Tender, juicy, and rich with savory flavor, Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Whether you’re serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying, family-friendly dinner. Even better, the slow cooker does most of the work. That makes it both convenient and foolproof. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy days, this recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table with every bite.

Why This Slow Cooker Recipe Stands Out

This dish checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly flavorful. The use of top sirloin provides a lean but tender base, which becomes incredibly succulent when slow cooked.

Additionally, the rich, herby gravy clings perfectly to rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy becomes a dependable meal for any weeknight.

Moreover, it’s customizable and forgiving. That means you can adapt it for various dietary needs or flavor preferences. As a result, it’s ideal for both novice cooks and experienced home chefs.

What You’ll Need for Bold Flavor

• Top Sirloin Steak: This lean cut stays juicy and holds its shape. It delivers a clean beef flavor without excess fat.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to sear the beef. This step adds essential depth and caramelization.
• Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: A balanced seasoning that enhances umami and brings out the beef’s natural flavor.
• Black Pepper: Offers warmth and a sharp finish. It complements the richness of the gravy.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Forms the savory base of the gravy while letting the other flavors shine.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds acidity and umami, which balances the meatiness of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a subtle herbal flavor with oregano, basil, and rosemary notes.
• Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, woodsy depth that infuses the gravy.
• Diced Onion: Softens as it cooks and adds mild sweetness and texture.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic and bold, it rounds out the flavor profile.
• Bay Leaf: A classic slow-cooker addition that subtly boosts overall flavor.
• Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the broth into a smooth, rich gravy right before serving.

Great Ingredient Swaps You Can Use

• Chuck Roast: If you’re on a budget, chuck roast offers great marbling and flavor. It becomes tender with slow cooking.
• Olive Oil: Swapping vegetable oil for olive oil adds a mild fruity note.
• Tamari or Coconut Aminos: These are excellent Worcestershire alternatives for gluten-free diets.
• Fresh Herbs: If using fresh thyme or rosemary, double the amount to match dried herb potency.
• Arrowroot Powder: Use this as a gluten-free thickener instead of cornstarch.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Beef Tips

Sear the Beef
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add half the beef cubes and season with ½ teaspoon of seasoned salt and black pepper. Let the beef sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes. Then stir and sear until browned but not fully cooked.

Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Repeat this process with the remaining beef and oil.

Build the Flavor
Next, pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and dried thyme. Then, add the diced onion and minced garlic over the top. Tuck in a bay leaf for added flavor.
Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker. Cook the beef tips on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Keep an eye on the time to avoid overcooking.
Make the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it simmer on LOW until the sauce thickens into a rich, silky gravy. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Time to Serve
Serve the beef tips hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Spoon extra gravy over the top for a comforting, savory finish.

Pro Tips for Best Results Every Time

• Brown the Beef: Always sear before slow cooking. It adds flavor and improves the dish’s overall texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Monitor closely during the last hour. Beef should be tender but not shredded.
• Adjust Salt: Taste the gravy before serving. If it’s too salty, dilute with a splash of water or broth.
• Batch Cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra portions for future meals.
• Storage: Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth for best texture.

What to Serve With Beef Tips and Gravy

Perfect Pairings:
• Mashed Potatoes: Classic and creamy, they soak up the gravy beautifully.
• Rice: White or brown rice adds a wholesome, gluten-free base.
• Egg Noodles: A tender, buttery alternative that complements the beef.

Bread Options:
• Dinner Rolls: Perfect for scooping up any leftover gravy.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a crisp, aromatic crunch to the meal.

Vegetable Sides:
• Roasted Green Beans or Carrots: Add color and fiber to the plate.
• Salad with Grapes and Gorgonzola: Offers a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.

Make It Seasonal and Cozy

This dish is especially ideal for cold months. As temperatures drop, Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy becomes a soul-warming essential. Its hearty nature, combined with the ease of preparation, makes it a staple for fall and winter dinner rotations.

You can even prep the night before to simplify weeknight cooking. Simply store everything (except the slurry) in your slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is a simple yet deeply flavorful recipe that delivers classic comfort with minimal effort. From tender, juicy beef to thick, savory gravy, this dish earns its place in any meal plan. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing option that adapts beautifully to your needs — whether you’re feeding a family or storing leftovers for later.

With the right combination of ingredients, smart technique, and a little patience, this recipe becomes one you’ll return to again and again.

Conclusion Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

If you’re searching for a dependable, delicious meal that satisfies the whole family, Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is a must-try. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this hearty recipe delivers fall-apart tender beef in a rich, savory gravy. It’s the kind of comforting dinner that brings people to the table and leaves them asking for seconds. From weeknight meals to lazy Sundays, this dish fits effortlessly into your rotation — and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy?
Yes, while top sirloin is lean and tender, other cuts like chuck roast or stew meat also work well. Chuck roast adds more marbling and flavor, making it ideal for slow cooking. Just be sure to trim excess fat and adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. How do I prevent the beef from becoming too soft or mushy?
To avoid overcooking, monitor the beef during the last hour of cooking. Stick to 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH. Once the beef is fork-tender but still holds its shape, it’s ready.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder. Also, pair with gluten-free noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a completely gluten-free meal.

4. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep the gravy silky and prevent drying out.

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