If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, then the Savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy for Cozy Nights Recipe is your new best friend. This hearty, tender beef creation slow-cooked to perfection delivers rich, luscious gravy that clings lovingly to every bite. It’s a simple yet incredibly comforting meal that feels like a big, delicious hug after a long day. Whether you’re welcoming guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is the ultimate cozy night companion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things straightforward with a handful of trusty ingredients, this recipe proves how simplicity leads to unforgettable flavor. Each component adds its own magic to the dish—whether it’s depth, tang, or that perfect velvety texture.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Bite-sized chunks that transform into tender morsels after slow cooking.
- 1 oz dry onion soup mix: A flavorful base that infuses the beef with irresistible aroma.
- 2 cups beef broth: Low-sodium is ideal to perfectly control the saltiness and enrich the gravy.
- 3 tbsp ketchup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and tang for balance.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the meaty flavor with a subtle umami kick.
- 3 tbsp cornstarch: Ensures the gravy thickens to that perfect luscious consistency.
- 3 tbsp minced garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory punch that lifts the entire dish.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Offers a warm, herbal note that’s comforting and well-rounded.
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy for Cozy Nights Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by patting the beef stew meat dry with a paper towel. This small step is crucial because it helps the beef brown better and ensures the flavors cling nicely. Plus, dry meat won’t steam – it will develop richer flavor as it cooks slowly.
Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Broth
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, thyme, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where all those savory and tangy notes marry, creating the base for your luscious gravy.
Step 3: Combine Beef with the Sauce
Pour your well-mixed broth over the stew meat in the crock pot, making sure each piece is fully coated. This ensures every bite of beef soaks up that beautiful rich gravy during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let the beef tips simmer for 7-8 hours until fork-tender. This slow, patient cooking is what breaks down the meat’s fibers, ensuring they are unbelievably soft and infused with all the flavors.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Once the beef tips are ready, scoop them generously over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or soft noodles so the gravy can drizzle down and mingle with your sides. This final step brings the whole dish together, delivering a mouthwatering experience with every forkful.
How to Serve Savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy for Cozy Nights Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives is perfect for adding a pop of color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy. A dash of cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
Classic creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate sidekick to these beef tips, soaking up every drop of gravy. If you want a twist, try buttery egg noodles or even a bed of fluffy rice. Roasted vegetables such as carrots or green beans also pair wonderfully for a complete cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips in hollowed-out dinner rolls or biscuit cups to create a handheld comfort meal. You could even layer the beef and gravy over a baked sweet potato for a delightful flavor combo that screams cozy sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making your second helping even more delicious.
Freezing
This Savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy for Cozy Nights Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its tender texture or rich flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can refresh the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works perfectly, you can use chuck roast or sirloin tips if available. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
Is it necessary to use the onion soup mix?
While optional, the onion soup mix adds a depth of savory flavor that is hard to replicate with individual spices. It’s a great shortcut to build rich, layered taste effortlessly.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Using an Instant Pot on the stew or meat setting for about 35-40 minutes can yield tender beef tips much faster. Just be sure to use the sauté function to mix ingredients thoroughly before pressure cooking.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being gluey. The cornstarch in the recipe helps achieve that perfect smooth texture, so it’s rich and luxurious but still pourable.
What sides best complement this dish for a cozy night in?
Classic mashed potatoes are unbeatable, but creamy polenta, buttery noodles, or even crusty bread work wonders to soak up the savory gravy. Roasted or steamed greens add freshness for balance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a chilly day, the Savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy for Cozy Nights Recipe is your go-to. It brings simplicity, incredible flavor, and hearty comfort all in one pot. Give it a try and watch how it turns any ordinary evening into something truly special.
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Savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy for Cozy Nights Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is perfect for cozy nights. Tender beef stew meat is slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of beef broth, onion soup mix, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, hearty gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 oz dry onion soup mix
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- To taste salt
- To taste freshly cracked pepper
Liquids and Thickener
- 2 cups beef broth (use low-sodium for better control of saltiness)
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the stew meat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the beef tips are ready to absorb the flavors during cooking.
- Make the sauce mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, dried thyme, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, salt, and freshly cracked pepper until the ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth mixture.
- Combine beef and sauce in slow cooker: Place the beef tips into the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce mixture over them, making sure all meat pieces are evenly coated.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let the beef tips simmer gently for 7 to 8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and the gravy has thickened nicely.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the tender beef tips and rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control salt levels in the dish.
- For extra flavor, sear the beef tips in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker, though this step is optional.
- If the gravy is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it further by mixing a bit more cornstarch with cold water and simmering for a few minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed rice.
