Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a classic comfort dish that lets you enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its tender beef, rich gravy, and your choice of side, it’s a satisfying option for any day of the week.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe stands out for its simplicity and the robust flavors it offers. It is perfect for busy families, allowing you to prep everything in a matter of minutes before letting your slow cooker do the work. You’ll love how the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking in the savory gravy during cooking. Plus, versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
To make this scrumptious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for browning meat)
- Optional: chopped onions
- Optional: chopped mushrooms
These ingredients come together seamlessly to create a rich, flavorful gravy that will leave your taste buds singing.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Directions
Start off by seasoning your beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper, ensuring that each piece is well-flavored. For better texture and flavor, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your seasoned beef to the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step seals in the juices and adds a depth of flavor, elevating your dish.
Next, while your beef is browning, grab a large bowl and combine the brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture until there are no lumps remaining. This step is crucial because it ensures a smooth gravy that will nicely coat your beef.
Once your beef is browned, transfer it to the crock pot. Pour the previously mixed gravy mixture over the beef, allowing it to fully submerge the meat. At this stage, you can add garlic powder along with onions and mushrooms if you’re using them. These optional ingredients enhance the dish further, bringing additional texture and flavor.
Now, it’s time to cover your crock pot and set it to cook. If possible, cook on low for 6-8 hours. This low-and-slow method is essential for achieving fork-tender beef that practically falls apart when you serve it. As the hours pass, the aroma will fill your home, making the wait almost unbearable in the best way!
Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta. Each option offers its unique appeal by soaking up that delicious gravy. Optionally, you can garnish your dish with fresh herbs for that final touch of flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
When it comes to serving your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, you have several fantastic options. Start by placing a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta on each plate. Then, ladle a portion of the beef and gravy over the top, ensuring each bite is rich and hearty.
If you want to add some color and flavor, consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You could also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. The balance of juicy beef and creamy sides creates an irresistible combination that everyone will enjoy.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
To ensure that your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy comes out perfect each time, here are several expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the Right Beef: Always opt for quality beef stew meat. Cuts such as chuck or round work best because they become tender with slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning: While it may seem optional, browning your beef adds a lot of flavor and helps lock in moisture, making a noticeable difference in your final dish.
- Adjust Thickness: If you find your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, feel free to toss in chopped carrots or bell peppers with your beef. They cook well and add color to your meal.
- Cooking Time: Keep in mind that every crock pot is different. Some may cook faster than others, so check for doneness if you’re unsure.
How to Store Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Storing any leftovers from your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is easy and straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the beef and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This allows you to enjoy your meal later on. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
There are numerous ways to customize your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:
- Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Add more chopped mushrooms for an earthy flavor. You could even use a variety of mushrooms to change the texture and taste.
- Spicy Twist: For those who crave a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to your gravy mix.
- Wine-Free Red Sauce: You can incorporate tomato paste for a richer gravy without adding any alcohol. Simply stir in a few tablespoons alongside the gravy mixture.
- Herby Flavor: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added near the end of cooking for a fresh taste that compliments the rich gravy.
- Creamy Version: To make a creamy variation, add a cup of sour cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking. This adds a luscious texture and rich flavor.
FAQ
What can I serve with Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
There are many delicious options to serve with Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. You can choose mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta. Each of these pairs beautifully, soaking up all that comforting gravy!
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Cooking your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy on low takes approximately 6 to 8 hours for the beef to become tender and flavorful. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours.
Can I add vegetables to my Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables such as carrots, onions, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor of your dish. These can be added before cooking, and they’ll become tender and soak up the delicious gravy.
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
While beef stew meat works best, other cuts like chuck roast or round steak can also be used. Just ensure they are well marbled to ensure a tender result.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender, meaning it easily breaks apart when you pull at it with a fork. If it’s not quite there, let it cook a little longer until it reaches that texture.
Feel free to tweak and customize the recipe to make it your own while enjoying this delightful slow-cooked meal. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat Choose quality cuts like chuck or round.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for browning meat) Use vegetable or olive oil.
- Optional: chopped onions Enhances flavor.
- Optional: chopped mushrooms Adds earthy flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Transfer browned beef to the crock pot and pour the gravy mixture over it.
- Optional: Add garlic powder, chopped onions, and mushrooms at this stage.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Serving
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
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