These slow cooker beef tips are rich, tender, and dripping in a savory homemade gravy that tastes like pure comfort. It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it dinner that fills your home with the coziest aroma and rewards you with melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional thickener)
- Optional: sliced mushrooms for extra richness
Steps
- Layer the ingredients. Add beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms (if using) to the slow cooker.
- Make the gravy base. Whisk beef broth, gravy mix, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef.
- Slow cook. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender.
- Thicken the gravy (optional). Stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 20 minutes if you enjoy a thicker gravy. Don’t worry it smooths out perfectly.
- Taste and adjust. Add a touch more salt or Worcestershire if you want a deeper flavor.
Chef’s Tips
- Brown the beef first (optional): A quick sear adds rich, caramelized flavor but it’s still delicious without.
- Use sirloin for extra tenderness: It becomes luxuriously soft in the slow cooker.
- Don’t rush the cook time: Low and slow gives the best, fork-tender results.
Variations
- Creamy beef tips: Add 1/4 cup sour cream at the end for a silky finish.
- Garlic herb version: Add rosemary and extra garlic for a fragrant twist.
- Beef + mushroom gravy: Add a full cup of sliced mushrooms for depth and richness.