Craving a warm, hearty meal? You've come to the right place! Today, I'll show you how to make Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy—a rich, savory comfort food that's sure to please. With simple ingredients like beef stew meat, onions, and broth, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. So, grab your crockpot and let's dive into this delicious recipe that delivers flavor with every bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile: This recipe combines savory ingredients like beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, creating a deep and satisfying flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Effortless Cooking: With the crockpot doing all the work, you can set it and forget it. Just sear, toss in the ingredients, and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Versatile Serving Options: These beef tips can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, making it a flexible dish that works well with your favorite sides.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
For this recipe, beef stew meat is best. It stays tender and juicy. Diced onion and minced garlic add a nice flavor. Beef broth brings richness, while Worcestershire and soy sauce deepen the taste. Don't forget the mushrooms; they add a lovely earthiness.
Seasonings and Thickening Agents
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning is key for great taste. Dried thyme and garlic powder make the dish aromatic. Onion powder and black pepper enhance the flavor. All-purpose flour thickens the gravy, creating a lovely texture. Olive oil helps in searing the beef, locking in moisture.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional seasoning suggestions
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You might also try adding crushed red pepper for a kick or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth. This way, you can customize the dish to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
First, we need to sear the beef tips. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lbs of beef stew meat to the skillet. Let it sear for about 5 minutes. Turn the meat occasionally to brown all sides. This step gives the beef a rich flavor and nice crust. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
Sautéing Vegetables
Next, we sauté the onions and garlic. In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the onions look clear and smell great. After they are done, add them to the crockpot with the seared beef.
Combining Broth and Seasonings
Now, let’s mix the broth ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well. Pour this savory mix over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
Final Steps in Cooking
Next, we add the mushrooms. Scatter 1 cup of sliced mushrooms on top of the beef and broth mixture in the crockpot. This will add a nice earthy flavor. For thickening the gravy, we need to create a slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with 1-2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the crockpot and gently stir it in. This will make the gravy rich and velvety.
For cooking time, secure the lid on your crockpot. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. This will make the beef tender and the gravy thick. Once done, take off the lid and stir well. Taste the beef tips. Adjust the salt if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to enjoy the delicious gravy.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
Searing the meat is key to building flavor. When you sear beef tips, you create a nice crust. This crust adds depth to the dish. It makes each bite delicious and rich. Use a hot skillet and a bit of olive oil for best results.
Using quality beef broth is also crucial. A good broth boosts the taste of your dish. It adds a deep, savory base that makes the gravy sing. Look for low-sodium options if you're watching your salt.
Cooking Methods
When using your crockpot, you can choose low or high settings. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives the best results. It makes the beef tender and juicy. If you're short on time, the high setting cooks for 4 hours. Just know that it may not be as tender.
Always check for doneness. The beef should pull apart easily with a fork. If it does, your meal is ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
The best sides to pair with beef tips and gravy are creamy mashed potatoes or rice. These sides soak up the gravy well, making each bite better. You can also serve it over egg noodles for a hearty meal.
For presentation, use deep bowls. This keeps the gravy from spilling over. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A drizzle of olive oil adds gloss and makes it look fancy. Serve with crusty bread to complete your meal experience.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, consider marinating the beef stew meat in the Worcestershire and soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will infuse the meat with deeper flavors.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Instead of dried thyme, try using fresh thyme for a brighter and more aromatic experience. Just make sure to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
- Enhance the Gravy: For an even richer gravy, add a splash of red wine to the broth mixture. It will elevate the flavor profile significantly, giving you a more complex sauce.
- Thickening Tip: If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow the dish to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This will help reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the beef tips if you want. Try using chuck roast or sirloin for a different taste. You can even use pork or chicken for a lighter option.
For mushrooms, you can use portobello or cremini. These options add a rich flavor. If you want something different, try using frozen or canned mushrooms. Just drain them well before adding.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy. You can also check for gluten-free beef broth at the store.
For low-sodium suggestions, use low-sodium soy sauce and broth. This helps keep the flavor while cutting back on salt.
Recipe Transformations
You can turn this dish into a casserole. Simply mix the cooked beef tips with egg noodles and top with cheese. Bake until bubbly for a new twist.
If you have leftovers, use them in sandwiches or tacos. They add great flavor and save time. You can also mix the beef and gravy into rice for a quick meal.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your beef tips, let them cool first. Place the beef tips in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option.
Freezing Guidelines
The best way to freeze beef tips is to put them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
To thaw, move the beef tips from the freezer to the fridge overnight. For a quick method, you can thaw them in cold water. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in a pan or microwave. Make sure they are hot all the way through before serving. This keeps your meal tasty and safe!
FAQs
What can I serve with Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy?
You can pair your beef tips and gravy with several delicious sides. Here are some popular options:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Egg noodles
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
These sides soak up the rich gravy and add to the meal's comfort.
How long should I cook beef tips in a crockpot?
Cooking time is key for tender beef tips. I recommend these times:
- Low setting: 6 to 8 hours
- High setting: 4 hours
Timing helps the beef become tender and the flavors to meld well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Prep the ingredients: Cut the beef and veggies a day before.
- Store in the fridge: Keep the beef, veggies, and broth mix in the fridge overnight.
- Cook later: Just add everything to your crockpot when you're ready.
This method saves time and makes dinner easier.
Can I use different cuts of beef?
Absolutely! You can use other cuts of beef for this recipe. Here are some great options:
- Chuck roast
- Brisket
- Round steak
These cuts work well and provide a tasty meal. Choose what you like best!
This blog post covered how to make flavorful crockpot beef tips and gravy. You learned about key ingredients, like beef stew meat and broth, and the importance of seasonings. The cooking steps showed how to sear meat, sauté veggies, and thicken gravy. I shared tips to enhance flavor and variations to fit diets. Remember, enjoy your dish with tasty sides and store leftovers effectively. This recipe is simple and can be customized for your taste. Try it out and make meal time a delight!
