Slow Cooker Brown Gravy and Onion Beef Tips Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add more depth, consider deglazing the slow cooker insert with a splash of red wine before adding the beef, although this is optional. You can also add a touch of fresh thyme or black pepper if you desire more herbal notes.

The key to this recipe is patience; the low and slow heat is what creates the superior texture and flavor, so avoid the temptation to speed up the process by using a higher heat setting.

Serving this dish over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice is highly recommended to soak up the excess gravy. If you prefer a lighter side, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice crunch and acidity to balance the richness of the beef.

Keep the side dishes simple so that the beef tips remain the star of the meal, and enjoy the convenience of a meal that practically makes itself.

Variations

• Mushroom Beef Tips: Add one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions for an earthy, savory boost that pairs beautifully with the brown gravy.
• Garlic Herb Beef Tips: Stir in two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried rosemary to the mix before adding the broth for a more aromatic and herbal flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adding a little beef broth to adjust the consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the beef tips and gravy will maintain their quality and flavor for several days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any absorption of other refrigerator odors. Reheat only the portion you intend to eat to maintain the best texture and food safety standards.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire recipe a day in advance, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the beef tips and gravy on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the gravy has thickened too much.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef tips hot, ladled generously over a base of fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or warm crusty bread. These pairings are perfect for capturing every drop of the rich, onion-infused brown gravy.

A side of roasted carrots or steamed green beans adds color and texture to the plate, completing the meal with a balance of flavors and nutritional components that make this a well-rounded dinner option for the entire family.

When plating, ensure each serving receives a good portion of the tender beef tips along with a generous amount of the gravy and soft onions. The visual appeal of the glossy sauce over the meat is part of the experience, so take care to present it neatly. For a final touch, a light sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a pop of color, although the dish is perfectly delicious and satisfying exactly as it is.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Brown Gravy and Onion Beef Tips

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

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the beef tips into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced onion rings evenly over the surface of the beef. Sprinkle the dry brown gravy mix over the onions and beef, ensuring even coverage.
2. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low. Cook for 8 hours until the beef is tender.
3. Check that the beef tips have reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor distribution.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

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