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Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore these slow cooker beef tips and gravy that transform humble cuts of beef into a tender, richly flavored meal. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook, this dish delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef and a savory, thick gravy perfect over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Tips
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional, for depth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water to mix with cornstarch

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Slow cooker

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season the beef chunks evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides for 2-3 minutes until a nice brown crust forms.
  3. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the meat.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and dried parsley, then give everything a gentle stir to combine.
  5. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and infused with all the flavors.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high until the gravy thickens to silky perfection.
  7. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread. Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal!

Notes

For best results, use beef with good marbling to ensure tenderness. Though searing the beef is optional, it adds valuable layers of flavor. You can substitute chicken broth in a pinch, but the richness of beef broth makes a big difference. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a comforting meal on another day.