Beef Tips and Gravy (Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food Dinner)
If you’re craving a hearty comfort food dinner that’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying, these Beef Tips and Gravy are exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef simmer low and slow in a flavorful brown gravy until they’re fall-apart tender and packed with flavor.
This classic Southern-inspired comfort food recipe is perfect for busy days because the slow cooker does most of the work. As the beef cooks, it becomes incredibly tender while the gravy develops deep, rich flavor that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Whether you’re serving Sunday dinner, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Tender beef tips slow-cooked in a rich homemade gravy create a comforting family dinner that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Why You’ll Love These Beef Tips and Gravy
- Classic comfort food.
- Easy slow cooker recipe.
- Rich homemade gravy.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Family-friendly dinner.
- Great for Sunday supper.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern, American
Keyword: beef tips and gravy, slow cooker beef tips, beef tips recipe, comfort food dinner, easy slow cooker dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Beef: Stew meat, sirloin tips, or chuck roast cut into chunks all work well for this slow cooker recipe.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth if you want more control over the salt level.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds deep savory flavor and helps season the gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds richness and helps balance the beefy flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the gravy at the end so it becomes smooth and spoonable.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds color and freshness before serving.
How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy
1. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
2. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork tender.
3. Thicken the Gravy
Mix the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
4. Serve
Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
What to Serve With Beef Tips and Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes
- Egg Noodles
- White Rice
- Roasted Green Beans
- Dinner Rolls
- Cornbread
- Roasted Carrots
- Garden Salad
Expert Tips
- Sirloin tips create the most tender result.
- Do not rush the cooking process; low and slow gives the best texture.
- Use low-sodium broth if your onion soup mix is salty.
- Let the gravy thicken fully before serving.
- Add mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
- Cut beef into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms during the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
- Onion Lover’s Version: Double the onions for extra flavor.
- Garlic Version: Add extra garlic cloves.
- Vegetable Version: Add carrots and celery to the slow cooker.
- Red Wine Version: Replace ½ cup of the broth with red wine for deeper flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
This recipe also freezes well. Freeze cooled beef tips and gravy in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving based on 6 servings.
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 820mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make beef tips and gravy in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Pressure cook the beef tips for approximately 35 minutes with a natural release, then thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry.
What is the best cut of beef for beef tips?
Sirloin tips, stew meat, or chuck roast cut into pieces all work well. Tougher cuts become tender when cooked low and slow.
Can I freeze beef tips and gravy?
Yes. Beef tips and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
What can I serve beef tips and gravy over?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, white rice, cauliflower mash, and buttered noodles are all great options.
This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is rich, hearty, and one of the most comforting slow cooker meals you can serve for family dinner.