These beef tips are cooked slow and low in a crockpot, making them super tender and tasty! The creamy gravy is rich and comforting, perfect for pouring over rice or mashed potatoes.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? I just toss everything in the pot in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner waiting for me. It’s a win-win! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is my go-to for tender bites. It has enough marbling to keep the meat juicy as it cooks. If you’re in a pinch, London broil or round steak can work as substitutes, but they might be a bit tougher.
Onion: A medium onion adds great flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use sweet onions like Vidalia. You can also skip the onion entirely and add onion powder instead – about 1 tablespoon should do.
Sour Cream: This is the star of the creamy gravy. If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead; it’ll give a similar tang. Cream cheese is another rich substitute, but you may need to adjust cooking time to melt it properly.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is wonderful, but store-bought works well, too. You can switch it up with chicken broth for a different flavor. Just be careful with the salt since broth can vary in saltiness!
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in a Crockpot?
For tender beef, the slow cooking method is your best friend. Make sure you have enough liquid — that’s key! The beef stews in the broth and flavors for hours, breaking down the fibers. It’s a low-pressure cooking style that results in juicy, fork-tender beef.
- Before adding meat to the pot, brown it in a skillet for extra flavor; this step is optional but recommended!
- Cook on low for a longer time (7-8 hours) to really let the flavors develop.
- Don’t rush it; cooking on high can result in tougher beef.
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips With Creamy Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef: 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 1 cup beef broth
- Seasonings: 1 packet (about 1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- For Creamy Gravy: 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
- For Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- For Serving: Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep. You’ll let your crockpot do the magic for anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on your setting, making it a great meal to prepare ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by adding the beef stew meat into your crockpot. Then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. This combo will make your dish flavorful right from the start!
2. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour the beef broth into the pot, and sprinkle the onion soup mix, paprika, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef. These ingredients will create a delicious and savory base for your gravy.
3. Mix It Up:
Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot so everything is nicely combined. Don’t worry about over-mixing; just make sure that the beef is coated with the seasonings.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the beef to be tender and flavorful, so let it do its thing!
5. Create the Creamy Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take a small bowl and mix the sour cream, flour, and water until it’s smooth. This mixture will add richness to your gravy!
6. Combine and Thicken:
Stir the sour cream mixture into the crockpot, making sure it gets well mixed in. Cover and continue cooking on high for another 20-30 minutes, until the gravy thickens up beautifully.
7. Final Touches:
Proceed by tasting the beef tips and gravy, adjusting any seasoning if necessary to suit your taste. It should be delicious!
8. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve the beef tips and creamy gravy over your choice of cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. You’ll have a hearty meal that everyone will love!
9. Add Some Color:
For a nice finishing touch, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like. It adds a lovely color and a burst of freshness!
Enjoy your meal! It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. 😊
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips With Creamy Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. It’s best to thaw the meat in the fridge overnight for even cooking, but if you’re short on time, you can cook it directly from frozen; just add an extra hour on low or 1.5 hours on high.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. Just remember to cook it within 2 days! Simply set it to cook in the morning, and you’ll have a tasty dinner waiting for you when you get home.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you want a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream. Cream cheese can also be used, but you may need to whisk it in slowly to prevent lumps in the gravy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up before serving again.
