Crock Pot Beef Tips

This recipe for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the perfect comfort food for busy days when you want something satisfying without fuss. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it slow cooks and the rich gravy adds so much flavor that you’ll come home excited for dinner. It’s a simple dumpandgo recipe that lets you enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.

I first tried this recipe on a cold fall evening and the aroma filled the house, making it feel so cozy. Now it’s a goto for me when I want a warm meal waiting after a long day.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: slow cooking breaks down connective tissue to create meltinyourmouth tenderness. Look for wellmarbled meat for extra flavor
• Lemon pepper seasoning: adds a subtle brightness without overpowering the beef. You can substitute your preferred seasoning blend
• Dry onion soup mix: provides rich savory notes and depth to the gravy. Homemade mixes work well if you like control over the ingredients
• Cream of mushroom soup: creates a creamy, comforting base for the gravy. Use a lower sodium option to balance the saltiness
• Beef broth: a flavorful liquid that adds richness and thins the soup mix just right. Choose low sodium to avoid overly salty gravy
• Butter and flour: combined into a roux to thicken the gravy for a luscious texture but you can skip if you prefer a thinner sauce

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare the Broth blend:

In your slow cooker combine the dry onion soup mix cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Whisk these together well but do not worry if the mixture looks lumpy as the lumps will dissolve during cooking.

Prepare and Season the Beef:

Cut your chuck roast into approximately 1 inch cubes for even cooking and bite sized pieces. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning evenly over the beef to ensure each piece gets a boost of flavor that complements the gravy without overwhelming it.

Add Beef to the Slow Cooker:

Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker and gently stir it into the soup and broth mixture so everything is well combined and the beef is coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook Low and Slow:

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for at least six to eight hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become ultra tender while the gravy develops complex flavors.

Make the Roux for Thickening:

When the beef is ready melt two tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted add about three heaping tablespoons of flour. Whisk constantly until smooth to create a roux. This step is critical for thickening the gravy nicely.

Thicken the Gravy:

Carefully scoop about two cups of the liquid from the slow cooker into the butter and flour roux. Whisk briskly while gradually bringing the heat to high. The mixture will thicken quickly once you reach your desired consistency remove from heat.

Combine and Serve:

Pour the thickened gravy back into the slow cooker and stir well to coat the beef evenly. Return all the beef tips to the slow cooker if you removed them during thickening. Serve your beef tips and gravy hot over rice mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete and comforting meal.

My favorite ingredient is the lemon pepper seasoning because it adds just enough flavor without taking over the dish. I remember making this recipe for a family gathering and everyone was asking for seconds. It felt like such a special hearty meal that brought everyone together.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days to keep the beef tender and flavors fresh. To freeze portion out the beef tips and gravy in freezer safe containers and keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave while stirring occasionally.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cream of mushroom soup try cream of chicken soup for a different but still creamy gravy base. Beef broth can be swapped with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter flavor. You can also use your favorite seasoning blend if lemon pepper is not on hand such as garlic powder and black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the rich gravy perfectly. Egg noodles or buttery mashed potatoes also make great bases. For veggies steamed green beans or roasted carrots provide a nice fresh contrast.

This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is perfect for busy nights and makes great leftovers. It reheats well and remains flavorful.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What cut of meat works best for beef tips?

Chuck roast and round steak are great choices due to their ability to become tender during slow cooking. Flat iron steak is also a flavorful option.

→ Can I cook beef tips without a crock pot?

Yes, brown the beef in a pot, then simmer with onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth on low heat until tender, thickening the gravy with butter and flour at the end.

→ How do I thicken the gravy for beef tips?

Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add beef broth from the cooking liquid while whisking, cooking until thickened before adding back to the meat.

→ What sides pair well with beef tips?

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, with vegetables like steamed carrots or broccoli to complement the rich gravy.

→ Is cooking beef tips on high heat recommended?

Cooking on low heat is preferred for tender meat, while high heat may make beef less tender, especially with tougher cuts.