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

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil until browned on all sides before placing them in the slow cooker. While this adds an extra step, the Maillard reaction significantly enhances the complexity of the final gravy.

If you choose this path, be sure to deglaze the skillet with a splash of the beef broth to capture all the browned bits, known as fond, and add that liquid into the slow cooker.

If you prefer a brighter flavor to cut through the richness of the beef, stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar right before serving. These additions can balance the saltiness of the onion soup mix and provide a slight acidity that wakes up the palate.

Remember that the onion soup mix already contains salt, so taste the gravy before adding any additional salt, as you may find it is perfectly seasoned as is.

Variations

• Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. The mushrooms will absorb the savory gravy and add an earthy texture that complements the beef perfectly.
• Red Wine Infusion: Substitute 1/2 cup of the beef broth with a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. Add it at the beginning to allow the alcohol to cook off while providing a sophisticated depth of flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the beef moist and prevent the gravy from forming a skin. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. The gravy will thicken further as it cools, which is normal.

Ensure the food is cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety standards and keep the quality of the beef as high as possible.

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

When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of water or beef broth if the gravy has become too thick during the storage process.

Serving ideas

Serve these beef tips in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the rich gravy. A generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles makes the perfect base for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter touch, a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots provides a nice contrast in texture and color, rounding out the meal without overpowering the savory profile of the beef tips.

If you prefer a more casual presentation, serve the beef tips alongside thick slices of toasted sourdough or crusty baguette. The bread is ideal for mopping up every last drop of the onion gravy. Consider serving a crisp, acidic salad with a vinaigrette dressing on the side to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, tender beef and the savory sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Rich Onion Gravy

Prep 15 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the cubed beef chuck roast into the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the meat, then pour the beef broth over everything. Ensure the beef is mostly covered by the liquid.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the temperature to low and cook for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Using tongs, lift the tender beef tips from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the rich, natural onion gravy from the slow cooker over the beef before serving.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

400

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

800 mg

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