Name: Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 pounds sirloin tip roast, cut into 2-inch cubes; 2 teaspoons garlic salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup diced onion; 8 ounces sliced baby Bella mushrooms; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 Tablespoon minced garlic; 2 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/3 cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

I have to tell you, this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes. There’s something so incredibly rewarding about tender, perfectly seasoned beef cubes soaking up rich, savory gravy after slow cooking all day. I love how simple it is to prepare yet delivers that crave-worthy depth of flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re coming home to a chilly evening or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

What really stands out to me about this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is the amazing flavor profile. The combination of garlic salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning builds layers of earthy, herby goodness that dance on your taste buds. Then, the baby Bella mushrooms add this subtle woodsy note and meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the beef. After hours of slow cooking, the beef becomes fall-apart tender while still keeping a nice shape, soaking up all those concentrated flavors in the rich broth turned gravy. For me, that balance of deep, hearty warmth and just enough seasoning makes this dish truly special.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe is how effortless it is. You just sear the beef to lock in the juices, toss everything into the Crockpot, and let it work its magic on low heat for several hours. While it’s cooking, you can focus on your day — no constant stirring or complicated techniques. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort food without the fuss or for impressing guests at casual get-togethers. I also love how versatile this dish is; it’s a fantastic base that lets you customize sides and garnishes to match any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat layout of cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the top row, there are eight small white square bowls with different contents: four on the left containing green herbs, orange powder, black pepper, and minced garlic, and four on the right containing dried herbs, a light brown powder, a white powder, and a yellow liquid, likely olive oil. Below these, on the left, there is a large white rectangular plate holding a large piece of raw, dark red meat. Next to it, in the middle, a medium white bowl filled with finely chopped white onions, and to the right, a medium white bowl full of sliced brown mushrooms. Finally, at the bottom right, a large white bowl contains a dark brown liquid. The items are evenly spaced and neatly arranged. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are simple but essential, each bringing something special to the table — flavor, texture, or richness. Having fresh garlic and a mix of seasonings really turn a straightforward beef stew into something unforgettable, while the mushrooms and onions add lovely body and depth.

2.5 pounds sirloin tip roast: This cut is tender yet firm, perfect for slow cooking and absorbing flavors.
2 teaspoons garlic salt: Adds a garlicky punch with the perfect amount of seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle heat that balances the richness.
2 Tablespoons olive oil: Needed to create a beautiful sear on the beef.
1 cup diced onion: Gives sweetness and body to the dish as it slowly cooks down.
8 ounces sliced baby Bella mushrooms: Adds meatiness and earthy notes.
2 teaspoons onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for a more intense taste.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano and basil that deepen the overall flavor.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky aroma complementing the garlic salt.
1 Tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic in every bite, giving brightness and zest.
2 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that creates the luscious gravy.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to a silky finish.
1/3 cup water: Mixed with cornstarch to make a slurry for smooth thickening.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by cutting your sirloin tip roast into 2-inch cubes. Take your time to remove as much of the silver skin as you can — it’s a bit tedious but makes a big difference in tenderness. Once cut, place the cubes in a large bowl and season evenly with garlic salt and black pepper, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for searing. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, without crowding the pan, and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps create a beautiful brown crust. Then, turn each cube to sear all sides for about another 4-5 minutes total. This step locks in the juices and flavors.

Step 3: Transfer the seared beef into your Crockpot. Add the diced onions, sliced mushrooms, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, minced garlic, and pour in the beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then cover the Crockpot tightly.

Step 4: Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. I recommend checking the beef around the 6-hour mark to gauge tenderness. This timing keeps the cubes intact and tender. If you prefer super fall-apart beef, feel free to extend cooking to 7 or even 8 hours, but be mindful your beef cubes may lose shape.

Step 5: When the cooking time is up, carefully strain the cooking juices from the Crockpot into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the liquid to a bubbling simmer to prepare for thickening.

Step 6: To thicken your gravy, whisk the cornstarch into the water until smooth, creating a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering liquid. Keep stirring occasionally while letting it simmer until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness — silky and luscious makes it perfect in my book.

