Savor the Comfort of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Tonight!

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. This classic comfort food dish simmers to perfection in the slow cooker, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and delivering tender, flavorful beef in a rich, velvety gravy. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Slow Cooking

The secret to achieving melt-in-your-mouth tender beef tips lies in the magic of the slow cooker. By allowing the meat to cook low and slow, the connective tissues have ample time to break down, resulting in a fork-tender texture that practically falls apart. This gentle cooking method also infuses the beef with all the robust flavors of the savory seasonings, onion soup mix, and aromatic herbs, creating a depth of flavor that simply can’t be replicated with faster cooking methods.

Mastering the Ingredients

The beauty of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day long. Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this recipe:

Beef Stew Meat

The foundation of this dish is the beef stew meat. Look for cuts like chuck, round, or sirloin tips, which have the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. These tougher cuts of beef become incredibly succulent and melt-in-your-mouth when given the time to break down in the slow cooker.

Onion Soup Mix

Adding a packet of dry onion soup mix to the Crock Pot is a clever shortcut that infuses the dish with a blend of savory, aromatic flavors. The mix contains a combination of dehydrated onions, herbs, and spices that effortlessly seasons the beef and gravy.

Beef Broth

The beef broth serves as the liquid base for the gravy, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly. Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium beef broth to ensure a rich, flavorful sauce without being overly salty.

Additional Ingredients

Rounding out the ingredient list are ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and dried thyme. These elements work in harmony to create a well-balanced, subtly sweet, and intensely savory gravy that complements the tender beef perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef

Before adding the beef to the Crock Pot, take a moment to season it lightly with salt and pepper. This simple step helps to build flavor and ensures the meat is seasoned throughout.

Assembling the Crock Pot

Once the beef is seasoned, simply place it in the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined, then cover and let the magic happen. The low and slow cooking process will transform these humble ingredients into a mouthwatering dish.

Cooking Time and Temperature

For best results, cook the Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy on the low setting for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender.

Thickening the Gravy

Towards the end of the cooking time, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. For a classic comfort food pairing, spoon the beef and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. Egg noodles also make a delightful accompaniment, soaking up all that rich, savory goodness. Don’t forget to add a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or carrots, for a well-rounded meal.

Variations and Modifications

While the recipe as written is already a mouthwatering masterpiece, you can easily customize Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy to suit your personal preferences. Consider adding diced potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra heartiness. For a spicier twist, try stirring in a teaspoon or two of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can swap the dry onion soup mix for a homemade seasoning blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and your favorite dried herbs.

FAQs About Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

How do I cook diced beef in a slow cooker with gravy?

To cook diced beef in a slow cooker with gravy, simply follow the instructions for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. Season the beef, add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients, and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. During the last 30 minutes, make a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.

What meat do you use for beef tips and gravy?

The best cuts of meat for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy are beef stew meat, such as chuck, round, or sirloin tips. These tougher cuts become incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the Crock Pot.

What are common mistakes when making crockpot beef stew?

Some common mistakes when making crockpot beef stew include overcooking the meat, resulting in a dry, tough texture; not browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker; and adding too much liquid, which can lead to a watery, thin stew. To avoid these pitfalls, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

Can you use jar gravy in a slow cooker?

While you can use pre-made jar gravy in a slow cooker, it’s not recommended for this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe. The homemade gravy made from the beef broth, ketchup, and cornstarch slurry is what truly makes this dish exceptional. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly, creating a rich, velvety gravy that complements the tender beef perfectly.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Beef and Vegetable Soup

Embrace the comforting flavors of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy and let your slow cooker do the work. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite, filling your home with irresistible aromas and satisfying your cravings for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and share your culinary creations with us!

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