popular pairing, mashed potatoes soak up the gravy and provide a creamy, starchy base.
Buttered egg noodles: These add a chewy texture and complement the rich beef gravy well.
Steamed rice: Rice acts as a neutral base and works well with the savory gravy.
Polenta or grits: For a Southern-inspired twist, these offer a creamy and comforting alternative.
Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Great for scooping up leftover sauce and making sure not a drop of gravy goes to waste.

Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetable medley on the side to balance the richness and bring in some freshness.

Ideal Occasions for Serving Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

This dish is wonderfully adaptable for various occasions. It works just as well for a quiet weeknight dinner as it does for entertaining guests. Here are a few perfect times to serve it:

Family Dinners: The entire family, from kids to grandparents, will appreciate the comforting flavors.
Potlucks or Gatherings: It travels well and holds heat, making it a crowd-pleaser at social events.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep: It stores beautifully and gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Cold Weather Meals: When it’s cold outside, nothing hits the spot like hot beef and gravy over a warm starch.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers are a bonus with this dish. In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Here’s how to store and enjoy them:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: It freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.

You can also get creative with leftovers try spooning it into a baked potato, wrapping it in a tortilla for a beefy burrito, or layering it over toast for a hearty open-faced sandwich.

Customization Ideas and Substitutions

The base recipe is fantastic as-is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or pantry availability:

Add mushrooms or onions for extra texture and depth.
Swap in a different cut of beef like chuck roast, sirloin tips, or even short ribs.
Use homemade gravy or cream of mushroom if you prefer to avoid packaged mixes.
Go low sodium by choosing reduced-sodium broth and seasoning packets.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free gravy mixes and soup substitutes.

These tweaks allow you to tailor the recipe to your family’s needs while still keeping it delicious and comforting.

A Comfort Food Must-Have

There’s a reason dishes like Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy have stood the test of time. They offer everything a home-cooked meal should: ease, comfort, and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a large family, feeding a crowd, or just preparing a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers.

It’s affordable, made with accessible ingredients, and doesn’t require advanced kitchen skills. Just layer your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen.

Conclusion: Make This Your New Weeknight Staple

Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy isn’t just another slow cooker meal it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and wonderfully adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.

Whether you serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, this dish brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s a reminder that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated, and sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones made with love (and a little help from your slow cooker).

Add this to your weekly meal plan and watch it become a family favorite in no time.

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