Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those soulful dishes that makes weeknights feel like a warm hug and Sunday dinners taste like a celebration.
This recipe lives in my slower side of the week rotation because it is forgiving, fragrant, and always delivers tender, fork-ready beef with a silky gravy. If you love hands-off dinners that reward you with deep, mellow flavors, you will adore how this comes together. And if you are curious about pairing it with pasta for a heartier plate, try my take on Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce for another cozy dinner to bookmark. The first time you spoon those potatoes and rich gravy onto your fork you will understand why this one is a keeper.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
I keep this recipe straightforward because the right tools make all the difference. A slow cooker creates that long, gentle heat that transforms beef tips into meltingly tender bites. A good chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board make quick work of onions and potatoes. A wooden spoon helps you stir without scratching, and a ladle is handy for serving the gravy.
- Slow cooker (6-quart works well)
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle and heatproof serving bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Having these items ready keeps the cooking relaxed and joyful. The slow cooker frees up your afternoon, and the simple prep tools let you focus on small comforts like wiping the counter while the house fills with that rich, savory aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips and Gravy
There is a kind of magic to a meal that tastes like effort but is actually simple. This dish blends savory, buttery, and slightly sweet onion notes with the deep, meaty backbone of slow-cooked beef. The potatoes soak up the gravy and become little pillows of comfort. Every bite offers a balance of tender meat and creamy sauce that wraps around your fork like a cozy blanket.
Here’s why this recipe keeps finding its way onto my table.
- Hands-off convenience. Toss everything in the slow cooker and let low heat do the work while you run errands or relax.
- Deep, slow-cooked flavor. The broth and Worcestershire infuse the beef during long, gentle cooking producing rich, savory notes.
- Comfort-food texture. Potatoes thicken and mellow in the gravy creating a rustic, satisfying mouthfeel.
- Family-friendly and adaptable. Little ones and grown-ups alike are drawn to the familiar, soothing flavors.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and for feeding a small crowd without standing over the stove. The scent in your kitchen while it cooks becomes part of the meal. It feels like home, and it tastes like care.
Beef Tips and Gravy Ingredients
2 pounds beef tips, 1 cup beef broth, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 4 cups diced potatoes, 1 cup heavy cream (optional), Salt and pepper to taste
In addition to the ingredients above, I often keep a few pantry staples on hand to round out the flavor. A tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil helps brown the beef if you want a little extra caramelization before slow-cooking. A pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf can add a subtle herbal depth. If you like a thicker gravy, a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water stirred in at the end will thicken it nicely. But honestly this list is comforting in its simplicity and highlights the beef and potatoes beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the beef tips into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the meat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and season lightly with salt and pepper. You should see the broth come up around the edges of the beef and the onions beginning to sink slightly into the liquid.
- Gently stir the ingredients so the onions and garlic are evenly distributed and the Worcestershire is mixed through the broth. The beef will glisten a little from the broth and the surface will smell savory and bright with garlic.
- Add the diced potatoes to the slow cooker and stir again to coat them in the savory liquid. The potatoes should nestle among the beef pieces and begin to take on the color of the broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef pulls apart easily with a fork and the potatoes are tender. Look for a rich, bubbling scent and a slow simmer just beneath the surface when you lift the lid. The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes soft but not falling completely apart.
- If you want a silkier finish, stir in the heavy cream just before serving. The cream will slightly mellow the gravy and add a lush mouthfeel. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the beef, potatoes, and plenty of gravy into bowls and serve hot. The gravy should cling to the beef and spoon over the potatoes, warming everyone from the inside out.
Fun Variations You Can Try
- Add mushrooms. Toss in 8 ounces of sliced cremini or button mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for an earthy lift.
- Swap the potatoes. Use baby Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes for a different texture and sweetness.
- Make it stovetop friendly. Brown the beef in a Dutch oven, add the liquids, and simmer gently until tender for about 2 hours.
- Make it gluten-free. If you thicken the gravy, use cornstarch or arrowroot as your thickener.
- Add herbs and heat. Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can be tucked in early for aromatic depth.
- Dairy-free option. Skip the heavy cream and finish with a pat of butter alternative or just leave the gravy as-is for a naturally dairy-free version.
These tweaks let you tailor the dish to what’s in your pantry or to dietary needs while keeping the heart of the comfort intact.
How I Love to Serve It
Serving Beef Tips and Gravy is all about warmth and simplicity. I like deep bowls that can hold lots of gravy and allow everyone to spoon generous amounts over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. For a family dinner, I set bowls with thick slices of crusty bread nearby for dunking. For a quieter night, a single plate with a wide rim feels elegant and homey.
