Tender Crock Pot Beef Tips

This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is perfect for those days when you want a comforting, hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process transforms affordable cuts of beef into tender, flavorful morsels swimming in a rich, velvety gravy. It’s an easy meal to throw together in the morning and come home to a delicious aroma filling your house.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite when I first made it during a busy week and needed something comforting. My family now asks for it on days when we want a classic, homey meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: ideal for slow cooking because it becomes meltingly tender choose well marbled pieces for best flavor
• Lemon pepper seasoning: adds subtle brightness without overpowering you can swap with your favorite meat seasoning if needed
• Dry onion soup mix: gives a savory, rich onion flavor that makes the gravy so tasty homemade versions work great too
• Cream of mushroom soup lower sodium: provides creamy texture and depth opt for lower sodium to keep saltiness balanced
• Beef broth lower sodium: forms the base of the gravy with rich beef flavor while controlling salt level
• Butter and flour: essential for thickening the gravy into the perfect consistency use unsalted butter to control seasoning

Instructions

Spoon the Base Liquid:

In your slow cooker, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Whisk them together well even if lumps remain since they will dissolve during cooking.

Prepare the Beef:

Cut the chuck roast into approximately one—inch cubes to ensure even cooking and manageable bites. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly over the beef to coat each piece with subtle flavor.

Add Beef to Slow Cooker:

Place the seasoned beef chunks into the slow cooker with the soup mixture. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly around the meat, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cook Slowly:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the beef cook undisturbed for six to eight hours. This slow cooking renders the meat tender while allowing the flavors from the soup mix and broth to fully develop.

Make the Roux for Thickening:

Once the beef is done, melt two tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in about three heaping tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly until the mixture forms a smooth paste known as a roux.

Incorporate Beef Broth Mixture:

Carefully scoop two cups of the liquid from your slow cooker into a measuring cup and pour it gradually into the roux while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium—high and continue whisking as the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy.

Combine Everything Back:

Remove the beef pieces from the slow cooker into a bowl or plate to keep warm. Pour the thickened gravy back into the crock pot and stir to mix it well. Return the beef tips into the pot, stirring gently to coat them completely with gravy.

Serve:

Ladle the beef tips and rich gravy over a bed of fluffy rice mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a complete satisfying meal.

My favorite ingredient has to be the dry onion soup mix because it packs in savory flavor with ease. Using it reminds me of cozy dinners growing up and always brings a sense of warmth to the table.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat so the gravy does not separate. For longer storage, freeze in freezer—safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, canned cream of chicken soup makes a great alternative and still creates a creamy sauce. You can swap lemon pepper seasoning for a simple mix of salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder depending on your taste preferences. Use homemade onion soup mix if you want fresher flavor and control over seasoning without preservatives.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon these beef tips and gravy over buttery mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles to catch all the delicious sauce. Steamed green beans glazed with a little butter or roasted carrots pair wonderfully with this comforting meal. For a low—carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower while keeping all that cozy flavor intact.

This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It reheats and freezes well so you can enjoy it again and again.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of meat works best for beef tips?

Chuck roast or round steak are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful after hours of low heat.

→ Can beef tips be cooked without a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef on the stove, then simmer covered with broth and soup mixes on low heat until tender, finishing with a thickened gravy.

→ How do you thicken the gravy?

Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually blend in some cooking liquid and heat until thickened before adding it back to the beef.

→ What sides complement beef tips?

Steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles pair well, soaking up the rich gravy for a balanced meal.

→ Is cooking on high heat recommended?

Low and slow cooking is best to ensure the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld perfectly, avoiding toughness.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness.