If you have been searching for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day, this Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of seared beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy, infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of Dijon mustard, delivering deep, hearty flavors with minimal effort. This dish not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also brings satisfying warmth and comfort to your table, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and richness. From the quality of your beef to the careful blend of herbs and the silky gravy, these components come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes like it required a whole day in the kitchen, but didn’t.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for creating a hot searing surface that locks in juices and flavor.
- Beef chuck roast or sirloin: Choose tender, well-marbled beef cut into bite-size pieces for the best tenderness and taste.
- Salt and pepper: The simplest seasonings that elevate the beef’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
- Onion or onion powder: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy, making every bite more flavorful.
- Garlic cloves or garlic powder: Bringing warmth and a subtle kick to the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Unsalted butter: Used to create a luscious, creamy base for the gravy that binds all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy, giving it that perfect rich consistency.
- Low sodium beef broth: A savory foundation that ensures the sauce has depth and complexity.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a mild umami boost, balancing salty and savory notes beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang that brightens the richness of the beef and gravy.
- Beef bouillon: Concentrated flavor enhancer making every spoonful of gravy utterly delicious.
- Dried parsley, paprika, oregano, and thyme: Herbal accents that give the dish its irresistible aroma and inviting color.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by tossing the trimmed beef pieces right on your cutting board with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. This simple step primes the beef, bringing out its natural flavors and preparing it for that golden crust. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Work in batches to sear the beef pieces, allowing about two minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. This process locks in juices, so your beef stays tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker, making sure to layer the chopped onions and minced garlic on top for instant flavor infusion.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Base
Don’t rush past the skillet juices! To those savory drippings, melt between one to four tablespoons of unsalted butter—adjust based on how much juice is left—to get about half a cup total between butter and juices. This luscious fat is the backbone of your gravy. Whisk in half a cup of flour carefully and cook the mixture for about two minutes over medium heat to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a nutty, velvety roux. This step is the secret behind that thick, silky gravy that clings perfectly to every tender beef tip.
Step 3: Whisk in Gravy Ingredients and Simmer
Slowly mix in the remainder of your gravy makers: beef broth, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, beef bouillon, and your carefully measured dried herbs—parsley, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Bring this aromatic concoction to a boil and then immediately reduce to a simmer. Let it thicken gently until it reaches a consistency similar to a luscious thick gravy, knowing it will loosen slightly once it mingles with the beef in the slow cooker. Pour this rich mixture over the beef and onions and give everything a good stir so all those wonderful flavors get to know each other.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 7 hours. Patience here is key—the magic happens as the beef transforms into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Throughout the cooking process, the slow heat gently breaks down the beef fibers and intensifies the flavors, giving you that unmistakable comfort food feeling. Just before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns on top adds visual appeal and a fresh note that cuts through the rich gravy beautifully. A dollop of sour cream can add a lovely tang or shredded cheddar cheese can add extra indulgence, turning this dish into pure comfort food heaven.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the luscious gravy, buttery egg noodles for a pasta twist, or simple steamed rice if you want to keep things classic and easy. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can bring balance and freshness to this hearty plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up for guests, serve the beef tips over a bed of garlic-infused polenta or nestled into puff pastry for an elegant pot pie effect. Individual ramekins topped with crispy fried onions also make for charming presentation and a satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as gratifying as the first.
Freezing
Crock Pot beef tips freeze exceptionally well. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. When thawed, the beef retains its tender texture and the rich gravy tastes just as wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickened too much during storage, bringing it back to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast and sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like round or brisket. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender.
Can I make this recipe without fresh garlic and onion?
Yes, if fresh ingredients aren’t available, substitute with onion powder and garlic powder. Use about one teaspoon of each to maintain that essential aromatic base in the recipe.
How thick should the gravy be before adding to the slow cooker?
The gravy should be thick and coat the back of a spoon, similar to a heavy cream consistency. It will thin out during slow cooking, so starting with a slightly thick gravy ensures the final sauce isn’t too runny.
Can I use this recipe with a stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the beef tips in a covered pot over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until tender, stirring occasionally. However, the slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach and more gradual flavor melding.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening the gravy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about coming home to the aroma of Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe simmering away, promising a meal that’s both hearty and effortlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving cozy comfort food on a chilly day, this recipe delivers every single time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s pure, savory love in every bite.
Print
Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Beef Tips recipe features tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chuck roast seared to perfection and slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy made with beef broth, butter, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish pairs wonderfully with potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast or sirloin, trimmed of excess fat and cut into large bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 onion, chopped (may substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder)
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced (may substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Gravy Ingredients
- 1–4 tablespoons unsalted butter (amount adjusted to have 1/2 cup combined with juices)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Beef: While the meat is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the beef in batches if necessary, and sear on each side for about 2 minutes to develop a brown crust. Transfer the seared beef to a lightly greased 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Top the beef with chopped onions and minced garlic.
- Prepare the Roux: In the same skillet, melt 1 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter depending on how much fat and juices remain from searing the meat. Your goal is to have approximately 1/2 cup combined liquid of juices and butter. Whisk the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour into the butter and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat to eliminate raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Make the Gravy: Gradually whisk in 4 cups low sodium beef broth, 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon, and dried herbs including parsley, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens to a consistency similar to thick gravy. Keep in mind it will thin out once it combines with the beef in the slow cooker.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the thickened gravy over the beef in the slow cooker and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 5 to 7 hours. The beef is ready when it is tender enough to melt in your mouth.
- Serve: After cooking, taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve the beef tips hot with your choice of potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- For quicker seasoning alternatives, onion powder and garlic powder can substitute fresh onions and garlic.
- The amount of butter used to make the gravy roux depends on the fat leftover from searing the meat; adjust to reach approximately 1/2 cup of liquid fat.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of beef broth or cook the gravy mixture a little longer before adding to the slow cooker.
- Using low sodium beef broth and soy sauce helps control the saltiness and allows you to add salt to taste at the end.
- Serving suggestions include mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed rice, or even creamy polenta.
