After a long day, nothing beats coming home to a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you crave a hearty dinner without the fuss. With tender beef and rich gravy, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes, trimming away any large pieces of fat. Combine the beef seasoning mix and sprinkle it over the cubed meat, tossing to coat evenly. Add flour to the meat, tossing again to ensure an even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, searing each side for 30-45 seconds without overcrowding the pan. Transfer the seared meat to a plate.
- Pour red wine into the skillet and deglaze by scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Allow the wine to bubble and reduce by half, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Add butter and onions to the skillet, cooking until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add beef broth, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the boiling gravy gradually, stirring continuously until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the beef and its juices to the skillet. Cover partially and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
- Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of cold butter at the end for a smooth finish. Serve the beef tips and gravy with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. sirloin tips
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1536kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 160g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 504mg | Sodium: 3724mg | Potassium: 3288mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1840IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 20mg
FAQ
- What are beef tips and how do they differ from stew meat?
- Beef tips are smaller cuts of meat typically derived from more tender sections like sirloin or tenderloin, making them suitable for quicker cooking methods. Stew meat often comes from tougher cuts like chuck or rump roast and is better suited for slow cooking to achieve tenderness.
- What is the best cut of meat for making beef tips and gravy on the stove top?
- Sirloin or tenderloin cuts are ideal for making beef tips on the stove top because they are naturally tender and do not require prolonged cooking to become soft.
- How can I make the brown gravy more flavorful?
- To enhance the flavor of brown gravy, you can add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth and umami. Additionally, using a mix of chicken and beef broth can enrich the flavor profile, and a few drops of browning and seasoning sauce can give the gravy a darker color.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can sear the meat and prepare the gravy in advance. Once the gravy has cooled completely, combine it with the seared meat and juices. Store it in an airtight container for up to two days before finishing the cooking on the stove top or in a slow cooker.
- What are some suitable side dishes to serve with beef tips and gravy?
- Beef tips and gravy pair well with sides like mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, roasted carrots, roasted green beans, or corn casserole to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Prepare the Seasonings in Advance: Measure and mix the seasoning ingredients for both the beef and gravy ahead of time. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure a rich, consistent flavor.
- Select the Right Cut of Meat: For more tender beef tips, choose sirloin or tenderloin cuts. If you’re using a slow cooker, tougher cuts like chuck or rump roast can be used as they will tenderize during the slow cooking process.
- Deglaze the Pan for Added Flavor: After searing the beef, deglaze the pan with red wine to lift the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom. This adds depth to the gravy. If you prefer not to use wine, broth can be used as an alternative.
- Enhance the Gravy with Worcestershire or Soy Sauce: Adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or low-sodium soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the gravy without overpowering it.
Equipment
- Kitchen Tongs
- Kitchen Scale
- Deep 13-inch Skillet
- Crock Pot