Servings and Timing

This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe serves about 6 hearty portions, making it fantastic for families or small gatherings. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, mostly spent on cutting and seasoning the beef. The slow cooking time is around 6 to 7 hours on low, which is ideal for tender results. Altogether, you’re looking at about 7 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off time while the Crockpot does its magic. There’s no resting time needed after cooking — just serve and enjoy right away for the best experience.

How to Serve This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of creamy mashed potatoes as the bottom layer, soft and smooth with a pale yellow color. On top, there are several pieces of dark brown beef stew chunks that look tender and coated in a thick, glossy brown gravy. The beef is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. A silver fork is pressing into the beef on the right side, held by a woman's hand, creating a close-up view of the dish. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with blurred green herbs and an appliance in the background, giving a warm and inviting feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I like to go classic by spooning the tender beef tips and rich gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s pure comfort food. If you want a lighter carb option, buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice work beautifully and soak up every bit of that lovely gravy.

For sides, I often include steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad to add freshness and color to the plate. Garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme gives a lovely herbal brightness that elevates presentation and flavor. I highly recommend serving this dish piping hot, straight from the Crockpot, to fully enjoy the gravy’s silky texture and the beef’s tender juiciness.

Beverage-wise, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or apple cider is refreshing and balances the richness. This meal is perfect for family dinners, date nights at home, or even casual holiday gatherings where comfort and hearty flavors take center stage.

Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is for experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. If you want to switch up the beef, chuck roast or even stew meat cut into cubes can work well. Just keep in mind chuck may require slightly longer cooking to become tender. For a twist in flavor, you could add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for some smoky depth.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, just make sure to use gluten-free cornstarch or an appropriate thickening agent like arrowroot powder. For those wanting a lighter or lower-fat take, you can brown the beef using a nonstick spray instead of olive oil, or reduce the amount of oil used. While it’s tough to make this recipe vegan since it’s beef-based, making a mushroom gravy with vegetable broth and lots of savory spices can give you that hearty gravy experience without meat.

For another cooking method, you could prepare this on the stovetop in a heavy pot or Dutch oven — sear the beef, then simmer gently for a few hours until tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid level to prevent drying out. But honestly, the Crockpot version is my go-to because of how hands-off and delicious it is every time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight glass containers or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This helps maintain the freshness and prevents any unwanted fridge odors from affecting the beef tips. You can keep refrigerated leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. When packing away, try to add a bit of the gravy on top of the beef tips to keep the meat moist while chilling.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, which is great for meal prepping or saving for busy nights. I’d recommend portioning into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label your containers with the date and contents. The Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain gravy consistency and prevents the meat from drying out. Avoid microwaving at full power for long stretches, as it can make the beef tough and the gravy uneven. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen it up to that perfect silky texture once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin tip roast is ideal, you can substitute chuck roast, round roast, or stew meat. Just keep in mind chuck may require longer cooking to become tender. Avoid lean cuts like tenderloin since they can dry out with long slow cooking.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Seared beef creates a deeper, richer flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface and locking in juices. Although you can skip searing to save time, I highly recommend it for that wonderful beefy crust and enhanced taste.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crockpot?

Yes, you can. Brown the beef using the sauté function, then cook under high pressure for about 35 to 45 minutes followed by a natural release. Adjust liquids slightly to prevent burning and reduce cooking time dramatically.

How do I make the gravy thicker if it’s too thin after cooking?

Whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then slowly stir it into the simmering broth. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until thickened. You can repeat if needed but add slurry gradually for control.

Can I add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the Crockpot?

You can, but I usually prefer to serve this dish with separate sides to keep the beef tips tender and intact. If adding vegetables, put heartier ones like carrots or potatoes at the bottom of the Crockpot so they cook evenly and don’t over-soften.

Conclusion

I hope after reading this, you’re as excited as I am to try this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family feel cozy and satisfied. The blend of tender beef, savory herbs, and luscious gravy creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a go — I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine!