When life gets busy, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the enticing aroma of homemade beef tips and gravy bubbling away in your slow cooker. One of the most cherished family meals, Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace that brings comfort to your dinner table. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create a hearty and flavorful meal without the stress of complicated cooking techniques. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can whip up a delicious dish that everyone will love.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
What makes Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy a beloved recipe among home cooks? The answer lies in its simplicity and the taste that falls far beyond the effort involved. First, the slow cooker does all the magic. You throw in your ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time. This means you can go on with your day without worrying about the stove.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different spices or serve it with an assortment of side dishes. Whether you pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or over a bed of rice, the options for serving this dish are endless. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Lastly, there’s something truly special about home-cooked meals. They create lasting memories around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious plate of food. When you make this dish, you’re not just cooking; you’re building a connection with your loved ones.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Creating a plate of mouth-watering Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy requires just a few essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
These straightforward ingredients combine perfectly to create a hearty dish that’s rich in flavor without needing complicated procedures.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Directions
Making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a straightforward process that should not take more than a few minutes of your time.
- Prepare the Beef: Start by patting your beef stew meat dry using paper towels. This ensures that you achieve a nice sear when the meat cooks, allowing the natural flavors to enhance.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, thyme, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is well blended. This mixture is the essence of your gravy, so make sure it’s thoroughly mixed.
- Combine Everything: Pour this delicious mixture over the prepared beef in your slow cooker. Ensure that the beef pieces are adequately coated for maximum flavor infusion as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to the low setting. Cook for 7 to 8 hours. The long, slow cooking process is what transforms the beef into tender bites that easily fall apart.
- Thicken the Gravy (if desired): If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply mix some cornstarch with cold water and add this mixture into the gravy before serving, stirring continuously until thickened to your liking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the beef tips with the rich gravy over your choice of sides.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how deeply flavorful and savory this dish turns out thanks to the slow cooker’s magic.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
When it comes to serving Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, the options are plentiful. The hearty meat and gravy work beautifully alongside a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- Mashed Potatoes: This classic pairing is perfect, as the gravy can be poured generously over the creamy potatoes. They balance each other perfectly.
- Rice or Noodles: Serve the beef tips over a bed of fluffy white rice or egg noodles to soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots provide a colorful and nutritious contrast.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread can be an excellent accompaniment to soak up any remaining gravy.
As a final touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives over your dish for a pop of color and flavor. Your meal will not just be tasty, but also a feast for the eyes.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
To elevate your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy experience, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Quality of Meat: Use good-quality beef stew meat. Look for cuts that are well-marbled; this helps create a juicier final result.
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning for a busy week, consider preparing this dish the night before. Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply set it to cook.
- Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices like rosemary or a thyme sprig for an herbal kick.
- Additional Veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables such as carrots and potatoes directly into the slow cooker for a fully rounded meal, making it even more hearty.
- Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Utilizing these tips will not only enhance the flavor of your dish but will also ensure a delightful dining experience.
How to Store Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, proper storage is key to extending the life of your delicious meal. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: After your dish has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To keep it for even longer, consider freezing. Place the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready for your leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. This makes for a quick and easy meal option on busy days.
Variation of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
There are myriad ways to tweak the Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Spicy Version: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy for a nice kick.
- Mushroom Lovers: Include sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- Herb Infusion: Use fresh herbs instead of dried. Incorporating freshly chopped thyme or rosemary can vastly enhance the overall taste of your dish.
- Different Cuts: Rather than stew meat, you could opt for chuck roast or round cuts that also break down beautifully over low heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, ensure that the onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free or replace them with compatible alternatives.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with these variations; the beauty of cooking lies in testing new flavors and ingredients.
FAQ
What is the best way to thicken the gravy for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
To thicken the gravy for your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, you can mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the gravy while stirring until it reaches the desired thickness.
Can I put raw beef in the slow cooker for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Yes, you can place raw beef directly into the slow cooker for the Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe. The slow cooking process will ensure the beef becomes tender and well-cooked.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
For the best result, cook your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
While beef is traditional for this dish, you can certainly experiment with other meats, such as chicken. Just be aware that cooking times may vary.
What sides pair well with Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Some excellent side choices include mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. All of these sides complement the flavor of the beef tips and gravy wonderfully.
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat Good-quality beef is recommended.
- 1 oz dry onion soup mix This provides seasoning for the dish.
- 2 cups beef broth Low-sodium is preferable.
- 3 tablespoons ketchup Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce For depth of flavor.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch Used for thickening the gravy.
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic Enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme Can substitute with fresh if preferred.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the beef stew meat dry using paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine beef broth, dry onion soup mix, thyme, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Cooking
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the beef pieces are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Cook for 7 to 8 hours.
- To thicken the gravy, mix additional cornstarch with cold water and add to the gravy before serving, stirring continuously.
Serving
- Serve the beef tips with rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
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