This cozy dish features tender beef tips cooked low and slow in a rich, tasty gravy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty waiting for you at dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast or round beef work great in this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using sirloin. Just note that it might not be as tender as stew meat after slow cooking.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives the gravy its rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, swap it with a homemade mushroom sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, flour, and vegetable broth.
Beef Broth: You can use low-sodium beef broth if you’re watching your salt intake. Vegetable broth is a good stand-in if you want a lighter taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the gravy. If you’re out, soy sauce can work as a substitute, but use it sparingly as it’s saltier!
How Do I Brown the Beef Properly?
Browning the beef is vital for enhancing the flavor of your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a heavy skillet and heat the oil on medium-high heat.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Brown the meat in batches for the best results.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, just until browned. This creates a nice crust and deepens the flavor.
Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot as you go. This technique is worth the effort as it elevates the whole dish!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips with Rich Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep, plus 7-8 hours in the crock pot on low or 3-4 hours on high for cooking. You’ll have delicious, tender beef tips with rich gravy waiting for you with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Work in batches to add the beef stew meat to the skillet. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the meat to your crock pot.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Once the beef is in the crock pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top. This will add great flavor to the dish!
3. Make the Gravy Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth, then pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the crock pot.
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the crock pot to thicken the gravy. Cover and let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the hearty beef tips and rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful Crock Pot Beef Tips with Rich Gravy! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast or round beef. Just remember, tougher cuts may need a bit longer to become tender!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and gravy mixture ahead of time. Just brown the meat and mix everything in the crock pot, then refrigerate it overnight before slow cooking. Be sure to adjust cooking time if starting from cold!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
