Beef Tips (Crock Pot Recipe)

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (with no “cream soup!” ) is wonderfully tender, richly satisfying, comforting and flavorful and the perfect make ahead meal for busy weeknights!

 Also known as Beef Tips and Rice and Beef Tips and Noodles, this Beef Tips recipe is about to become one of your favorite recipes! You will be blown away by the flavor and ease of this luxuriously, melt-in-your-mouth beef! I love serving this Beef Tips Recipe for special occasions or holidays because it is so easy, make ahead and simple to double/triple or I’ve even 10X for a crowd!

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BEEF TIPS RECIPE VIDEO

up close of Beef Tips Recipe in crock pot with a wooden spoon scooping beef


 

Beef Tips in Crock Pot

And 10x this Slow Cooker Beef Tips recipe I did for our Church Woman’s RS Christmas Dinner in return for 10x the rave reviews, emails, texts, face-to-face begging for the recipe. Yes, it’s that good.

Out of everything I could have planned and served (with my Perfect Pot Roast a close second but not as practical), I settled on this Beef Tips Recipe because it’s wonderfully comforting — AKA DELICIOUS — formal enough when using sirloin (you can use other meat for less formal/expense occasions), easy to make in mass quantity, a prep and forget it recipe, stays warm until ready to serve, and receives rave reviews every. single. time. 

We served these  Crock Pot Beef Tips alongside my Company Mashed Potatoes and Apple Cranberry Salad for a rave worthy feast!

The little work for this Beef Tips Recipe was so worth the praise and the bonus of the savory aroma wafting through every corner of my home as I had 8 large Crockpots scattered throughout my downstairs, plugged into different outlets from the kitchen, to the living room to the bedroom as to not blow a fuse.  I was sorry to see all the Crockpots of deliciousness go…

Showing how to make Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe by adding seared meat, onions and gravy to slow cooker

Beef Tips Recipe ingredients

This slow cooker beef tips recipe requires surprisingly few ingredients to achieve such a rich, comforting flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to make homemade beef tips and gravy:

  • Beef: Beef chuck or sirloin will provide the most tender, juicy beef tips. Cut the beef into large bite-size pieces keeping in mind the beef will shrink some as it cooks. .
  • Onion: Gets added to the slow cooker to flavor the beef. You may also substitute with 1 teaspoon onion powder.
  • Garlic: I typically add 4 to 6 cloves of garlic to flavor the beef really well. You may also substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Vegetable oil: You need just a little vegetable or olive oil for searing the beef in a skillet.
  • Butter: The exact amount of butter will depend on how much juices/fat are left from searing your meat. 
  • All-purpose flour: I’m sure you could use a gluten-free flour blend here as well.
  • Beef broth: I prefer using low-sodium beef broth so I can control the amount of salt in the dish.
  • Soy sauce: I use reduced sodium soy sauce as well to prevent this meal from being too salty.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a lovely punch of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • Beef bouillon: Just a few teaspoons of bouillon makes the gravy extra rich.
  • Sugar: Just a pinch of sugar balances out the meatiness of this dish.
  • Dried herbs and spices: Dried parsley, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper adds lots of flavor to the beef tips and gravy.
Showing how to make Beef Tips Recipe by stirring meat and gravy together with a wood spoon in the crock pot

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy

Although incredibly easy to make, this Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles /Rice / Potatoes/ Gravy Recipe requires just a few extra steps than your mom’s dump and run slow cooker beef tips with cream of mushroom soup.  

That being said, my recipe really only is 15 minutes additional prep time after cutting your meat, if that, and sooooo worth it — or so say the reviews.

  1. Toss the meat with salt and pepper while sitting on the cutting board.
  2. Sear the beef in an oiled skillet.
  3. Add the seared beef, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker.
  4. To the same skillet the beef was seared in, add the butter and flour. Whisk in the flour until dissolved, then add remaining gravy ingredients.
  5. Pour the gravy mixture into the slow cooker.
  6. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-7 hours. Beef is ready when it is melt in your mouth tender. 

Tips for making this Beef Tips Recipe (Crock Pot Method)

  • Sear the beef. Searing the meat first on the stovetop will seal in the juices and keep the meat from drying out. It will also add an additional depth of flavor because meat color always = flavor.
  • Thicken the gravy first. You want to whisk your gravy ingredients together on the stovetop to thicken before adding to your slow cooker. This ensures your gravy is rich, luscious, and the ideal consistency instead of the unappetizing watery gravy that just can’t seem to thicken to perfection using a cornstarch slurry in a slow cooker.  By thickening your gravy first, it emerges beautifully and you will be so happy you took the extra 5 minutes and one saucepan to ensure its perfection.
  • Add more or less butter as needed. The exact amount of butter you add to the skillet will depend on how much juices and fat are left from searing your meat. You want approximately ½ cup between the juices and the butter.

