There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of beef tips with rich gravy.
This slow cooker beef tips recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender beef slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Savory gravy made with broth, mushrooms, and onions.
Hands-off slow cooker method makes it stress-free.
Perfect family comfort food that reheats beautifully.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Top round beef cut into cubes is ideal for slow cooking.
Mushrooms and onions add depth and earthy flavor.
Dry onion mushroom soup mix creates a rich, savory base.
Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami taste.
Cornstarch slurry thickens the cooking liquid into a silky gravy.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Sear the beef cubes before adding them to the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
Don’t skip the bay leaf—it adds subtle depth to the broth.
Mix cornstarch with cold or room temperature water to avoid lumps.
Let the beef rest in the thickened gravy before serving for best results.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips Comfort Food
Step 1 – Sear the beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat.
Sear half the beef cubes until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
Step 2 – Build the base
Add onions, mushrooms, and the seared beef with juices into the slow cooker insert.
Step 3 – Mix the broth
In a bowl, whisk beef broth, onion mushroom soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Pour over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 4 – Slow cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ hours.
Step 5 – Thicken the gravy
Remove bay leaf. Stir cornstarch with room-temperature water to make a slurry.
Mix into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 15–30 minutes until the sauce thickens into gravy.
Step 6 – Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
What to Serve It With
Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich gravy perfectly.
Egg noodles or rice make hearty bases.
Steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots balance the richness.
Variations / Substitutions
Use chuck roast if top round isn’t available.
Replace mushrooms with carrots or celery for a different flavor.
Add a splash of red wine to the broth for depth.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.
Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I cook this on LOW instead of HIGH?
Yes, cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
Do I have to sear the beef first?
It’s optional, but searing adds richer flavor.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh thyme or rosemary works beautifully.
Why is my gravy too thin?
Add more cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered until it thickens.
What cut of beef works best?
Top round or chuck roast both work well for slow cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger slow cooker and extend cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef tips recipe is pure comfort food—tender beef, savory gravy, and simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that always satisfies.