If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself, these Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy are exactly what you need. Tender pieces of beef slowly simmer in a rich, savory gravy made with au jus seasoning, onion soup mix, ranch seasoning, butter, and beef broth. The result is incredibly flavorful beef with a silky gravy that is absolutely delicious spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.
This easy slow cooker beef tips recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, family meals, and cozy evenings at home. There’s very little prep involved, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you.
The beef becomes wonderfully tender as it cooks low and slow, while the combination of seasonings creates a deeply savory gravy without requiring a complicated homemade sauce.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Beef Tips
There are plenty of reasons this recipe has become such a popular comfort-food dinner.
First, it’s incredibly easy. You simply add the beef, seasonings, butter, and broth to the slow cooker, cover it, and let it cook.
Second, the flavor is rich and satisfying. The combination of au jus gravy mix, onion soup mix, ranch seasoning, beef broth, and butter creates a savory gravy that pairs beautifully with tender beef.
And finally, this recipe is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, making every bite warm, creamy, and delicious.
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Beef
2–3 pounds beef stew meat or beef tips
Use beef stew meat, sirloin tips, chuck roast cut into chunks, or another suitable beef cut. Choose pieces with some marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
Seasonings
1 packet au jus gravy mix
This provides a rich beefy flavor and helps create the savory gravy.
1 packet onion soup mix
Onion soup mix adds concentrated onion flavor and extra seasoning.
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Ranch seasoning gives the gravy a flavorful blend of herbs and spices.
Liquid and Fat
1 cup beef broth
Beef broth provides moisture and helps create the gravy as the beef cooks.
1/2 cup butter, sliced
Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Salt and black pepper, to taste, optional
Because the seasoning packets already contain salt, taste the finished dish before adding additional salt.
For Serving
Mashed potatoes
Fresh chopped parsley, optional
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker
Place the raw beef tips or stew meat directly into the slow cooker.
You don’t need to brown the beef first for this easy version. Simply arrange the beef evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
If you’re using larger pieces of beef, cut them into fairly uniform chunks so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix, onion soup mix, and ranch seasoning mix evenly over the beef.
Give everything a light stir so the seasoning begins to coat the meat.
The seasoning packets provide most of the flavor for this recipe, which is one reason these crockpot beef tips are so simple to prepare.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Beef Broth
Slice the butter into smaller pieces and place it over the seasoned beef.
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
As the beef cooks, the broth, butter, meat juices, and seasonings combine to create a rich and savory gravy.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on:
LOW for 7–8 hours
or
HIGH for 4–5 hours
The beef should be very tender when finished and should easily break apart with a fork.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the beef pieces and your slow cooker, so use tenderness as your main guide.
Step 5: Stir the Beef and Gravy
Once the beef is tender, carefully stir everything together.
The butter, broth, beef juices, and seasonings should have combined into a rich, glossy gravy surrounding the tender beef.
Taste the gravy and add a little black pepper or salt if needed.
Step 6: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
Spoon generous portions of the beef tips and gravy over warm, creamy mashed potatoes.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired.
The mashed potatoes are especially good because they absorb all that flavorful gravy.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips generally refer to small pieces or chunks of beef that are suitable for slow cooking or braising. Depending on the store, you may find packages labeled beef tips, steak tips, stew meat, or sirloin tips.
For this crockpot recipe, beef stew meat is an easy and convenient choice because it is already cut into bite-sized pieces and is well suited to long, slow cooking.
What Is the Best Beef for Crockpot Beef Tips?
Several cuts can work well for slow cooker beef tips.
Beef stew meat: Convenient and budget-friendly, with pieces already cut for slow cooking.
Chuck roast: Rich in connective tissue and fat, which can become wonderfully tender during slow cooking. Cut it into chunks before adding it to the crockpot.
Sirloin tips: Leaner and beefy in flavor, although they can behave differently from tougher stew cuts during extended cooking.
For a classic tender, comforting result, beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks are excellent choices.
Do You Have to Brown the Beef First?
No. This recipe is designed to be simple, so the beef can go directly into the crockpot.
However, if you have a few extra minutes, browning the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker can add additional browned, savory flavor.
It isn’t necessary for the recipe to work, but it’s an optional step for those who want a deeper flavor.
How Do You Make Crockpot Beef Tips Tender?
The key is giving the beef enough time to cook.
Slow cooking allows tougher cuts of beef to gradually soften as they cook in the flavorful liquid. Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking and avoid repeatedly opening the lid, as this allows heat to escape and can increase the cooking time.
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender and easy to break apart.
How Do You Thicken Beef Tips and Gravy?
