When it comes to comfort food, Crockpot Beef Tips are a game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy beef simmering in a rich, savory gravy, effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker while you go about your day. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this meal is pure comfort in every bite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best crockpot beef tips, from choosing the right meat to thickening the gravy perfectly. Ready?
Why Crockpot Beef Tips Are a Must-Try Meal
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips refer to the tender, flavorful cuts of beef that are often used for stews or slow-cooked dishes. The most common cuts for beef tips are:
- Sirloin tips – Lean and tender with a deep beefy flavor.
- Chuck roast or stew meat – Budget-friendly but requires slow cooking for tenderness.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
The magic of a slow cooker lies in its ability to break down tough cuts of meat over several hours, making them fall-apart tender. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Just toss in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work.
- Perfect for meal prep – Makes great leftovers!
- Endless customization – Adjust seasonings, vegetables, and sides to your liking.
Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips
Essential Ingredients
To make the best beef tips in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef tips (or stew meat)
- 2 cups beef broth (for deep flavor)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
Want to elevate the dish? Try adding:
- Mushrooms – For an earthy, umami depth.
- Red wine – Adds a rich, complex taste.
- Paprika or cayenne – If you like a little heat.
Best Beef Cuts for Tender Beef Tips
Not all beef cuts are created equal. For the best results, choose:
Sirloin tips – Most tender, less fat.
Chuck roast – A bit tougher but melts beautifully when slow-cooked.
Stew meat – Affordable, but can be slightly chewy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Crockpot Beef Tips
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
Start by trimming excess fat from the beef tips. If using a chuck roast, cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Setting Up Your Crockpot
- Layer the onions and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the beef tips on top and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and onion soup mix.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for that deep, meaty flavor.
Cooking and Timing Tips
- Low setting (best choice!): 6-8 hours for ultra-tender beef.
- High setting (if you’re short on time): 3-4 hours.
Making the Perfect Gravy
To thicken the gravy:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This creates a rich, silky gravy that coats every bite!
Serving Suggestions – What to Pair with Crockpot Beef Tips
Best Side Dishes
Crockpot beef tips pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes – Classic comfort food.
- Fluffy white or brown rice – Soaks up all the delicious gravy.
- Egg noodles – A hearty, satisfying option.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Over baked potatoes – A fun twist on a loaded potato dish.
- As a sandwich filling – Try beef tips in a toasted hoagie roll!
- With roasted vegetables – Adds color and nutrition.
How to Make It a Full Meal
Pair it with:
✔ Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for balance.
✔ Garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
Pro Tips and Variations for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips
How to Add More Flavor
- Sear the beef before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or red wine for richness.
Adjusting the Recipe for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce.
- Keto-friendly? Serve over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Making It Spicier or More Savory
- For heat: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- For umami: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or balsamic vinegar.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overcooking or Undercooking the Beef
✔ Stick to low heat for 6-8 hours for the best tenderness.
Choosing the Wrong Cut of Meat
✔ Avoid lean cuts like filet mignon, which can dry out.
Gravy Too Thick or Too Thin?
✔ If too thick, add a splash of broth.
✔ If too thin, use more cornstarch.
FAQs – Answering the Most Common Questions
1. Can I Cook Beef Tips on High Instead of Low?
Yes, but the beef won’t be as tender. Low and slow is best!
2. What’s the Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat.
3. Can I Use Chicken or Pork Instead of Beef?
Yes! Chicken thighs or pork shoulder work well but require different cook times.
4. How Do I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Use the “Meat/Stew” setting for 35 minutes, then let pressure release naturally.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot beef tips are the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe will become a family favorite.
Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef tips sirloin tips, chuck roast, or stew meat
- 2 cups beef broth low-sodium recommended
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce optional, for added depth
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra richness
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening the gravy
- 2 tbsp water to mix with cornstarch
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for extra richness
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the onion and garlic.
- Trim any excess fat from the beef tips.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place the beef tips in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix, black pepper, and smoked paprika over the beef.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook to Perfection
- LOW: Cook for 6-8 hours (best for tender beef).
- HIGH: Cook for 3-4 hours (if short on time).
- Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water.
- Stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
📌 For extra richness: Stir in 1 tbsp butter before serving.
📌 Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 4 days; freezes well for 3 months.
📌 Reheating: Heat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.