- Spoon over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles.
- Add a bright side salad to cut through the richness with crisp greens and a vinegar-based dressing.
- For weekend company, serve with steamed green beans and roasted carrots for color and crunch.
I also love setting the table with a simple candle and a small jar of pickles or refrigerator beets for a tangy contrast. The meal feels both comforting and thoughtful. When friends come over unexpectedly, this is my go-to because it looks and tastes like I’ve been fussing all afternoon even though it’s mostly slow cooker kindness. If you enjoy a bolder pasta pairing in colder months, try the spicy creaminess of Cajun Ground Beef Linguine with Velveeta and Creamy Garlic Alfredo for another indulgent option.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
- Brown for extra flavor. If you have time, quickly sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a caramelized edge and deeper flavor.
- Layer flavors. Adding the onions and garlic toward the bottom helps them mingle with the broth. If you like sweeter onions, sauté them lightly first.
- Check doneness visually. The beef should easily break apart when tested with a fork and the potatoes should be tender through. If the potatoes are still firm after the beef is done, remove the beef, add a little more broth, and continue cooking just the potatoes for another 30 minutes.
- Adjust salt late. Broth can vary in saltiness. Taste the gravy near the end and add salt gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
- Thicken gently. If you want a thicker sauce, make a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into a cup of the hot gravy, then return it to the slow cooker and cook on high for 10–15 minutes.
- Make-ahead ease. This dish reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
- Freeze for later. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
These small practices keep the cooking calm and the results reliably comforting.
Important Cooking Reminders
- Always use a food thermometer for leftovers. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Cool and store promptly. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to avoid bacterial growth.
- Label frozen portions. Write the date on freezer containers and use within three months for best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking potatoes. If using softer varieties, add them later in the cooking time to prevent them from turning mushy.
- Don’t salt too early. Add most of the salt near the end of cooking to prevent over-salting.
- Use even-sized potato pieces. This ensures consistent doneness and prevents some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain firm.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
This is a hearty, comforting dish with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates from the beef and potatoes. Using heavy cream will increase the fat and calorie content. For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter for richness instead.
Estimated per serving: calories approximately 480–600, carbs around 30–40g, fat roughly 25–35g, protein near 30–40g. These numbers will vary based on portion size and whether you add heavy cream.
- Calories: ~480–600
- Carbs: ~30–40 g
- Fat: ~25–35 g
- Protein: ~30–40 g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
Common Questions You Might Have
How do I know when the beef is done? I look for beef that pulls apart easily with a fork and feels tender rather than chewy. The slow, low heat is key. If you pierce a piece and it offers no resistance, it is ready. The potatoes should be fork-tender at the same time. If the beef is done but the potatoes need a bit more time, remove the beef to a warm bowl and continue cooking the potatoes until they soften.
Can I use frozen beef tips? Yes, you can start with frozen beef tips, but increase the cooking time and make sure the slow cooker reaches a safe temperature promptly. I recommend thawing if possible so the meat cooks more evenly. If you do use frozen, check doneness carefully and ensure the internal pieces have reached fork-tender texture.
How can I thicken the gravy without cream? Cornstarch or arrowroot are my go-to thickeners. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into a cup of hot gravy, then return it to the pot and let it cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Another option is to remove a cup of the hot cooking liquid, whisk in a couple tablespoons of flour until smooth, then stir it back into the slow cooker and simmer a bit until it thickens. Both methods create a glossy, clingy gravy without changing the core flavor.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe becomes one of those dishes you turn to when you want the house to smell like comfort and the table to feel like a safe place. The creamy, savory gravy, tender beef, and potato pieces hold stories of simple dinners, conversations that linger, and cozy evenings shared with family or friends. Making Beef Tips and Gravy is less about perfection and more about patience, about the small ritual of letting time do the work while you set the table or fold a load of laundry. When you lift the lid and breathe in that rich aroma, you will know you made something nourishing. It warms your hands and your heart, and I hope it warms yours soon.
Print
Beef Tips and Gravy
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef tips and rich gravy, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tips
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the beef tips into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, then scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the meat.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Gently stir the ingredients to evenly distribute.
- Add the diced potatoes and stir again.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
- Ladle the beef, potatoes, and plenty of gravy into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker gravy, use cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef, slow cooker, comfort food, gravy, hearty meals