Tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Rich Gravy Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the flavor of the gravy even further, try deglazing the searing skillet. After transferring the seared beef tips to the slow cooker, pour a splash of the beef stock directly into the hot skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious, caramelized browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Pour this highly flavorful liquid right into the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. This simple step ensures that no flavor is wasted and adds incredible depth to the final gravy.

For an even richer and glossier finish to the gravy, let the beef tips sit in the warm slow cooker for about ten minutes after turning it off; this allows the meat to reabsorb some of the thickened sauce, making it even juicier. You can also stir in a small splash of stock if the gravy becomes too thick during the resting period, ensuring a perfectly smooth and velvety consistency.

Variations

• Mushroom and Onion Beef Tips: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms and yellow onions in the skillet after searing the beef, then transfer them to the slow cooker to cook alongside the meat for an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Herb Beef Tips: Add minced garlic and sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker with the beef stock to infuse the gravy with rich herb aromas.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if the gravy is too thick.

Allow any leftover beef tips and gravy to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the beef tips will keep well for up to three to four days.

The gravy may thicken further as it chills, but it will return to its luscious, smooth consistency once reheated. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.

This recipe is highly suitable for making ahead of time, making it excellent for meal prep or stress-free entertaining. Prepare the recipe fully, let it cool completely within two hours, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply transfer the beef tips and gravy back into a slow cooker on the warm setting, or reheat them gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock if the gravy has become too thick.

Serving ideas

These tender beef tips and rich gravy are traditionally served over a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, which act as the perfect vessel for soaking up the savory sauce. Alternatively, serve them over hot, buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice to catch every drop of the delicious gravy.

Accompany the dish with a side of roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or glazed carrots to add a vibrant color and a fresh contrast to the rich, comforting flavors of the beef.

For a rustic, comforting presentation, serve the beef tips family-style in a large, warmed serving bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if desired. Warm, crusty bread or freshly baked dinner rolls are also highly recommended for wiping the plate clean. The combination of the ultra-tender meat, the velvety gravy, and a soft starch makes for an incredibly satisfying and classic home-cooked meal that everyone at the table will thoroughly enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Rich Gravy

Prep 15 minCook 8 hRest 3 minTotal 8 h 18 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• seasoning, to taste
• 2 cups savory beef stock

Instructions

1. Place the beef cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle evenly with the seasoning, tossing the meat to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the savory blend.
2. Heat a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned beef in a single layer, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, and sear for two minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
3. Transfer the seared beef tips to the slow cooker. Pour the savory beef stock over the meat, cover with the lid, and cook on low for seven to eight hours, or on high for four to five hours, until the beef is ultra-tender.
4. Uncover the slow cooker and set it to high. Let the liquid simmer and bubble softly until it naturally reduces and thickens into a rich, dark brown gravy. Ensure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and let it rest for three minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

31 g

Carbohydrates

1 g

Fat

21 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

0 g

Sodium

550 mg

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