Slow cooker beef tips and gravy made with beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and gravy mix. This easy comfort food dinner is perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

If you’re craving a cozy, comfort food dinner that basically cooks itself, you have to try my Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy.

Your slow cooker works its magic, and you get tender beef and a thick, savory gravy. And let’s be honest, if you put something warm and gravy-covered over mashed potatoes, you’re probably going to win dinner. 😉

This recipe is also great for busy days because once it’s in the crockpot, you can walk away and get on with life. Then you come back to a house that smells amazing and a meal that feels like a little reward at the end of your day. Trust me, it will make the whole family happy!

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Easy prep with simple ingredients
Rich, thick gravy that tastes like comfort in a bowl
Great for picky eaters and hungry teens (or husbands)
Perfect over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice
Makes awesome leftovers

What Are Beef Tips?

“Beef tips” usually just means bite-sized pieces of beef. Some recipes use sirloin tips, some use chuck roast, and some use stew meat like we are here.

The slow cooker is perfect for turning tougher cuts into tender, flavorful dishes, as long as you give it time.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Ingredients for Beef Tips and Gravy

Here’s what you need to make these slow cooker beef tips and gravy, plus what each ingredient does for the recipe.

3 pounds beef stew meat: This is your main protein, and it becomes tender after a long, slow cook.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Brings out the flavor of the beef and keeps the whole dish from tasting flat.
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing): Helps brown the beef and adds rich flavor before it goes into the crockpot.
1 brown gravy mix packet (0.87 ounce): Adds quick, classic gravy flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy as it cooks down.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds that savory, cozy flavor that makes this taste slow-cooked and homemade.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or beef stock): Keeps the gravy flavorful without making it overly salty.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: This is what thickens the gravy so it coats everything perfectly.
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Makes the gravy creamy and adds extra richness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, beefy flavor that makes the gravy taste more “restaurant-style.”
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives a warm, savory flavor that goes great with beef.
1 bay leaf: Adds that slow-simmered flavor in the background.

✅ Pro Tip: Searing Is Worth It – You can skip searing the beef if you’re in a rush, but browning it first adds so much flavor. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes the gravy taste richer and more homemade.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Season the beef. Place the stew meat into a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and mix until the pieces are evenly coated.
Sear the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the beef until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Work in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded. Transfer the beef to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the gravy mix, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle the brown gravy packet over the beef. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top.
Mix the gravy base. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves. Add the cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce, then stir until smooth.
Pour and season. Pour the gravy mixture into the slow cooker. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf.
Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Serve and enjoy. Remove the bay leaf. Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh herbs if you want to be fancy.

✅ Pro Tip: No Lumpy Gravy – Always whisk the cornstarch into cold beef broth first. If you dump cornstarch straight into the slow cooker, you may end up with little gravy lumps.

How to Keep Beef Tips Tender (Not Chewy)

If you’ve ever made beef tips and thought, “Why are these kinda tough?” you’re not alone.

Here’s what helps:

Cook on LOW if you can. It gives the connective tissue in the beef time to break down properly.
Don’t rush it. Tough beef usually needs more time, not less.
Use enough liquid. This recipe has plenty of gravy to keep everything moist.
Skip opening the lid. Every peek lets out heat and slows down cooking.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is how flexible it is. You can keep it simple and pantry-friendly, or dress it up a little depending on what you’ve got in the fridge.

Best Cut of Beef for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

This recipe works with a few different cuts of beef, and each yields a slightly different result.

Stew meat (easy + budget-friendly) – This is the quickest option because it’s already cut into chunks and ready to go. Perfect for busy days when you just want dinner handled.
Chuck roast cut into chunks (best texture payoff) – If you want the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips, grab a chuck roast and cut it into bite-sized pieces yourself. It takes a couple extra minutes, but it’s totally worth it.
Sirloin tips (leaner, can dry out faster) – Sirloin tips are a little more lean, so they don’t get quite as fall-apart tender. They still work, but they can dry out if cooked too long. If you’re using sirloin, try checking it a bit earlier.

✅ Pro Tip: If your beef tips ever turn out tough, it usually means they needed more time, not less. Let that slow cooker do its thing.

Swap Cream of Mushroom Soup

Not a mushroom fan? Or just using what you’ve got? You’ve got options.

You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with:

Cream of chicken soup (milder flavor, still creamy)
Cream of celery soup (a little more savory, great with beef)
Golden mushroom soup (adds extra rich flavor and still keeps that classic gravy vibe)

All of these will still give you a thick, creamy gravy, just with a slightly different flavor.

Optional Add-Ins (If You Want to Make It Your Own)

If you want to add a little extra, these are all great additions that still keep things simple:

Sliced mushrooms – Great for mushroom lovers. Toss them in at the beginning.
Carrots – Adds a little sweetness and makes the meal feel more complete. Cut them into chunks so they don’t turn to mush.
Build more flavor – Add a little extra Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, or thyme.
A splash of heavy cream at the end – Makes the gravy extra rich and creamy. This is an easy way to make it feel a little “fancier.”
Fresh parsley garnish – Not required, but it adds freshness and makes your plate look pretty with almost zero effort.
Dry onion soup mix (extra savory version) – If you want that bold, super-seasoned flavor, you can add a packet of onion soup mix. Just keep in mind it can make things saltier, so low-sodium broth is a must.

What to Serve With Beef Tips and Gravy

This is the kind of meal that begs for something cozy underneath it.

Here are some favorite serving ideas:

Mashed potatoes (classic and always the best option in my opinion)
Egg noodles
White rice
Buttered toast (hello, old-school comfort food)

And if you want an easy veggie on the side:

green beans
roasted broccoli
corn
a simple salad

Leftovers, Storage, and Reheating

How to Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If it thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Can You Freeze It? Yes! This freezes well. Let it cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

✅ Pro Tip: Make It Even Better Tomorrow – This is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day. The gravy thickens up, and the flavors settle in. If you love leftovers, this recipe is going to make you very happy.

Leftover Beef Tips and Gravy Ideas (Don’t Waste a Bite)

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t let them sit in the fridge looking sad. This beef tips and gravy reheats beautifully, and it’s honestly one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day. Here are a few easy ways to turn leftovers into another dinner win.

Open-Faced Beef and Gravy Sandwiches – Toast thick bread, pile on the beef tips, and smother everything in gravy. This one feels like something you’d order at a little hometown diner, and I mean that in the best possible way.
Easy Beef Tips Pot Pie – Want to stretch leftovers into a brand new meal? Stir in a cup or two of frozen mixed veggies, pour everything into a baking dish, and top it with refrigerated biscuits or puff pastry. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Beef Tips and Gravy Fries (Trust Me) – Crispy fries topped with beef tips and gravy is the kind of comfort food chaos I fully support. Add shredded cheese if you want to go all in.
Loaded Baked Potatoes – Slice open baked potatoes, fluff up the inside with a fork, then pile on the beef tips and gravy. This is such an easy “leftovers makeover,” and it’s super filling.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Usually it’s because they need more time. Beef can be tough if it hasn’t cooked long enough to break down. Keep cooking on low until tender.

You can, but low is better for tender beef. If you’re short on time, HIGH for about 4 to 5 hours may work, but texture can vary.

Yes. You can swap it with cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup. You can also make it without condensed soup, but you’ll need a different thickening method and more seasoning.

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