The very first time I made these slow cooker savory beef tips, it was one of those long, slightly chaotic mornings where I desperately needed dinner to cook itself. I remember tossing everything into the crockpot while mentally juggling a dozen other things — and honestly, I didn’t expect much. But a few hours later, the kitchen smelled like a cozy little steakhouse.
There’s something magical about that slow-bubbling beef aroma mixing with onions and gravy. It drifts through the house in waves, warm and rich, and every single time it makes me pause and think, Yep. This is going to be good.
These tender beef tips in the slow cooker became a family favorite the very day I first made them. My husband came home, lifted the lid, and said, “Whoa… did we just level up dinner?” I still laugh at that.
What I love most is how simple it is — no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just honest, hearty comfort food that practically melts the moment your fork touches it.
And if we’re being real, it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave on cold nights, busy nights, or those “I want something delicious but absolutely zero effort” nights.
It’s also the best kind of recipe to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles… anything that needs a good ladle of savory gravy.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded how powerful a slow cooker can be when you let it work its magic.
Recipe Resume (Selling Points)
Ridiculously tender beef with no effort.
Rich, velvety gravy made right in the pot.
Perfect for mashed potatoes or rice.
Dump-and-go prep.
Affordable ingredients with big flavor.
Great for leftovers and meal prep.
Comfort food with steakhouse vibes.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why This Crockpot Savory Beef Tips Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Ever Need
A close friend jokingly calls this my “weeknight miracle meal.” Every time she visits and smells it simmering, she asks for a bowl. Over time, it turned into our shared comfort tradition — we even started calling it our “reset dinner.”
Cuisine: American homestyle comfort cooking.
What You Really Need to Make This Amazing Crockpot Savory Beef Tips (Simplified)
- Beef stew meat or sirloin
- Onion + garlic
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce (optional but amazing)
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Cornstarch or flour
- Salt, pepper, thyme
How to Master the Perfect Crockpot Savory Beef Tips (My Secret Method)
Start by seasoning the beef generously — don’t be shy. Toss it into the crockpot with onions and broth, then let time do the heavy lifting. As it cooks, the beef softens slowly until it turns spoon-tender. Near the end, whisk a little cornstarch with broth and stir it in. The gravy thickens beautifully while the beef continues soaking it up. Give everything a gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and that’s it. Pure comfort in a pot.
Chef’s Notes and Tips for a Flawless Crockpot Savory Beef Tips
If you have a few extra minutes, browning the meat first adds deeper flavor — but it’s completely optional. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Just make sure there’s enough liquid at the start so the beef stays juicy.
For extra richness, add a splash of Worcestershire or a small pat of butter at the end. It sounds simple but makes the gravy feel luxurious.
Get Creative! Easy Substitutions and Fun Variations
Swap beef for pork or chicken thighs, add peas or carrots toward the end, or stir in mushrooms for earthiness. For more gravy, increase the broth. For a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon.
Lighten It Up! Simple Swaps for a Healthier Crockpot Savory Beef Tips
Use lean sirloin, low-sodium broth, and reduce the flour or cornstarch. Serve over cauliflower mash or quinoa instead of potatoes for a lighter base.
And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes.
Are You Curious About Anything Else? Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these crockpot beef tips with gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Reheat gently on the stove or in the crockpot.
2. How do I thicken the gravy without it becoming gummy?
Whisk cornstarch with cool broth first, never add it dry. Let it simmer in the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes to activate.
3. What’s the best cut of meat for tender beef tips in the slow cooker?
Stew meat works great, but sirloin or chuck roast cut into chunks gives the most melt-in-your-mouth result.
4. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes — carrots, mushrooms, peas, or pearl onions make great additions without altering the main flavor profile.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use cornstarch instead of flour and choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
6. Why is my beef still tough after hours of cooking?
It simply needs more time. Some cuts take longer to break down. Keep the lid on and continue cooking until fully tender.
7. What should I serve with beef tips?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or even crusty bread — anything that soaks up that rich gravy.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly so the gravy stays silky.
Crockpot Savory Beef Tips
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Beef stew meat or sirloin
Onion + garlic
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce (optional but amazing)
Mushrooms (optional)
Cornstarch or flour
Salt, pepper, thyme
Directions
- Start by seasoning the beef generously — don’t be shy. Toss it into the crockpot with onions and broth, then let time do the heavy lifting. As it cooks, the beef softens slowly until it turns spoon-tender. Near the end, whisk a little cornstarch with broth and stir it in. The gravy thickens beautifully while the beef continues soaking it up. Give everything a gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and that’s it. Pure comfort in a pot.
