Description

Tender beef tips simmered slowly in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for a comforting and easy dinner. This recipe is quick to prep and ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried, optional)
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste.
Slowly add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring to deglaze the pan. Let the mixture thicken slightly, about 3 minutes.
Pour the onion-mushroom gravy over the beef in the slow cooker. Add thyme and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and gravy is thick.
Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
If gravy is not thick enough, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with cold water and stir in. Cook uncovered on high for another 15 minutes.

Notes

Do not skip browning the beef for deeper flavor. Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. Adjust broth quantity if needed for gravy consistency. For gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour. For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Variations include adding pearl onions, carrots, celery, or a splash of red wine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1 cup of beef
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 450
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 28

Keywords: slow cooker beef tips, beef tips recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, rich gravy, slow cooker recipes, beef stew