This recipe produces a naturally rich gravy from the broth, butter, seasoning mixes, and juices released by the beef.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can make a simple cornstarch slurry after cooking.
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1–2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir it into the hot gravy and allow it to cook for several minutes until thickened.
Add more slurry gradually if you want an even thicker consistency.
Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly to the slow cooker because it can form lumps.
What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Tips
The classic pairing is creamy mashed potatoes, but there are plenty of other options.
Try serving the beef tips and gravy with:
- Egg noodles
- White rice
- Buttered noodles
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Cauliflower mash
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Corn
- Dinner rolls
- Crusty bread
If you’re serving this for a family dinner, mashed potatoes and green beans make an especially comforting combination.
Can I Serve Beef Tips Over Noodles?
Absolutely.
Instead of mashed potatoes, spoon the tender beef tips and gravy over cooked egg noodles. The noodles absorb the savory gravy and turn this recipe into an easy slow cooker beef and noodles dinner.
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Beef?
For best results and food-safety reasons, use properly thawed beef rather than placing frozen beef directly into the slow cooker.
Thaw the beef safely in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe.
Can I Make Crockpot Beef Tips Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Crockpot beef tips are a great make-ahead dinner. Once cooked, allow the leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
The flavors can become even more developed after resting overnight.
When reheating, warm the beef and gravy gently until heated through. If the gravy has thickened in the refrigerator, add a small splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
How to Store Leftover Beef Tips and Gravy
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store the beef and gravy in the refrigerator and use them within 3–4 days.
You can also freeze the cooked beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container. Leave a little room for expansion and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Beef Tips
Cut the beef into similar-sized pieces. This helps the pieces cook more evenly.
Don’t add extra salt immediately. Au jus mix, onion soup mix, and ranch seasoning can already be quite salty. Taste the gravy before adding additional salt.
Keep the lid closed. Every time you remove the lid, heat escapes and cooking can take longer.
Cook until tender, not just until the clock says it’s done. Slow cookers can vary, so tenderness is the best indicator.
Use good-quality beef broth. Since the broth becomes part of the gravy, its flavor matters.
Serve immediately over mashed potatoes. The combination of tender beef, savory gravy, and creamy potatoes is what makes this dish such a comforting classic.
Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
2–3 lbs (900 g–1.3 kg) beef stew meat or beef tips
1 packet au jus gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
1/2 cup (115 g) butter, cut into slices
Salt and pepper, to taste, optional
Mashed potatoes, for serving
Fresh chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
Place the beef tips or stew meat into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix, onion soup mix, and ranch seasoning evenly over the beef. Stir lightly to coat.
Place the sliced butter over the seasoned beef and pour in the beef broth.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Stir the beef and gravy together before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the tender beef tips and generous amounts of gravy over creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use stew meat instead of beef tips?
Yes. Beef stew meat is an excellent choice for this recipe and is convenient because it is already cut into chunks.
Can I use chuck roast?
Yes. Cut a chuck roast into bite-sized chunks before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I cook beef tips on low overnight?
The recipe is designed for approximately 7–8 hours on LOW. If your slow cooker has a programmable setting, follow its instructions and avoid leaving the beef cooking significantly longer than necessary.
Why are my beef tips tough?
If the beef is still tough, it may need more cooking time. Slow-cooked beef can become tender as connective tissue gradually breaks down. Continue cooking until the beef is fork-tender.
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
Absolutely. Homemade mashed potatoes are an excellent base for the beef tips and gravy.
Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?
Yes, although the flavor will be different. The ranch seasoning contributes herbs and seasoning to the gravy. If you leave it out, you may want to adjust the other seasonings to taste.
Why This Is the Perfect Comfort Food Dinner
There’s something especially satisfying about a meal that requires only a few minutes of preparation but delivers the flavor of a slow-cooked Sunday dinner.
These Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy combine tender beef with a rich, savory sauce and creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that feels hearty without requiring hours of hands-on cooking.
It’s the kind of recipe you can prepare in the morning, let the slow cooker work throughout the day, and come home to the smell of a warm, comforting dinner.
Whether you’re looking for an easy slow cooker beef tips recipe, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a hearty meal to feed the family, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes on LOW
Servings: Approximately 6–8 servings, depending on portion size
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Final Thoughts
These easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy are everything you want in a comfort-food dinner: tender beef, rich savory gravy, minimal preparation, and a delicious pairing with creamy mashed potatoes.
The combination of au jus seasoning, onion soup mix, ranch seasoning, butter, and beef broth creates a flavorful gravy that makes every bite satisfying.
Save this recipe for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, cold-weather meals, or anytime you’re craving an easy homemade dinner that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did.