How to make this Beef Tip Crock Pot Recipe tender

Like I mentioned earlier, you can use top sirloin for this Crockpot beef tips recipe or you can use stew meat or beef chuck — all will be delicious and crazy tender if cooked long enough.  If your meat isn’t as tender as you would like, simply continue to cook away until it’s drool worthy tender and begging to be ladled over rice, potatoes or pasta.

Beef Tips Recipe with gravy being served with a wood spoon onto potatoes in a green bowl

Beef Tips Recipe variations

  • Make a mushroom gravy. If you and your family are mushroom lovers, feel free to transform this gravy into mushroom gravy by adding mushrooms directly to the crock pot if you wish. If you like fall apart mushrooms that become one with the gravy, add them at the beginning of cooking. If you like firmer mushrooms, add them about half way through cooking.
  • Serve with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. An easy way to switch up this recipe is to alternate the base you serve it on!
  • Use a different type of meat. You can use stew meat, beef chuck, or sirloin in this recipe. I’ve also had readers report success using venison!

How to store Beef Tips and Gravy

The slow cooker beef tips with gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers will last up to 5 days.

side view of beef tips, mashed potatoes, and carrots in a green bowl with a fork

How to reheat this Beef Tips Recipe

You can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave on 30-second intervals, or you can reheat larger portions in the Crockpot.

Can I Freeze Crockpot Beef Tips?

Yes, this beef tips recipe should freeze well since it’s a flour-based gravy rather than a cream-based gravy. If frozen correctly, leftovers will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to serve this Beef Tip Crock Pot Recipe

These slow cooker beef tips pair well with so many comforting side dishes. Here are a few sides I love to serve with beef tips:

Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe FAQs

CAN I PREP CROCKPOT BEEF TIPS IN ADVANCE?

Absolutely! You can make the recipe as written, then let it sit in your fridge until you’re ready to reheat it in the Crockpot and serve. I recommend serving the beef tips and gravy within 48 hours of making it for best results.

Top view of Best Beef Tips and noodles recipe with a silver fork in a green plate

Looking for More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes?

So now that you have 3 recipes in 1 — Beef Tips and Rice, Beef Tips and Noodles and Beef Tips with Potatoes all with plain Gravy or Mushroom Gravy, be prepared for dinner to become easier and more drool worthy delicious!

Want to try this Beef Tips Recipe?

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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com 

Ridiculously tender, Homemade Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (without any “cream of” anything!) is richly satisfying, comforting and flavorful and the perfect make ahead meal for busy weeknights! I also love serving it for special occasions or holidays because it is so easy, make ahead and super easy to double or triple the recipe!

Crock Pot Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (with no “cream soup!” ) is is wonderfully tender, richly satisfying, comforting and flavorful and the perfect make ahead meal for busy weeknights! I also love serving these Beef Tips Recipe for special occasions or holidays because they are so easy, make ahead and simple to double/triple or I’ve even 10X the recipe!
Servings: 6 -8
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours

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Ingredients

Beef Tips

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast or sirloin, trimmed of excess fat, cut into large bite size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 onion, chopped (may sub 1 teaspoon onion powder)
  • 4-6 garlic cloves, minced (may sub 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

Gravy

Instructions

  • While meat is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add beef (work in 2 batches if needed) to the very hot skillet and sear on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer seared beef to a lightly greased 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker and top with onions and garlic.
  • To the remaining juices left in the skillet, melt 1-4 tablespoons butter. The amount of butter will depend on how much juices/fat are left from searing your meat. You want approximately ½ cup between the juices and the butter. Whisk the flour into the butter and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat.
  • Whisk in all the remaining Gravy ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until thickened to the consistency of thick gravy (gravy will thin once cooked with the beef). Add the gravy to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  • Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-7 hours. Beef is ready when it is melt in your mouth tender. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with potatoes, pasta or rice.

Video

Notes

Don’t miss the “how to make” recipe video at the top of the post!v

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202 Comments

  1. Laurie says

    I have a separate binder for your recipes, they simply are the BEST!
    I will try this recipe next and know it will also be amazing!
    No need to carmelize the onions?
    Also, could you add some wine and a bay leaf and call it Beef Burgundy? Or do you have a Beef Burgundy recipe?
    Keep the recipes coming!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for your kind comment, that means so much to me! No need to caramelize the onions but you definitely can if you want to. You can definitely add wine and a bay leaf if you’d like, yum! I don’t have a Beef Burgundy recipe yet but will add it to the list 😉

      • Rose says

        This is excellent!!! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it!! Absolutely love it!! Has anyone calculated nutrition information? I have no idea how that works..

  2. Lucretia says

    Made these delicious beef tips tonight. Thanks for shaing, will be making again!

