Alexa Bernier
These slow-cooked beef tips are the ultimate comfort food. Tender, juicy pieces of beef simmer slowly in a rich, savory brown gravy made with beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic seasonings. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors blend into a deliciously hearty gravy.
Serve these flavorful beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery egg noodles for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef Tips
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces with salt and black pepper. Working in batches if necessary, sear the beef for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the slow cooker with the browned beef. The onion and garlic will slowly cook alongside the meat, adding extra depth and flavor to the gravy.
3. Prepare the Gravy
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and onion powder. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, onions, and garlic in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
The beef is ready when it is exceptionally tender and easy to cut with a fork. Cooking on LOW is recommended when you have the time, as the longer cooking process helps develop deeper flavor and tenderness.
5. Thicken the Gravy
About 20–30 minutes before serving, prepare the thickening slurry. Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl and whisk until completely smooth.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking until the gravy becomes thick, smooth, and rich.
6. Finish and Serve
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle the finished beef tips with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles, spooning plenty of the rich brown gravy over the top.
Serving Suggestions
These tender beef tips pair beautifully with classic comfort-food sides. Try serving them with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- White or brown rice
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Glazed carrots
- Dinner rolls or crusty bread
The gravy is especially delicious with mashed potatoes because the potatoes soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
Recipe Tips
Don’t skip browning the beef. Searing the meat before slow cooking creates a flavorful browned exterior and adds extra depth to the finished dish.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Brown the beef in batches if necessary. Too much meat in the pan at once can cause it to steam rather than sear.
Cook on LOW when possible. The longer cooking time helps tougher cuts of beef become exceptionally tender.
Make the cornstarch slurry with cold water. Mixing cornstarch with cold water first helps prevent lumps from forming when it is added to the hot gravy.
Adjust the gravy to your preference. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use slightly less cornstarch. For a thicker gravy, allow it to cook a little longer after adding the slurry.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover beef tips and gravy to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm the beef and gravy gently in a saucepan or microwave until heated through. If the gravy becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a small splash of beef broth or water while reheating.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
Tender slow-cooked beef tips with homemade brown gravy make an easy, hearty meal that tastes like classic homemade comfort food. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, the slow cooker does most of the work while transforming the beef into tender, flavorful bites surrounded by rich, savory gravy.
For a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday meal, serve these beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles and enjoy every delicious spoonful.
