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

Tips for success

For an even deeper flavor profile, consider deglazing the skillet after searing the beef tips. Once the meat is browned and transferred to the slow cooker, pour a splash of the beef broth directly into the hot skillet.

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

If you prefer an even thicker gravy, you can let the slow cooker run with the lid off for the final thirty minutes of cooking. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, naturally concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce. Conversely, if the gravy becomes too thick during the long cooking process, simply whisk in a splash of warm beef broth to thin it out to your desired consistency before serving.

Variations

• Mushroom Beef Tips: Add sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the beef and broth for an earthier gravy.
• Garlic and Herb Beef Tips: Stir in minced garlic and fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme during the slow cooking phase to infuse the gravy with aromatic herbs.

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 in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy is too thick.

Store any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to prevent any bacterial growth. Properly stored, the leftovers will remain fresh and delicious for up to three to four days.

As the dish sits in the refrigerator, the flavors will continue to meld and deepen, often making the leftovers taste even better the next day. The gravy may thicken slightly when chilled, but it will return to its smooth, velvety consistency once reheated.

This recipe is exceptionally well-suited for making ahead of time. You can fully cook the beef tips and gravy, let them cool completely, and store them in the refrigerator a day or two before serving.

When ready to eat, simply transfer the beef and gravy to a saucepan and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can prep the beef by cutting it the night before, storing it in the refrigerator so it is ready to sear in the morning.

Serving ideas

These tender beef tips and rich gravy are traditionally served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, which act as the perfect vessel for soaking up the savory sauce. They also pair wonderfully with buttered egg noodles, warm polenta, or fluffy white rice.

For a comforting, complete meal, serve the beef tips alongside roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or a simple garden salad. The deep, savory notes of the gravy complement roasted root vegetables beautifully, creating a satisfying and classic dinner experience.

To elevate the presentation, serve the beef tips in a wide, shallow bowl with a generous ladle of the hot gravy poured over the top. The steam rising from the rich, dark gravy enhances the enticing aroma of the slow-cooked beef. For a touch of color and freshness, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can be added just before serving. This contrasts beautifully with the deep, warm tones of the gravy, making the dish look as spectacular as it tastes.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Rich Savory Gravy

Prep 15 minCook 6 hRest 3 minTotal 6 h 18 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups savory beef broth

Instructions

1. Pat the beef tips completely dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is essential to achieve a deep, flavorful sear in the skillet rather than steaming the meat.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Sear the beef for about two minutes per side until a rich, deep brown crust forms.
3. Transfer the seared beef tips directly into the slow cooker insert. Pour the rich savory broth over the beef tips, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for six to eight hours, or on high for three to four hours, until the beef tips are tender.
5. Allow the beef tips and broth to simmer together until the liquid bubbles gently and reduces into a rich, dark gravy. Ensure the beef has reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then turn off the heat and let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

430

Protein

50 g

Carbohydrates

1 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

0 g

Sodium

650 mg

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