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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Slow Cooker Pork Tips and Gravy for an Easy Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

A serving of tender pork tips in a rich brown gravy on a white plate.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6
Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking on high. This allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and resulting in a more substantial sauce. Alternatively, stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 15 minutes of cooking if you want a noticeably thicker, more restaurant-style finish.

The flavor of this dish often improves after sitting in the refrigerator overnight, as the seasonings have more time to penetrate the meat. If you are planning to serve this for a special occasion, consider making it a day ahead.

When reheating, the gravy may thicken further, so have a splash of water or extra broth on hand to loosen it up to your preferred consistency before serving.

Variations

  • Mushroom Pork Tips: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the pork. The mushrooms will absorb the savory gravy and add an earthy depth to the final dish.
  • Onion and Herb: Sauté one large diced yellow onion until translucent before adding it to the slow cooker. Stir in a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves for a bright, aromatic herbal note.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pork and gravy have cooled to room temperature, but do not leave them out on the counter for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety standards. For longer storage, the dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture of the pork may soften slightly upon thawing and reheating.

This recipe is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the mixture, store it in the refrigerator in the ceramic insert, and simply place it into the slow cooker base when you are ready to start.

If cooking from cold, you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the total cook time. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want to prep everything before leaving for work.

Serving ideas

Serve these pork tips over a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, which provide the perfect canvas for the savory gravy.

For a lighter option, consider serving the dish alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp, green garden salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pork. A side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is also highly recommended for mopping up the extra sauce.

For a more casual presentation, ladle the pork and gravy over a bowl of hot, fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles. Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the deep, meaty flavors of the gravy.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or freshly cracked black pepper just before serving can add a nice contrast.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be made with a different cut of meat?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you can use pork loin. Note that loin is leaner and may become dry if overcooked, so monitor it closely during the final stages of the cooking process.
Why does the gravy look too thin?
The gravy may appear thin if the lid was opened too often or if the ratio of liquid to meat was high. To thicken, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Browning the pork in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor through caramelization. While not strictly required for this recipe, it is a recommended step for those who want a more intense, savory-forward gravy.
Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pork Tips and Gravy for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 6
A serving of tender pork tips in a rich brown gravy on a white plate.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb pork shoulder, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the cubed pork shoulder into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring the pieces are distributed in an even layer across the bottom of the ceramic insert for uniform cooking.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until completely smooth and free of lumps. Pour the mixture evenly over the pork cubes in the slow cooker.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Once the time is up, verify the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Turn off the heat and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly.
Contains: gluten, fish

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
420
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
26 g
Fiber
0.5 g
Sugar
2 g
Sodium
850 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/slow-cooker-pork-tips-and-gravy/part-3