This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does most of the work, transforming affordable cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites. The gravy is deeply flavorful and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, making this dish a reliable family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef stew meat or sirloin tips All-purpose flour Salt Black pepper Garlic powder Onion powder Olive oil Beef broth Worcestershire sauce Soy sauce Onion, sliced Cornstarch Water
Directions
Place the beef in a bowl and toss with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. This step adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped if needed.
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add sliced onions.
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, then pour over the beef.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
Continue cooking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency, then serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes. Cook time is 7 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Total time ranges from 3 hours 15 minutes to just over 8 hours, depending on the cooking setting.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth gravy. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast cut into cubes works very well and becomes extremely tender after slow cooking.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
Browning is optional, but it adds richer flavor and improves the overall taste of the gravy.
Can I make this recipe without flour?
Yes, you can skip the flour and rely solely on cornstarch at the end to thicken the gravy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch and a gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots, or peas are great additions and can be added during the last few hours of cooking.
How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thick?
Add the cornstarch slurry gradually and stop once the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, cooking on low overnight works well as long as your slow cooker is functioning properly and safely.
What should I serve with beef tips and gravy?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or buttered bread are all excellent options.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Will the beef be tender?
When cooked low and slow, the beef becomes very tender and easy to cut with a fork.
Conclusion
Slow cooker beef tips with gravy is a timeless comfort dish that combines ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meals ahead, this recipe delivers dependable results and a satisfying, hearty dinner every time.
Tender beef tips slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth soft and smothered in a rich, savory homemade gravy. A classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
2 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Instructions
Place the beef in a large bowl and toss with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker and add the sliced onion.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, then pour over the beef.
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker.
Continue cooking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, then serve warm.
Notes
Browning the beef adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.Chuck roast cut into cubes is a great alternative to stew meat.Add mushrooms or carrots for extra vegetables.Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.Use gluten-free flour and soy sauce to make this gluten-free.
