Slow Cooker Beef Tips With Gravy Recipe

I gotta say, I tried this beef tips slow cooker recipe on a random weeknight and it turned out to be the ultimate comfort meal with tender meat and a rich sauce that hits just right when you need a little pick-me-up.

I love slow cooker beef tips with gravy bc its simple and nutritious. I use quality beef tips, salt, black pepper and flour to thicken.

I add olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme and a splash of red wine for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Beef Tips: Provides high protein for muscle building, offers rich, savory meat flavor and nutrients.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats that add moisture, enhance flavor, and cook meat evenly.
• Onion: Brings natural sweetness and fiber, enriching dish with vitamins and deep flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of aroma and nutrients, boosts taste with its robust flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Gives tanginess and savory depth, perfect for balancing the beef’s richness.
• Red Wine (Optional): Adds acidity and complex notes for a richer, bolder gravy flavor.
• Beef Broth: Serves as the fluid base, infusing the dish with savory umami taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the gravy, giving texture and heartiness to each bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs beef tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Optional 1/2 cup red wine if you want a richer flavor

How to Make this

1. Season the beef tips with salt and black pepper then toss them in the flour until they are all coated evenly.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef pieces in small batches so they get a nice sear.

3. Transfer the browned beef tips to the slow cooker.

4. In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until they get soft and a little golden.

5. Pour the onion and garlic mix in the slow cooker with the beef.

6. Mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, dried thyme and, if you’re using it, the red wine then pour it over the beef.

7. Gently stir everything together so the flavors can mix.

8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender.

9. Once done, remove the bay leaf and give the gravy a good stir.

10. Serve the beef tips and gravy with mashed potatoes, noodles or rice and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Large skillet
3. Mixing bowl
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Tongs

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different beef cut?
  
  A: Sure, you can try other cuts but beef tips are best for slow cooking as they become really tender.
• Q: How do I thicken the gravy?
  
  A: The flour you coat the beef with helps a lot. If its too thin, you can mix a bit more flour or cornstarch with water and stir it in.
• Q: How long should I cook it in the slow cooker?
  
  A: Cooking on low for about 8 hours is ideal for soft and juicy beef tips that almost fall apart.
• Q: Is the red wine really necessary?
  
  A: Nope, its optional. But adding it lends a richer flavor if you’re up for it.
• Q: What if I dont have a slow cooker?
  
  A: You can simmer it in a heavy pot with a tight lid in the oven at low heat, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips With Gravy Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Beef broth: If you cant find beef broth, you can use chicken broth or even water mixed with a beef bouillon cube for a similar taste.
• Olive oil: In case you dont have olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil will work ok.
• Worcestershire sauce: If thats missing, try using soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar to get that tangy flavor.
• Dried thyme: If you dont have dried thyme, italian seasoning or a little bit of rosemary can be a good swap.
• Red wine: When you want that richer flavor but dont have red wine, a combo of grape juice and a touch of vinegar can serve as an alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. If you try to do too many at once the meat will steam instead of searing and you won’t get that nice crust. Do it in small batches even if it takes a bit longer.
2. After you sear the beef, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or even some red wine if you have it. This helps lift all the tasty bits off the pan and adds extra flavor to your gravy.
3. When you throw in the onions and garlic, let em get a little golden but don’t let them burn. Burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter and no one wants that.
4. Taste your sauce halfway through the cooking time if possible. Sometimes the salt and spices need a little boost and adjusting it a bit can make the dish a lot more flavorful in the end.