Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy (Tender, Rich & Comforting)

There’s something magical about the slow cooker, isn’t there? You toss in a few simple ingredients in the morning, go about your day, and come back to a house filled with cozy, savory aromas. One of my go-to meals, especially during busy weekdays or chilly evenings, is this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy recipe. It’s rich, satisfying, and so incredibly tender, it practically melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re serving it over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles, this dish is always a hit. And the best part? It’s made with pantry staples, minimal prep, and zero stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra tender beef: The low-and-slow cooking process turns inexpensive cuts of beef into fork-tender bites.
• Hearty gravy: A rich, savory gravy ties everything together and begs to be soaked up with a crusty piece of bread.
• Set-it-and-forget-it: Just 15–20 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this comforting classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make the best Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy:

• Beef tips or cubed stew meat (2.5 to 3 pounds): Chuck roast, sirloin, or stew beef all work beautifully.
• Vegetable oil (2–3 tablespoons): For searing the beef.
• Seasoned salt & black pepper: I like using Lawry’s or my own homemade blend.
• Diced onion (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Fresh or jarred both work.
• Beef broth (2 cups): Go for low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and richness.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A great balance of dried herbs.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle earthiness to the gravy.
• Bay leaf (1): For extra aroma.
• Cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water): Thickens the gravy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef (Optional, but recommended)

Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches—about 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This step adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry.

Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.

2. Build the Flavor

Add the diced onions, minced garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf to the beef in the slow cooker.

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, making sure the beef is mostly submerged.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook:

• On LOW for 6 to 7 hours
• Or on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours

The beef is ready when it’s tender and easily pierced with a fork but still holds its shape.

4. Thicken the Gravy

About 15 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water together to form a slurry.

Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the gravy thickens into a luscious sauce.

Remove the bay leaf and give everything a good stir.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that savory gravy. Try my garlic mashed or sour cream mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

Steamed Rice or Egg Noodles

For a quicker or lighter option, spoon the beef tips and gravy over plain white or brown rice—or buttered egg noodles.

Crusty Bread

A slice of warm baguette or homemade dinner roll is perfect for wiping the bowl clean.

Vegetables on the Side

Balance out the meal with roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the browning: It takes a few extra minutes but adds amazing flavor.
• Cut evenly: Make sure beef cubes are similar in size for even cooking.
• Check doneness: Every slow cooker is a little different. Start checking at the 6-hour mark on low.
• Double the gravy: Love extra sauce? Increase the broth and seasonings slightly, and double the cornstarch slurry.

Storage & Reheating

To store: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin steak are all great. Just avoid lean cuts like tenderloin—they’ll dry out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

Try using a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar. It won’t be identical, but it adds similar umami depth.

More Comforting Beef Recipes to Try

• Classic Pot Roast with Vegetables
• Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms
• Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry (Better Than Takeout!)
• Mississippi Pot Roast (Tender, Juicy, and So Easy!)

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably cozy about a big bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table, fills bellies, and warms hearts. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a simple Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Set it, forget it, and come home to comfort in a bowl.

Mississippi Pot Roast (Tender, Juicy, and So Easy!)