Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy with onions, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Beef

• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8 ounces (225g) baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Gravy

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Thickening Slurry

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh thyme
• Cracked black pepper

Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Large skillet (optional, for browning)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.

Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

Add to the slow cooker:

• Onion
• Mushrooms
• Garlic

Pour in:

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce

Add:

• Onion soup mix
• Tomato paste
• Dijon mustard
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook

• Low: Cook for 7–8 hours
• High: Cook for 4–5 hours

The beef should be fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Cornstarch
• Cold water

Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Cover and continue cooking until the gravy thickens.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the beef tips and gravy over:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Steamed white rice
• Brown rice

Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.

Tips for the Best Beef Tips & Gravy

Brown the Beef

Searing creates a richer, deeper flavor in the finished gravy.

Choose the Right Cut

Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin tips become wonderfully tender after slow cooking.

Don’t Lift the Lid

Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.

Thicken at the End

Adding the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes creates a silky, lump-free gravy.

Flavor Variations

Creamy Beef Tips

Stir in ½ cup sour cream or ¼ cup heavy cream just before serving.

Garlic Herb

Add an extra 2 cloves of garlic and fresh rosemary.

Red Wine Gravy

Replace ½ cup of the beef broth with dry red wine for a richer flavor.

Vegetable-Packed

Add carrots, celery, or peas during the last hour of cooking.

Spicy Version

Mix in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

What to Serve With

Starches

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• White or brown rice
• Creamy polenta
• Garlic mashed cauliflower

Vegetables

• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Honey-glazed carrots
• Buttered peas

Bread

• Dinner rolls
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Crusty French bread

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Stovetop

Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Microwave

Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen beef?

For food safety, thaw the beef completely before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I skip browning the meat?

Yes. Browning isn’t required, but it enhances the flavor and color of the gravy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free onion soup mix, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Why is my gravy too thin?

Let the cornstarch slurry cook for at least 20–30 minutes. If needed, add another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.

Recipe Notes

✅ Easy one-pot meal

✅ High in protein

✅ Family-friendly

✅ Perfect for meal prep

✅ Freezer-friendly

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the beef and gravy ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert. Simply place the insert into the slow cooker and start cooking the next morning.

Serving Suggestion

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a comforting, complete meal. A slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the rich gravy.

Chef’s Secret

For the deepest, richest flavor, brown the beef before slow cooking and sauté the onions and mushrooms in the same skillet to pick up the flavorful browned bits. Stir in a small pat of butter just before serving for a glossy, velvety gravy, then garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for a restaurant-quality finish.