Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor, you can sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. While this adds an extra step, the caramelization from the searing process contributes a deeper, roasted flavor to the final gravy. Ensure you deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth to capture all those flavorful browned bits, then pour everything into the slow cooker to ensure no flavor is left behind.

If you prefer a brighter finish, consider stirring in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the beef and gravy. You could also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard during the last hour of cooking to introduce a subtle tang that complements the savory mushroom base of the gravy perfectly.

Variations

• Vegetable-Packed Tips: Add sliced carrots, celery, and pearl onions to the slow cooker along with the beef. These vegetables will soften as they cook, adding texture and sweetness to the gravy while increasing the overall nutritional variety of the meal.
• Red Wine Infused: Replace half of the beef broth with a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. The acidity of the wine helps to balance the richness of the gravy and adds a sophisticated depth of flavor to the beef.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the food is refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until simmering and heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to thin the gravy if needed.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, which should take no more than 2 hours. Properly stored, the beef tips and gravy will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy has become too thick during storage, ensuring the beef is heated through evenly without becoming overcooked.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often meld and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it for up to 2 days before serving.

When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop to maintain the tenderness of the meat. It also freezes well, making it a convenient option for future meals when time is limited and you need a quick, comforting dinner ready to go.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef tips and gravy over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes to ensure every drop of the flavorful sauce is enjoyed. The starchiness of the potatoes provides the perfect canvas for the rich gravy.

Alternatively, serve over buttered egg noodles or steamed white rice for a different texture. A side of roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans adds a nice contrast to the soft texture of the beef and gravy, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner experience.

Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to help mop up any remaining gravy left on the plate. If you are hosting a larger group, you can double the recipe, provided your slow cooker has enough capacity.

Present the dish in a large, warmed serving bowl to keep it hot at the table. Adding a fresh garnish like chopped parsley immediately before serving enhances the visual appeal and adds a touch of brightness to the dark, savory sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Prep 5 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet brown gravy seasoning mix
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the beef chunks into the bottom of the slow cooker. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the meat, then sprinkle the seasoning packet evenly over the top.
2. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture.
3. Once finished and rested, stir the mixture gently to incorporate any juices that settled at the bottom. Serve the tender beef tips and gravy hot over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.