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Crock Pot Beef Tips With Gravy: A Slow-Cooked Comfort Classic

I still remember the aroma that would fill our house every Sunday morning when I was a kid. It was a heady mix of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, and sweet onions, all simmering away in a rich, deeply flavorful gravy. My mom’s secret weapon? Her trusty crock pot, transforming inexpensive cuts of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. This recipe is a tribute to those Sunday mornings, a simple yet satisfying dish that brings back a flood of comforting memories with every bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-12 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Dietary Type: Not specified (easily adaptable to gluten-free)

Ingredients

½ cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
4 lbs sirloin tip steaks, cut into cubes
½ cup green onion, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
10 ½ ounces condensed beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste or 2 tablespoons ketchup
¼ cup dry red wine
3 tablespoons flour
Buttered noodles, for serving

Equipment Needed

Crock pot (slow cooker)
Plastic bag
Large pyrex measuring cup

Instructions

In a plastic bag, combine the ½ cup of flour with the salt and pepper. This mixture will create a light coating on the beef, helping it to brown slightly and thicken the gravy.
Add the cubed sirloin tip steaks to the bag and toss to coat thoroughly. Ensure each piece of beef is evenly covered in the flour mixture. This coating will help to create a beautiful crust on the beef while it simmers in the crock pot.
Place the coated beef cubes into the crock pot. Arrange them in a single layer, if possible, to promote even cooking.
Sprinkle the chopped green onion and sliced mushrooms on top of the beef cubes. The onions and mushrooms will infuse the dish with their earthy flavors as they cook.
In a large Pyrex measuring cup, combine the condensed beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste (or ketchup). The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami, while the tomato paste or ketchup provides a subtle sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the beef.
Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are combined and the beef is submerged in the liquid.
Cover the crock pot and cook on the LOW setting for 7 to 12 hours. The longer cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, but the beef may not be as tender.
One hour before serving, turn the crock pot to the HIGH setting. This will help to thicken the gravy.
In a separate small bowl, make a smooth paste of red wine and 3 tablespoons of flour. The red wine adds complexity to the gravy, while the flour acts as a thickening agent. Ensure the mixture is smooth to prevent lumps in the gravy.
Stir the red wine and flour paste into the crock pot, blending well. Distribute the mixture evenly throughout the gravy to ensure consistent thickening.
Cover the crock pot and cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, about 30-60 minutes.
Serve the beef tips with gravy over buttered noodles. The noodles provide a perfect base for soaking up the delicious gravy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Browning the Beef: For an even deeper flavor, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot. This step adds a beautiful crust and intensifies the beefy taste.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes to the crock pot. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy isn’t thick enough after cooking, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crock pot. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Low and Slow is Key: The key to tender beef tips is cooking them low and slow. The long cooking time allows the collagen in the beef to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Deglazing the Pan: If you sear the beef before adding it to the crockpot, deglaze the pan with a bit of beef broth or red wine to scrape up any browned bits. These bits contain a lot of flavor and will enhance the gravy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Crock Pot Beef Tips With Gravy hot over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	516.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	261g	51%
Total Fat	29.1 g	44%
Saturated Fat	11.7 g	58%
Cholesterol	170.4 mg	56%
Sodium	692.9 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	10.7 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	1.1 g	4%
Protein	49 g	98%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the beef and thickening the gravy. You can also use cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Vegetarian “Beef” Tips: Substitute the beef with seitan or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crock pot for a spicy kick.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf to add depth of flavor to the dish.
Beer instead of Wine: If you don’t have red wine on hand, substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or a dark beer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or stew meat. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the cut.

Q: Can I add potatoes to the crock pot?
A: Yes, you can add potatoes to the crock pot. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the other vegetables.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook it according to the instructions and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the beef from drying out?
A: Ensure that the beef is submerged in the liquid throughout the cooking process. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a little more beef broth.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Beef Tips With Gravy recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the magic of slow-cooked flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and make it your own. And, most importantly, share it with loved ones and create your own cherished memories around this classic dish.

Crock Pot Beef Tips With Gravy Recipe