Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (Simple & Delicious)

ByChelsea
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These Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are one of those cozy dinners that makes a busy night feel a little easier. The beef turns tender and flavorful in a rich homemade gravy that is so good.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy Plated on a white plate over mashed potatoes with a silver fork and plaid napkin the crockpot in the background

I created this recipe because I’m always looking for simple dinners that feel cozy and homemade without requiring me to spend the whole evening in the kitchen. These slow cooker beef tips and gravy are exactly that. With just a handful of simple ingredients and very little prep by dinnertime you have tender beef and a savory gravy ready to spoon over creamy mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love These Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Easy to make. Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work.
  • Cozy and comforting. Perfect spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Family-friendly. Simple flavors that both kids and adults can enjoy.
  • Made with simple ingredients. No canned cream soups or seasoning packets needed.
  • Perfect for busy days. A warm, homemade dinner is waiting for you at the end of the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

a flat lay of the ingredients needed for the recipe
  • Stew Meat or Chuck Roast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy beef that holds up well in the slow cooker.
  • Yellow onion: Adds a little sweetness as it cooks down.
  • Garlic: Gives the gravy that extra layer of flavor.
  • Beef broth: Creates the base of the gravy. I love to use bone broth.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Tamari or soy sauce: Boosts the beefy flavor and adds just the right amount of saltiness.
  • Onion powder: Adds even more flavor without making the recipe complicated.
  • Garlic powder: Helps season the beef and gravy all the way through.
  • Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and richness.
  • Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
  • Butter: Makes the gravy rich and gives it a silky finish.
  • Cornstarch + cold water: Mixed together at the end to thicken the gravy until it’s smooth and spoonable.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details

  • adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker
  • thickening the beef tips and gravy in the crockpot

  1. Add everything to the slow cooker. Add the beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tamari, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and butter to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  3. Make the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth.
  4. Thicken the gravy. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, until the gravy is thick and rich.
  5. Taste and serve. Add a little extra salt or pepper if needed, then serve the beef tips and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.

Recipe Tips

Cook on LOW when you can. The beef turns out more tender with a slower cook, and I like to start checking it around the 6-hour mark.

Don’t overcook the beef. Once it is fork-tender, it’s ready. Letting it go too long can make the meat dry even if there is plenty of gravy.

Mix the cornstarch slurry separately. Whisking it with cold water first keeps the gravy smooth and prevents lumps.

Let the gravy thicken before serving. Give it the full 20–30 minutes on HIGH after adding the slurry for that spoonable texture.

Taste at the end. Broth, Worcestershire, and tamari or soy sauce can all vary in saltiness, so adjust the salt only after everything has cooked.

Serve it over mashed potatoes. They soak up that savory homemade gravy perfectly and make this such a cozy, complete dinner.

How to Store and Reheat

To Store: Let the beef tips and gravy cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To Reheat: Warm the beef tips and gravy gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much in the refrigerator, stir in a splash of beef broth to loosen it back up.

Beef Tips and gravy plated on a white plate with mashed potatoes with a silver spoon with the slow cooker in the background with a plaid napkin

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This recipe is designed to be easy and dump-and-go, so you can add the beef straight to the slow cooker.

Yes, but the gravy will be thinner. If you want to skip cornstarch, you can simply serve the beef with the cooking juices as-is.

Creamy mashed potatoes are my favorite, but egg noodles, rice, green beans, peas, or roasted vegetables all work well too.

Yes, but LOW gives the beef more time to become tender. If cooking on HIGH, start checking it around 3½–4 hours.

More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy Plated on a white plate over mashed potatoes with a silver fork and plaid napkin the crockpot in the background

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

These easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are tender, flavorful, and cooked in a rich homemade gravy with simple ingredients. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time:6 hours 40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef tips recipe, slow cooker beef tips and gravy
Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds stew meat or chuck roast cut into 1½–2 inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Gravy

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Add the stew meat or chuck roast, onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tamari or soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and butter to the slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  3. About 20–30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth.
  4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
  6. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm over creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Start checking the beef around the 6-hour mark. Once it is fork-tender, it is ready.
  • For the most tender beef, cook on LOW rather than HIGH when possible.
  • If the gravy becomes thicker than you like, stir in a splash of beef broth before serving.

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