    • Jen says

      I’m so pleased they will be on repeat, thanks Lucretia!

      • Lindsay Wheeler says

        I am making this as we speak I made a few alterations though I’m using elk stew meat and I make my own non-processed beef broth so I use that instead of store-bought because it will add much much more flavor…can’t wait to see how it turns out

        • Jen says

          Your alternations sound delish! I hope you love it!

  3. Shawnae says

    The Slow Cooker Beef Tips is amazing!!! My whole house smelled good, and I also served this dish on top of some rice with green beans on the side. This will now be my go-to recipe whenever I am craving Beef Tips with Gravy. Who would have thought that not using cream of mushroom soup would be such a great idea? Thank you so much for sharing, Ms. Jen!

    • Jen says

      Thank yo so much Shawnae, I’m thrilled you loved this recipe so much!

  4. Vera Moore says

    Have in the crockpot now, but had to use air fryer to brown my meat (in air fryer pan) in batches. The stove went to heaven!! While browning I added to crockpot 1 pint home canned French Onion Soup and 1 pint home canned beef stock and had to replace soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce; set crock pot to high. I set the browned stew meat aside and melted butter in same pan; added flour and whisked in and cooked a few minutes before adding about 1/2 of the broth mixture and thickened in air fryer for a few minutes. Dumped into crockpot with rest of broth and whisked in, then finally added back in the meat! I’m cooking 1.5 hours on high and the dropping to low until done 🙂 Will be serving over egg noodles. Thanks for the awesome recipe!

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Vera, sounds delicious!

  5. Jen says

    I’ve made this meal several times! It’s delicious!!! I’m curious about the nutrition information..Can you figure it out for me please?

  6. Linda Jennings says

    Best recipe ever !! I’ve made this so many times and everyone always loves it !

    • Jen says

      I love hearing that, thank you so much Linda!

  7. Christine Ray says

    Love your recipes!! Just made the beef and gravy and roasted potatoes and carrots to serve on the side. Also just made your shredded chicken recipe and rice with the reserved liquid. I make a couple of your recipes on Sunday and then we eat for the week! I share your recipes with my boys and my friends.

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much Christine for making my recipes and for sharing them with others! I’m honored they are on on repeat!

  8. Jennifer says

    Oh my word!!! I e never been so impressed with something I’ve made! This was sooooo good!! I’ve never made beef tips but had some stew meat and it was cold and wanted something other than pot roast or beef stew. I made a previous comment asking what to do bc I added my flour before the butter melted and it came out lumpy and gelatinous. I ended up puréeing it and then added vegetable stock bc it’s what I had. I used garlic and onion powder and used dried mustard instead of Dijon. Definitely making this again! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

    • Jen says

      I love that Jennifer, I’m so pleased it will be on repeat!

  9. Madeline says

    I never have left a review on a recipe before but this was just too good! Recipes I’ve made in the slow cooker before have been either meh or gross. So I was a little hesitant to try but I’m so glad I did! I think I would like the gravy thicker next time so I’ll adjust for that. My husband even added double the paprika on accident but it turned out delicious! Next I’ll be doing crockpot chicken and gravy recipe!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, Madeline! I am so happy this recipe was a hit! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great review!

  10. Daniel Storm says

    Thanks for such a good recipe!
    I made this per your instructions, adding a couple of drops of Kitchen Bouquet to enrich the color.
    Very well received by my wife!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome, Daniel! I am so pleased you and your wife enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for the great review!

  11. Megan G says

    Full disclosure, I read the recipe through before starting and I know my mistake is COMPLETELY my fault. So I hope you don’t mind if I ask you to put a note at the end of Step 1 that says DON’T RINSE YOUR SKILLET YET! Hahaha. Even though I’d read it through, my default brain kicked in and I rinsed so much of the delicious skillet juices and brown bits and I’ve never been so sad to lose so much flavor. Again, totally my fault. I’m just hoping to save someone else the anguish. 🙂 Amazing recipe and thank you for sharing it!

    • Jen says

      Oh no! I hope it still turned out for you in the end!

  12. Jane says

    I see reviews saying they left out the sugar. I don’t see sugar in the recipe?

    • Jen says

      Hi Jane! In the recipe description I mention I like to add a small pinch of sugar to balance the meatiness of the dish. It is not essential, just a tip!

  13. Laura says

    This was amazing! My family thought it was so delicious that’s on the Christmas Eve dinner menu. I was wondering if you have ever added wine and some thyme to the dish? There is a restaurant we go to on special occasions that serves beef tenderloin tips in a Madeira thyme jus and would like recreate that using your recipe. Just add the wine and thyme when making the gravy after searing the meat and proceed as directed?

    • Jen says

      I’m so thrilled it has been such a hit! I haven’t tried it, but your idea sounds good to me! Happy experimenting!

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