Description of this recipe:
This recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the gravy develops a deep, satisfying flavor. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll love this recipe for its ease of preparation and the incredible flavor payoff. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming inexpensive beef stew meat into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. The gravy is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender beef. This dish is also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides, making it a family favorite. The aromas that fill your home while it cooks are simply irresistible, promising a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
This recipe leverages the beauty of slow cooking, resulting in a deeply flavorful and tender dish. Let’s embark on this culinary journey, step by step.
Step 1: (Optional) Sear the Beef Tips
While not strictly necessary, searing the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker adds a beautiful depth of flavor and color to the final dish. To do this, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels (this helps them to brown better). Working in batches, sear the beef tips on all sides until they are nicely browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Remove the browned beef tips from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Beef
In a large bowl, combine the beef tips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings. This ensures that every piece of beef is infused with flavor throughout the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned beef tips in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The beef broth will provide the liquid needed for slow cooking, while the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce add umami and depth of flavor to the gravy.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cooking on LOW for a longer period allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re short on time, cooking on HIGH will still yield delicious results, but the beef may not be quite as tender.
Step 5: Create the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to thicken the cooking liquid into a luscious gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This slurry will act as the thickening agent for the gravy.
Step 6: Thicken and Enrich
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Replace the lid and continue to cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a richer, creamier gravy, stir in the heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking. The heavy cream will add a velvety texture and a luxurious flavor to the gravy.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the gravy has thickened, your Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy are ready to serve! Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes (classic and comforting)
- Rice (perfect for soaking up the gravy)
- Egg noodles (a hearty and satisfying option)
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
- Green beans (a simple and healthy side)
- Crusty bread (for dipping in the gravy)
- Creamy polenta (a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes)
Tips:
- For even more flavor, brown the onions and garlic in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
- For a thicker gravy, use a bit more cornstarch. For a thinner gravy, use a bit less.
- If you want to add vegetables to the slow cooker, add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy. Carrots, potatoes, and celery are all great options.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. A pinch of dried thyme or rosemary can add a lovely herbal note to the dish.
- If you’re using beef stew meat, trim off any excess fat before cooking.
- For a deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the slow cooker.
- If you find the gravy is too salty, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW, or 3-4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):
Calories: 450-550 (depending on serving size and added ingredients) Protein: 35-45g Sodium: 700-900mg (depending on broth and soy sauce used)
Conclusion:
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity belies its rich, comforting flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss. The slow cooker transforms humble ingredients into a tender and flavorful dish, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness that awaits. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience – a warm, comforting, and satisfying journey for your taste buds. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for beef stew meat or sirloin tips, you can certainly experiment with other cuts. Chuck roast is a great alternative; just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking. The key is to use a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful over time.
Q2: I don’t have a slow cooker. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can! To make this recipe on the stovetop, follow the same steps for searing and seasoning the beef. Then, transfer the beef to a Dutch oven or large pot. Add the onions, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Thicken the gravy using the cornstarch slurry as directed.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful. Carrots, potatoes, celery, and mushrooms are all excellent additions. Add them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking so they don’t become too mushy. You can also roast the vegetables separately and serve them alongside the beef tips.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the beef tips and gravy as directed, then let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more beautifully overnight, making it an even more delicious experience!
Q5: What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
A: If your gravy is too thin, you can easily thicken it by adding a bit more cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker and reduce it on the stovetop until it thickens, then add it back to the slow cooker.
