Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
This slow cooker beef tips and gravy is the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself. Tender beef cubes simmer in a rich, savory gravy with mushrooms and onions for hours, creating a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine or additional beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons flour, salt, and pepper. Toss beef cubes to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add beef broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour into slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until beef is very tender.
- In a small bowl, mix butter and 3 tablespoons flour into a paste. Stir into slow cooker during last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Remove bay leaves and serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Practical Tips
- Don’t skip browning the meat: This crucial step creates a deeper, more complex flavor through caramelization that makes all the difference in the final dish.
- Use red wine for richness: Substitute half the beef broth with red wine for a more sophisticated, restaurant-quality gravy with added depth.
- Make the beurre manié ahead: Mix the butter and flour paste in advance and refrigerate it, making the last 30 minutes of cooking even more convenient.
How to Store It
Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, chuck roast or beef stew meat work wonderfully. Just ensure the pieces are cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
What if I don’t have sour cream? You can substitute with Greek yogurt or heavy cream for a similar creamy texture, though the tanginess will differ slightly.
How long can I cook this on high instead of low? Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours instead of 6 to 8 hours on low, checking for tenderness as cooking times vary by slow cooker model.