Coming home to a kitchen that smells like a cozy diner is heartwarming. The other day, I was enjoying a brisk autumn afternoon. The clouds hinted at a chilly evening ahead.
I decided to make crock pot beef tips and gravy. It’s one of my favorite easy crock pot recipes. After just 20 minutes of prep, I set my slow cooker on low.
Letting it do all the magic while I went about my day. The anticipation grew as the aroma of tender beef and rich gravy filled the house. It promised a satisfying meal for my family and me.
That evening, we gathered around the table. We were greeted with a delicious dish and the warmth of a homemade meal. This experience shows the joy of making crock pot beef tips and gravy.
What Are Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Crock pot beef tips and gravy is a tasty meal. It has beef, like sirloin or chuck, cut into cubes. These cubes cook slowly in a yummy gravy.
The gravy is made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. This makes the dish very tasty. The long cooking time makes the beef very tender.
To cook beef tips in a crock pot, use low heat for 6 to 8 hours. A 5 to 6 quart crock pot is best. It fits the meat and gravy well.
A recipe for this dish uses 1.5 pounds of beef chuck roast. It serves four people. Each serving has about 380 calories.
This dish is also very nutritious. It has 37 grams of protein. You can eat it with mashed potatoes or rice for a full meal.
| Nutritional Information per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Sodium | 1486 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Beef Tips
Using a slow cooker for beef tips is a big win in my kitchen. It makes cooking easy. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook while you do other things.
The slow cooker makes the meat tender and juicy. It’s perfect for cold weather when we want warm, tasty meals. The flavors get richer and everyone loves it.
Slow cookers are also good for your wallet. They use less energy than ovens. And they keep more nutrients in the food, which is great for those who care about health.
Slow cooking makes meal prep easy. I can make a lot at once and save leftovers. It’s hard to overcook the food if you follow the right steps.
Slow cooking is also very versatile. You can make many dishes, not just beef tips. It’s a favorite in many kitchens because of its flexibility.
| Cooking Time | High Setting | Low Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 15-30 minutes | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours |
| 30 minutes – 1 hour | 2-3 hours | 5-7 hours |
| 1-2 hours | 3-4 hours | 6-8 hours |
| 2-4 hours | 4-6 hours | 8-12 hours |
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Making a tasty crock pot beef tips recipe is easy and fun. It mixes different ingredients for a great slow cooker dish. We’ll look at what you need and how to make it step by step.
Ingredients Needed
- 3 pounds of top sirloin steak, cubed
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoned salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons of water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a big skillet. Cook half of the beef cubes, seasoned with Lawry’s and pepper. Brown them, then move them to the slow cooker.
- Do the same with the other half of the beef cubes.
- In the slow cooker, add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in Italian seasoning, thyme, onion, garlic, and a bay leaf.
- Cover the cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender.
- Then, make a cornstarch slurry and add it to the cooker. Stir to thicken the gravy for 5-10 minutes more.
- Take out the bay leaf and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Why Choose Tender Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Choosing the right meat is key for beef tips with gravy in a crock pot. Top sirloin or chuck roast works great. They have less tough parts, so they cook fast and stay tender.
These tender cuts get soft and juicy in the slow cooker. They soak up flavors well, making the dish even better. It’s important to pick the best beef for slow cooker recipes.
While tenderloin is pricey, chuck roast and stew meat are cheaper but just as good. This lets me make tasty meals without spending too much.
Beef tips cook for 3 to 4 hours on high or 5 to 7 hours on low. The slow cooking makes the meat tender and perfect with gravy. Using tender cuts ensures everyone enjoys the meal.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a tasty dish. It’s best with the right sides. My top picks make the meal even better.
Best Side Dishes to Pair With
There are many great sides for slow cooker beef tips:
- Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the gravy well.
- Buttered noodles add a cozy feel.
- Brown or white rice helps flavors mix.
- Steamed veggies like broccoli add a fresh bite.
- Garlic bread is great for sauce lovers.
- Cheddar Dinner Rolls add a cheesy twist.
- A fresh salad cuts the richness of the beef.
Each side brings something special. Mashed potatoes and rice make it cozy. A salad adds a healthy touch. Mixing these can make every meal exciting.
| Side Dish | Description | Perfect Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Mashed Potatoes | Rich and buttery, ideal for gravy | Beef tips |
| Buttered Noodles | Simple and comforting, complements meat | Beef tips |
| Brown or White Rice | Absorbs the gravy, nutritious option | Beef tips |
| Steamed Vegetables | Adds crunch and color to the plate | Beef tips |
| Garlic Bread | Flavorful and perfect for sauce | Beef tips |
| Fresh Salad | Crisp and refreshing, balances flavors | Beef tips |
Tips for Perfectly Cooking Beef Tips in a Crock Pot
To cook beef tips perfectly, I have some key tips. First, season the meat well before browning. This makes the dish taste better.
