Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy cooks up seasoned stew meat into a tender flavorful meal. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. With just ten simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The rich gravy pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just ten ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks.
- Flavorful Gravy: The combination of beef broth, ketchup, and seasonings creates a rich gravy that enhances the beef tips.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using stew meat makes this an economical choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Slow Cooking Magic: The long cooking time in the slow cooker makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart slow cooker: Perfect for cooking large portions; ensures even cooking for tender meat.
- Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker; keeps everything organized.
- Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly; prevents clumps in your gravy.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips
- 2 lbs stew meat
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp garlic (minced)
For the Gravy
- 1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the stew meat at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for proper cooking.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add:
– salt
– black pepper
– dried thyme
– garlic
– dry onion soup mix
– beef broth
– ketchup
– Worcestershire sauce
– cornstarch
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef tips in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Cook for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, serve your Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Serving Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy can be an exciting experience that enhances the meal. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides to create a satisfying dinner.
Over Rice
- Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the rich gravy, making each bite flavorful and hearty.
With Noodles
- Serve over egg noodles or wide pasta for a comforting dish that complements the tender beef tips.
On Mashed Potatoes
- The creamy texture of mashed potatoes perfectly balances the savory beef and gravy, creating a classic comfort meal.
In a Sandwich
- Use crusty bread or rolls to make a delicious sandwich, perfect for lunch or dinner on-the-go.
As a Filling for Tacos
- For a twist, fill soft tortillas with beef tips and top with your favorite taco toppings for a fun fusion meal.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Adding chopped parsley or thyme on top before serving not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal to your plate.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
To ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose quality meat: Select good quality stew meat for better flavor and tenderness during cooking.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with seasonings; they enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Thicken your gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it cook longer or stir in additional cornstarch mixed with water.
- Add vegetables: Incorporating carrots or potatoes can add more nutrition and variety to your meal.
- Allow resting time: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking improves flavor as it allows juices to redistribute.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving; you can adjust salt or pepper based on personal preference.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Pairing sides with Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect addition to soak up all that delicious gravy while adding an aromatic touch.
- Steamed Broccoli: A bright green vegetable that brings color to your plate and balances out the richness of the beef.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast to the tender beef tips, enhancing the meal’s texture.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with almonds add both flavor and elegance to your dinner table.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy veggies provide a nutty flavor that pairs well with savory dishes like beef tips.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread not only complements the flavors but also adds a delightful texture to the meal.
- Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative that is creamy and flavorful, making it an excellent choice alongside beef tips.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory gravy, creating a balanced plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the beef can lead to bland flavor. Always use salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance taste.
- Using low-quality meat: Using tough cuts can ruin the dish. Choose good quality stew meat for tender results.
- Ignoring cook times: Cooking for too short or too long can affect texture. Stick to the recommended 7-8 hours on low for perfect tenderness.
- Not thickening the gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, don’t skip cornstarch. Mix it with broth before adding it to your slow cooker.
- Overcrowding the cooker: Packing too much in can prevent even cooking. Ensure your slow cooker is not overfilled for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers and label them with a date; they last up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy that may help you.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, while stew meat is ideal, other cuts like chuck roast can work as well. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
How do I make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free onion soup mix and cornstarch as your thickener.
Can I add vegetables to Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy?
Absolutely! Carrots, potatoes, or peas can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them at the beginning of cooking.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping!
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its ease of preparation makes it a versatile choice that you can customize with various sides or additional ingredients. Give it a try; your family will love this delicious dish!
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe transforms seasoned stew meat into tender bites smothered in rich, flavorful gravy, all thanks to your slow cooker. With only ten simple ingredients, this dish not only delivers on taste but also offers flexibility with serving options—be it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Versatile and budget-friendly, this savory meal is sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew meat
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the stew meat in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
