There’s something incredibly comforting about tender, savory beef simmered low and slow until it melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe brings that cozy, homey feeling right to your dinner table with minimal fuss—and you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to in your weeknight lineup.

The image shows a top view of a black slow cooker filled with a rich brown stew. The stew has visible chunks of cooked meat scattered throughout, surrounded by a thick brown sauce with small pieces of soft, cooked onions and sprinkled with dried herbs. The stew looks hot with visible steam rising from the surface. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe more times than I can count—and every time, it’s been a win. It’s a mix of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, luscious gravy with beef that’s fall-apart tender. Seriously, this recipe just nails the comfort food vibe.

Effortless comfort: You just toss most of the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the magic, freeing you up for whatever else you need to do.
Deep, savory flavor: Searing the beef and building the gravy slowly creates layers of taste you’ll notice in every bite.
Versatile and customizable: Whether you want to add veggies or switch up sides, this recipe adapts to your cravings perfectly.
Perfect for any meal: It’s great over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles—hello, all your comfort carb dreams!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating that rich, hearty gravy and tender beef texture. Plus, they’re all easy to find, making this recipe practical for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Here’s a little on why each one belongs:

Flat lay of raw sirloin beef tips cut into chunks arranged next to a peeled large white onion diced into cubes, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick red tomato paste, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing rich dark brown beef broth, a small white bowl with deep brown Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano leaves, dried rosemary sprigs, bright red paprika powder, coarse sea salt, ground black peppercorns, a small white bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of clear cold water, and a small pile of freshly chopped vibrant green parsley leaves, all meticulously arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Great for searing the beef to lock in flavor and create that beautiful caramelized crust.
Sirloin tips or beef stew meat: Choose cuts with some connective tissue that becomes tender during long cooking.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the hearty beef.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that enhances overall flavor.
Tomato paste: A secret weapon to add depth and umami richness to the gravy.
Beef broth or stock: Forms the base of the gravy with natural beefy goodness.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory, tangy notes that round out the sauce beautifully.
Dried oregano and rosemary: Classic herbs that complement beef perfectly and add a hint of earthiness.
Paprika: Adds a mild warmth and subtle smoky flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Cornstarch and cold water: Create a slurry to thicken the gravy to that perfect luscious consistency.
Fresh parsley: A fresh, green garnish that lifts the dish visually and adds a little brightness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I’ve experimented quite a bit with this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe, and I encourage you to do the same. Add your favorite veggies, swap beef broth for red wine, or play with the herbs. It’s your dinner, after all—make it fit what you love!

Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms and carrots not only adds nutrition but also intensifies the gravy's flavor—I love this version when I want an all-in-one meal.
Wine Swap: Substituting half the beef broth with dry red wine gives the gravy a deeper, richer flavor—perfect for special dinner nights.
Spice It Up: If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give the gravy a subtle warmth.
Low and Slow vs. Quick: I usually cook mine on low for 8 hours, but if you’re short on time, the high setting for about 4 hours works well too—you’ll still get tender beef.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

A round stainless steel pan with two handles shows a single layer of small, diced onions cooked to a light brown color, spread evenly inside the pan. The pan’s interior surface has some browned spots and slight char marks. The pan rests on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the beef to lock in flavor

Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Brown your beef cubes in batches—avoid crowding the pan or you’ll steam rather than sear them. You want each piece to have that gorgeous golden crust. This step makes a huge difference in taste, so don’t rush it! Once seared, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the base with onions, garlic, and tomato paste

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until soften and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple more minutes—it thickens and intensifies the flavor, creating a richer gravy later.

Step 3: Combine liquids and seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add your dried oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to blend those savory notes. Then, pour this mixture over your seared beef in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow cook until tender

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. This is where the magic happens—the beef becomes deliciously tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together your cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover again, and switch it to high if it’s not already. This final step thickens the gravy, giving you that silky, luscious texture you'll love.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the beef tips just before serving. The bright burst of color and freshness balances the rich gravy perfectly.

Top Tip

From many times making this recipe, I've learned the nuances that can elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe from good to unforgettable. Don't skip searing the beef—it’s worth the extra few minutes. Also, stirring in the tomato paste before the liquids is a game changer.

Searing is key: It locks in juices and creates a deep flavor foundation that slow cooking alone can’t do.
Take your time with the tomato paste: Cooking it out enhances richness and reduces any raw taste.
Cornstarch slurry precision: Mix cornstarch well with cold water to avoid lumps in your gravy—it’ll look glossy and smooth.
Don’t rush the slow cook: The low and slow method truly makes the beef tender and juicy, so resist the temptation to hurry.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe

slow cooker beef tips - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my beef tips with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a little color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a little cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a touch of heat. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and make it look inviting right when it hits the table.

Side Dishes

This rich beef gravy pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes—my personal favorite. But I also love serving it over buttered egg noodles or even fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a nice contrast to the hearty beef and gravy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe over a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option, then garnished with microgreens. Serving it in shallow bowls with a side of warm artisan bread always feels a bit more festive, too—perfect for cozy dinners with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftover beef tips and gravy into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. When you reheat, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight!

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the beef stays tender and flavorful—super handy for future quick meals.

Reheating

I prefer reheating slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This keeps the beef tender and the gravy smooth. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will do—just be sure to stir halfway through and cover to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I skip searing the beef?

You can skip searing if you’re short on time, but keep in mind that searing develops important flavor and texture that slow cooking alone can’t replace. If you do skip it, consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Sirloin tips, beef stew meat, or any sturdy cut with some marbling and connective tissue works best. These cuts become tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker is a delicious way to sneak in extra veggies and boost the gravy’s flavor. Just add them in along with the liquids and seasonings.

How do I thicken the gravy perfectly?

Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, glossy gravy once cooked on high for that final half hour.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites—I promise. It’s warm, tender, and full of rich flavor, yet so easy to make. I always feel like I’m treating myself and those I serve to a restaurant-quality meal without any stress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you!