Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Potatoes for an Easy Family Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Potatoes for an Easy Family Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat cubes; 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 1 packet onion soup mix; 1 packet au jus mix; 2 cups beef broth

By Clara Weller · Oct 10, 2026

A close-up of tender beef tips and baby potatoes in a rich, savory brown au jus gravy served in a white bowl.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 8 h
Total: 8 h 15 min
Serves: 4

Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, consider searing the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. While not strictly necessary, this technique adds a nice caramelized crust to the exterior of the beef, which contributes to a more complex and rich gravy. If time allows, this extra step can elevate the overall profile of the final dish.

If the gravy appears thinner than desired after the cooking time is complete, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce further.

Alternatively, you can gently mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the crock to release their starch into the liquid, which serves as a natural thickening agent.

Variations

Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 ounces of sliced button mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for an earthy, savory boost that complements the beef and onion flavors perfectly.
Carrot and Celery Addition: Incorporate 2 cups of chopped carrots and 1 cup of sliced celery to the mix. These vegetables add sweetness and texture, creating a classic stew-like experience.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator.

Proper storage is essential for food safety; ensure the cooked beef and potatoes are cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before transferring them to the refrigerator. Keeping the dish airtight also helps prevent the gravy from developing a skin and keeps the potatoes from drying out.

This dish is excellent for making ahead of time, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, simply reheat the desired portion on the stovetop or in the microwave. The potatoes will remain soft, and the beef will continue to soak up the savory gravy, making it a convenient option for meal planning.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish in deep, warm bowls to help retain the heat of the gravy. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, can add a bright, fresh note to the finished plate, though it is entirely optional depending on personal preference.

The combination of the tender beef and the savory au jus makes this a satisfying standalone meal. If a larger portion is needed, consider serving it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed greens.

The key to a successful presentation is ensuring every serving includes a generous portion of the thickened gravy, as this is where much of the dish's flavor resides.

Frequently asked questions

Can the beef be cooked on the high setting instead of low?

Cooking on high will significantly reduce the cooking time to about 4 hours. However, the low setting is highly recommended for beef stew meat, as it provides the gentle, consistent heat necessary to break down the connective tissues and achieve the most tender result.

Is it necessary to use beef stew meat?

Beef stew meat is ideal because it comes from tougher cuts that benefit greatly from the long, slow braising process. If using a different cut, ensure it is one that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast, which can be cut into cubes for similar results.

Why is the gravy thin?

The gravy may appear thin if too much liquid was added or if the potatoes did not release enough starch. To thicken it, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow for evaporation, or mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the liquid.

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Potatoes for an Easy Family Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat cubes
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
1 packet onion soup mix
1 packet au jus mix
2 cups beef broth

Instructions

Place the beef stew meat cubes into the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are spread out evenly to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
Scatter the halved baby potatoes over the beef cubes. Sprinkle the packets of onion soup mix and au jus mix over the potatoes and meat. Finally, pour the beef broth over the entire mixture to create the braising liquid.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 8 hours. Once the beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), turn off the heat and let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
Once the beef has rested, gently stir the contents to combine the thickened gravy with the tender meat and potatoes. Ladle the mixture into warm serving bowls and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 420
Protein: 32.5 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 3.5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 950 mg

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

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.