Tender Crock Pot Beef Tips

This hearty Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special without much effort. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it slowly cooks in a rich and savory gravy, making every bite comforting and satisfying. You just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious smell and dinner ready to enjoy.

I first made this on a busy weekend when I had no time to cook and now it’s one of my goto meals whenever I want something cozy and fuss free. My family always asks for seconds and loves mopping up all the gravy with mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: slow cooking tenderizes this tougher cut into juicy, meltinyourmouth chunks. Choose beef that is fresh and well marbled for the best flavor
• Lemon pepper seasoning: adds a subtle brightness without overwhelming the beef, and it complements the gravy beautifully. Use your favorite seasoning blend if you prefer
• Dry onion soup mix: delivers great savory depth you can make your own homemade version for a fresher taste
• Cream of mushroom soup (lower sodium preferred): provides creaminess and body to the gravy without a strong mushroom taste, even for those who are not mushroom fans
• Beef broth (low sodium): balances the flavors and keeps the dish from getting too salty since other ingredients contain salt
• Butter and flour: combined to make a roux that thickens the gravy perfectly at the end can be skipped if you like thinner sauce

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In your slow cooker, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until combined. It is fine if a few lumps remain as they will smooth out while cooking.

Prepare the Beef:

Cut the chuck roast into approximately oneinch cubes for even cooking and easier eating. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning generously over the beef to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.

Combine and Cook:

Add the seasoned beef to the slow cooker and stir all the ingredients gently to coat the meat with the gravy mixture. Cover with the lid and cook on low for at least six to eight hours. The long, slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue resulting in super tender beef.

Make the Roux and Thicken the Gravy:

When the beef is ready, melt two tablespoons of butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in about three heaping tablespoons of flour and whisk steadily until the mixture forms a smooth paste called roux. This step is crucial do not skip toasting the flour or the gravy may taste floury or clumpy.

Add Broth Mixture and Whisk:

Scoop the beef tips out of the slow cooker and place them temporarily in a bowl. Pour two cups of the cooked gravy liquid from the crock pot into the butter and flour roux. Whisk vigorously while raising the heat to medium high. As it heats, the mixture will thicken into a luscious gravy without lumps.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the pot from heat once the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Pour the thickened gravy back into the slow cooker and return all the beef tips to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meat evenly. Serve over rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

My favorite ingredient here is definitely the dry onion soup mix. It adds a lovely savory note that makes the gravy taste complex without needing a lot of extra spices. One family memory I cherish with this dish was a rainy weekend when my house smelled like a cozy diner and everyone gathered around the table eager to dig in.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove to prevent the gravy from separating. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cream of mushroom soup, canned cream of chicken works fine as a substitute and still adds great creaminess. For seasoning, any mild beef seasoning blend can replace lemon pepper if that is not your favorite.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these beef tips over fluffy white rice to soak up all the gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are both excellent options too. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots rounds out the meal nicely.

This slow cooker beef tips recipe is simple to make and perfect for comforting weeknight dinners. It reheats well and freezes nicely for meal prep.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cuts of meat work best for this dish?

Chuck roast, round steak, or stew meat are ideal as they become tender when cooked low and slow.

→ Can the beef tips be cooked without a crock pot?

Yes, brown the beef on the stove, then simmer with broth and seasonings covered for about an hour until tender.

→ How do you thicken the gravy?

Whisk together melted butter and flour, then gradually add broth mixture over heat until thickened.

→ What side dishes pair well with beef tips?

Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles complement the rich flavors nicely.

→ Is it better to cook beef tips on low or high heat?

Low heat is recommended to achieve the most tender and flavorful meat over several hours.