Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a comforting, slow-cooked meal with tender beef and rich, savory gravy. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy days—just set it and let your slow cooker do the work.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Why is this recipe beloved among home cooks? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can adjust many aspects according to your personal taste or dietary needs. The combination of tender beef, creamy mushroom soup, and flavorful broth creates an irresistible sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you throw it over.
Another significant reason this recipe is a winner is its convenience. You mix the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work. This hands-off approach means you can focus on your day, knowing that a hearty meal is being prepared without constant monitoring. The result? A comforting dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
When it comes to crafting this exquisite dish, having the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you need:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 10.5 ounce can low sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 14 ounce can low sodium beef broth
- 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons flour
These ingredients are straightforward and generally easy to find. With nothing more than simple pantry staples and a juicy cut of beef, you are just moments away from a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Directions
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful dish. Don’t worry; it’s as simple as it gets!
Prepare the Cookers: Start by selecting a 5-quart slow cooker. This size is perfect for ensuring that all your ingredients can mix together thoroughly, creating a deliciously cohesive flavor.
Mix the Base: In your slow cooker, combine the dry onion soup mix, the can of cream of mushroom soup, and the beef broth. These elements create a rich base for your beef tips and gravy. Take a whisk and mix them together until well combined.
Prepare the Meat: Grab your beef chuck roast and cut it into bite-sized chunks. This step helps the meat cook evenly and ensures that every piece is bursting with flavor. Once cut, sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning over the beef pieces.
Combine Ingredients: Carefully add the seasoned meat to the crock pot. Gently stir everything together so that the beef is well distributed within the gravy mix.
Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This long cook time is what makes the beef tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the Gravy: About 20 minutes before serving, prepare to thicken the gravy. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in 2 cups of the beef broth mixture from the crock pot, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring this mixture to a high heat and stir until it thickens nicely.
Final Touch: Once thickened, pour this delicious gravy back into the slow cooker and stir everything together. Your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is now ready to be enjoyed.
Serve: Ladle the beef tips and gravy over a warm bed of rice or cozy noodles for a fulfilling meal.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
The best part of creating Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is how adaptable it is when it comes to serving options. You can serve it over:
- Rice: The creamy gravy seeps into the rice, making every bite a savory delight.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or any pasta of your choice provide a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the beef and gravy.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a truly comforting experience, place the beef tips over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to drench the dish.
Accompany your main meal with fresh vegetables or a light salad to add balance. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that irresistible gravy, making every bite a delight.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during long cooking times. Avoid lean cuts as they might dry out.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allow the beef to cook low and slow. Patience is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that you crave.
- Adjusting the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning according to your preference. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Thickening Gravy: Adjust the thickness of your gravy according to your preference. If you like it thicker, you can use more flour or cornstarch mixed with water.
- Leftovers: Make sure to save any leftovers! They can be rewarmed for another meal, providing you with more deliciousness down the line.
How to Store Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck! Storing your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is as easy as can be. Allow it to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
If you want to enjoy this dish even later, consider freezing it. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and place it in the freezer. It should remain good for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
While the traditional recipe is delightful as is, don’t hesitate to experiment! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some diced carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. They’ll cook with the beef and add extra flavors and nutrients.
- Different Soup Base: Instead of cream of mushroom, try cream of celery for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance your dish with bay leaves, garlic powder, or even Worcestershire sauce for a more complex taste.
FAQ about Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes! While beef chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness, you can use other cuts such as brisket or round steaks. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish without cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. If you prefer, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce.
How can I thicken the gravy if I forget to do it before serving?
If you forget to thicken the gravy during cooking, you can create a slurry with cornstarch and water. Add it to the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! If you have a larger slow cooker, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to have enough cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 10.5 ounce can low sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 14 ounce can low sodium beef broth
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast Cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1.5 Tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons butter For thickening the gravy
- 3 Tablespoons flour For thickening the gravy
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by selecting a 5-quart slow cooker.
- In your slow cooker, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Whisk until well combined.
- Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized chunks and sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over the beef.
- Add the seasoned meat to the crock pot and gently stir everything together.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.
Thickening Gravy
- About 20 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of the beef broth mixture from the crock pot, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to high heat and stir until it thickens.
- Pour the thickened gravy back into the slow cooker and stir everything together.
Serving
- Ladle the beef tips and gravy over a warm bed of rice, cozy noodles, or fluffy mashed potatoes.