Then, sear the beef. This adds a special flavor that goes well with the tender meat.
Keeping the temperature right is important. I don’t open the lid too much. This keeps the temperature steady and saves time.
Using a meat thermometer is also helpful. It helps me cook the beef just right, so it stays juicy. For a 3 lbs sirloin tip roast, cook it for 6 hours on low.
Make sure the beef pieces are the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Using good-quality beef broth, about 2 cups, adds a lot of flavor.
Lastly, let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the flavors mix together. These tips make a delicious meal that my family loves.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy, I often find myself with some tasty leftovers. Storing beef tips leftovers is quite straightforward. I make sure to place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The good news is that they can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
If I have more leftovers than I can eat in that time, I opt to freeze them. This method allows me to enjoy my beef tips for up to three months, which is always a plus for meal planning.
When it comes to reheating, I have some reliable reheating tips for slow cooker beef. I prefer using the stove or microwave for the best results. If I choose to use the microwave, I reheat in 30-second increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Whatever method I use, I always aim for an internal temperature of at least 165 °F to guarantee food safety. To counteract any loss of moisture during the reheating process, I often splash in a bit of beef broth. This simple step makes a world of difference in restoring the rich texture of the dish.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these simple steps for storing beef tips leftovers and utilizing effective reheating tips for slow cooker beef, I can easily savor the flavors of my meal even days later.
Variations on the Classic Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe
The classic Crock Pot beef tips recipe can be made in many fun ways. You can add a creamy twist by using cream of mushroom soup or heavy cream. This makes the dish creamy and comforting.
Adding vegetables makes the dish healthier and tastier. Carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms are great choices. They add color and nutrients to your meal.
Trying different beef cuts can change the flavor and texture. Brisket or round steak can make the dish more interesting. You can also try different marinades or spices for a new taste.
Here’s a quick overview of some possible recipe variations for beef tips:
- Creamy Mushroom Beef Tips: Add cream of mushroom soup for richness.
- Vegetable-Packed Beef Tips: Include carrots, red bell peppers, and mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Mixed Meat Variations: Alternate between brisket, round steak, or sirloin for different textures.
- Flavorful Marinades: Experiment with various seasonings like teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or even red wine.
Each variation keeps the slow cooker’s ease while letting you get creative. These simple changes make mealtime more fun and satisfying.
| Variation | Main Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Mushroom Beef Tips | 2 lbs beef tips, 1 can cream of mushroom soup | 4 hours on high / 6-8 hours on low |
| Vegetable-Packed Beef Tips | 2 lbs beef tips, 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup bell peppers | 4 hours on high / 6-8 hours on low |
| Mixed Meat Variations | 2 lbs brisket or round steak | 4 hours on high / 6-8 hours on low |
| Flavorful Marinades | 2 lbs beef tips, 1 cup teriyaki sauce | 4 hours on high / 6-8 hours on low |
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Preparing slow cooker beef tips can raise many questions. I’ll cover some common ones. Topics include ingredient swaps, cooking times, and ways to make beef tips tender and flavorful.
Many wonder how much beef to use. I suggest 2 pounds of stew meat or sirloin tips. This amount is perfect for family meals, serving about 6 people.
Cooking time is another big question. In a 6-quart crockpot, high heat cooks in 3-4 hours. Low heat takes 5-7 hours. This lets you cook at your pace, even on busy days.
People also ask about serving options. You can serve beef tips over mashed potatoes or pasta. This makes the dish appealing to everyone in your home. My recipe uses 3 cups of beef broth and 12 ounces of mushrooms. These add flavor and richness.
For more flavor, try adding garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Four to five cloves of garlic add a fragrant taste.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does it take for the gravy to thicken? | Typically, it takes about 30 minutes for the gravy to thicken, with an optional extra 10 minutes for the cornstarch slurry if needed. |
| What is the recommended storage duration for leftovers? | You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days and freeze them for up to 6 months. |
| How many calories are in each serving? | Each serving contains approximately 256 calories, along with other nutritional details, making it a wholesome option. |
Final Thoughts on Making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Making crock pot beef tips and gravy is a simple joy. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, it cooks for 5 to 6 hours in a 7-quart slow cooker.
The flavors get better as the beef gets tender. This makes a meal that everyone loves. It turns busy weeknights into special times.
This recipe is very flexible. You can use tenderloin or chuck, depending on what you have. Leftovers last up to 5 days in the fridge or months in the freezer.
Thinking about this recipe, I love how easy it is. The flavors, gravy, and beef tips make it a favorite. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time to do it!
