Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is a cozy meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish features tender beef tips simmered in a rich gravy that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving: With minimal prep and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together.
• Flavorful: The combination of beef broth, onion soup mix, and seasonings creates a rich gravy that enhances the tender beef tips.
• Versatile Meal: Pair the beef tips with various sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles to suit your family’s preferences.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer pots and pans to wash after dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This comforting dish is sure to satisfy family members of all ages, making it ideal for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This appliance allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals ahead of time.
• Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl ensures you can combine ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps blend sauces smoothly without lumps, ensuring a rich gravy texture.

Ingredients

This comforting and savory slow cooker recipe features tender beef tips simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty dish.

For the Beef Tips

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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:
1. The beef broth,
2. Dry onion soup mix,
3. Thyme,
4. Minced garlic,
5. Ketchup,
6. Worcestershire sauce,
7. Cornstarch,
8. Salt,
9. Pepper.

Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated well.

Step 3: Cook

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

Step 4: Serve

Once ready, serve your delicious beef tips and gravy over your choice of creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for an inviting meal that warms the heart.

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Serving Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is easy and versatile. This savory dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a memorable meal for your family or guests.

Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich base that soaks up the flavorful gravy, making each bite comforting and satisfying.

With Buttered Egg Noodles

• Soft egg noodles are perfect for catching the tender beef tips and gravy, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Accompanied by Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice offers a simple yet delicious side that balances the hearty flavors of the beef tips.

On Top of Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables add a nutritious crunch and complement the richness of the beef tips and gravy beautifully.

Served with a Green Salad

• A fresh green salad provides a light contrast to the savory dish, making your meal feel well-rounded.

With Crusty Bread

• Crusty bread is ideal for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

To elevate your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Quality Meat: Selecting good quality beef stew meat will enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Sear the Meat: For added depth of flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak seasonings based on personal preference. Adding herbs like rosemary can bring more complexity.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld while ensuring that the beef becomes tender.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables like carrots or mushrooms can enrich both nutrition and taste.
• Thicken Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking time.

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Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Pairing your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy with complementary side dishes makes for an even more enjoyable meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   Silky mashed potatoes are a classic choice that pairs perfectly with savory gravy.
2. Steamed Broccoli
   Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and freshness while balancing out rich flavors.
3. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up leftover gravy, making every bite delicious.
4. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the beef tips.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These roasted veggies offer a nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with savory beef tips.
7. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture while keeping your meal healthy.
8. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob is a fun addition that pairs well with hearty meals like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Drying Step: Not patting the beef dry can lead to excess moisture, which prevents browning. Always dry the meat with paper towels before putting it in the slow cooker.
• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the cooker too much can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount of beef for best results.
• Ignoring Seasoning Balance: Adding too little salt or pepper can result in bland gravy. Taste your mixture before cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Not Sealing Properly: Failing to cover the slow cooker properly may lead to moisture loss. Ensure the lid fits snugly for optimal cooking conditions.
• Rushing the Cooking Time: Cooking on high instead of low can yield tough meat. For tender beef tips, stick to low and allow ample time for flavors to develop.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date for reference.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth. This ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.

What should I serve with Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?

This dish pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles. A side of roasted vegetables also complements it nicely.

Can I add vegetables while cooking?

Yes! Adding vegetables like carrots or mushrooms can enhance nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in halfway through cooking for best results.

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

Cooking on low typically takes about 7-8 hours. This allows the beef tips to become tender and absorb all those rich flavors from the gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings as desired. Give it a try for your next family dinner, and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love!

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