These crock pot beef tips are the perfect comfort food. The beef turns tender and juicy as it slow cooks in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s easy to make, great for busy days, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, this hearty dish brings warmth to every bite.
Why We Love This crock pot beef tips
There’s a reason these crock pot beef tips are a favorite in so many kitchens—they’re incredibly easy to make and deliver rich, hearty flavor with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping a make-ahead meal, this recipe makes dinner simple and satisfying.
- Effortless prep: Just add everything to your slow cooker and let it do the work. No need to sear or babysit the pot.
- Melt-in-your-mouth beef: Slow cooking breaks down the meat, giving you tender beef tips that fall apart with a fork.
- Versatile comfort food: Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice—it works with whatever you have on hand.
- Family-friendly: The savory gravy and mild seasonings make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for busy days: It’s a reliable go-to when you want a warm, filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish is everything we love about homestyle cooking—simple, cozy, and deeply flavorful. It’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients for crock pot beef tips
Beef stew meat (or chuck roast) – This beef cut gets tender and juicy when slow-cooked, perfect for crock pot beef tips.
Onion soup mix – Adds savory flavor to the gravy without much effort, key for delicious crock pot beef tips.
Beef broth – This creates the flavorful base for the gravy, adding depth to the dish.
Worcestershire sauce – Gives the gravy a tangy, savory kick, enhancing the flavor.
Garlic – Adds a rich, aromatic taste that pairs well with the beef.
Cornstarch – Thickens the gravy for a smooth, rich sauce.
Instructions
Making these crock pot beef tips couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal waiting for you with minimal effort!
Prep the Beef: Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
Mix the Ingredients: Combine beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in the crock pot.
Add the Beef: Put the beef into the crock pot and mix it with the broth.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Gravy: Mix cornstarch and water, then add to the crock pot to thicken the gravy.
Serve: Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Pro Tips for crock pot beef tips
To make sure your crock pot beef tips turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips to ensure your dish is full of flavor and texture:
Choose the right cut: For the best results, go with beef chuck roast or beef stew meat. These cuts have enough marbling to stay tender during slow cooking, giving you those melt-in-your-mouth beef tips that everyone loves.
Sear the beef (optional): While this step is optional, if you have a bit of extra time, searing the beef chunks in a hot pan before adding them to the crock pot can deepen the flavor. Just brown the beef on all sides for 3-4 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: If you want a thick, rich gravy to serve with your beef tips, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. Mixing the cornstarch with water before adding it to the crock pot ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Low and slow: For the most tender beef, be sure to cook your beef tips on low for 7-8 hours. This allows the beef to break down and absorb all the flavors from the broth and seasoning.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Depending on the brand of onion soup mix you use, you might want to taste the gravy and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences. Some mixes can be saltier than others, so a quick taste test will help you get it just right.
Make it ahead: These crock pot beef tips are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare them the night before, refrigerate, and let the slow cooker do the work the next day. It’s an easy way to save time and enjoy a comforting meal without the rush.
Variations
One of the best things about crock pot beef tips is how adaptable the recipe is. You can switch up the ingredients and flavors to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Here are some tasty variations to try:
Add vegetables: Want to make it a one-pot meal? Add carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the crock pot. These veggies will soak up the delicious gravy as they cook, making your dish even heartier and more flavorful.
Switch up the seasonings: If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, try swapping the onion soup mix for a packet of ranch dressing mix or a beef stew seasoning. The possibilities are endless for creating unique flavor combinations.
Use different cuts of beef: While beef chuck roast and beef stew meat are the most common choices, you can also experiment with sirloin or round steaks. Just make sure to cut them into chunks so they cook evenly.
Spicy kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the broth. The slow cooking process will mellow out the spice, leaving you with a flavorful, spicy gravy.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Beef Tips
These crock pot beef tips are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways. Whether you’re keeping it simple or dressing it up for a special occasion, here are some perfect pairings to elevate your meal:
Over mashed potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich, savory gravy from the beef, making for a hearty and comforting combination. This classic pairing is always a crowd-pleaser.
With egg noodles: Egg noodles are the perfect base for this dish. Their soft, slightly chewy texture complements the tender beef, and they do a fantastic job of absorbing all the delicious sauce.
On rice: For a lighter option, serve your beef tips over steamed white rice or brown rice. The fluffy rice helps balance out the richness of the beef and gravy while offering a satisfying bite.
With roasted vegetables: Add a side of roasted carrots, parsnips, or brussels sprouts for a pop of color and a sweet contrast to the savory beef. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the beef.
FAQs about crock pot beef tips
How long does it take to cook crock pot beef tips?
Cooking beef tips in the crock pot typically takes 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The slow cooking process helps break down the beef, making it tender and flavorful. Be sure to check the beef toward the end of the cooking time to ensure it’s fork-tender.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen beef, you can still make it work. Just be sure to thaw the beef completely before adding it to the crock pot. Frozen beef may affect the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make crock pot beef tips ahead of time?
Absolutely! Crock pot beef tips are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up the next day, either on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors may even deepen after sitting overnight.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes, if you don’t have a crock pot, you can cook the beef tips in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F, and cover the beef and broth in a Dutch oven or covered roasting pan. Cook for about 2.5-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To make the gravy thicker, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, you can let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
crock pot beef tips
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Start by cutting the beef stew meat (or chuck roast) into bite-sized chunks if you haven’t already. This will ensure they cook evenly and become tender as they slow cook.
- Mix the Ingredients: In your crock pot, combine the beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. The beef broth will be the base for the rich gravy, and the onion soup mix adds a lot of flavor without much effort.
- Add the Beef: Place your beef chunks into the crock pot with the broth mixture. Stir gently to coat the beef in the flavorful liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The slow cooking process will turn the beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Thicken the Gravy: Once the beef is ready, mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until the gravy thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Your crock pot beef tips are now ready! Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting, satisfying meal.