Some dinners feel like a warm blanket, and this slow cooker beef tips with gravy is exactly that kind of meal. It’s the kind that fills the room with a rich aroma—deep beef, hints of rosemary and thyme, softened onions melding into a luscious gravy. I remember one evening, distracted by a phone call and juggling a few errands, I almost forgot the slow cooker was on. When I finally checked, the beef was meltingly tender, the gravy thickened just right, and the whole kitchen smelled like a little celebration was happening.
There’s a moment when you spoon the first bite over fluffy mashed potatoes or silky egg noodles and realize all the waiting was worth it. The beef is tender but still substantial, the gravy savory and comforting without being overly complicated. It’s the kind of dish you don’t rush through; instead, you linger over it, savoring the layered flavors and the quiet satisfaction of homemade comfort food.
- Rich, slow-simmered beef with a gravy that’s both smooth and savory—no shortcuts here, just slow, gentle cooking.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. The slow cooker lets you set it and forget it until dinnertime, even if you get distracted.
- Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice, offering flexible comfort on any night.
- It’s an easy way to bring a restaurant-worthy meal home without hours of stovetop babysitting.
If you’re worried about the gravy’s thickness, don’t fret. There’s a little extra step near the end to get it just right, and it’s forgiving enough to adjust as you go. Plus, leftovers only get better, making it a great candidate for those busy days when cooking feels like too much.
PrintSlow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
Tender and flavorful slow cooker beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy, perfect served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Season the beef sirloin tips with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef tips in batches and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
Pour the mixture over the beef tips in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
If additional thickening is desired, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker, cooking for another 10-15 minutes until gravy thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Don’t stress about fancy equipment here—a slow cooker is all you need. I usually serve this with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to cut through the richness. Sometimes I add a splash of red wine or a pinch more herbs if I’m feeling fancy, but honestly, the base recipe stands on its own quite well. If you want a little twist, swapping rosemary for sage or using a different cut of beef can work, though I haven’t tested all those variations extensively.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef? Sure, but keep in mind some cuts might need longer cooking to get tender.
What if I don’t have red wine? Beef broth alone works fine, though the wine adds a nice depth.
How do I reheat leftovers? Gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Can I freeze this? Yes, freeze in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Ready to fill your kitchen with this cozy aroma? Give this recipe a try and see how slow cooker beef tips with gravy can turn any evening into a comforting occasion.