I’m so excited to share one of my go-to comfort food recipes with you! I made this dish last week, and it was simply divine. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich aroma of tender beef simmering away in a creamy, flavorful gravy.
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe was a total hit in my household, served over fluffy rice with a side of steamed veggies. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, and you need just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a slow-cooking pro or a beginner, you’ll fall in love with how effortless and delicious this dish is. 🥘
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a keeper, and here’s why 😍:
1. Super Easy to Prepare
Spend just 15 minutes prepping this dish in the morning, toss everything into the crock pot, and forget about it! Dinner practically makes itself while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
2. Versatile and Flexible
Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, and the dish transforms into a hearty and satisfying meal. You can customize it to fit whatever sides your family loves!
3. Packed with Comforting Flavors
Tender beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy is the ultimate comfort food. The balance of flavors, from buttery smoothness to a hint of seasoning, is pure bliss in every bite.
4. Customizable for Dietary Needs
Need it dairy-free? Skip the cream-based soups and use dairy-free substitutes. Watching your salt intake? Opt for low-sodium broth and soup. It’s easy to tweak this recipe to match your dietary goals.
5. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will love this cozy dish. It’s filling, comforting, and inviting, making it perfect for family dinners or even casual get-togethers.
Cooking Time
You’ll love how hands-off this recipe is! Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Beef chuck roast
- Dry onion soup mix
- Cream of mushroom soup (low sodium)
- Beef broth (low sodium)
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Butter
- Flour
Variations and Equipment
This recipe is so versatile, you can really make it fit your tastes.
- No Mushrooms? No Problem: Replace the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or golden mushroom soup.
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots, onions, or mushrooms into the crock pot for more texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for thickening the gravy.
- Spice It Up: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot (5-6 quarts): Perfect for slow-cooking the beef.
- Whisk: Helps blend the gravy ingredients smoothly.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For cutting the beef into smaller pieces.
- Medium Pot (optional): Needed for thickening the gravy.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
This recipe is as simple as it gets, and your crock pot does all the heavy lifting 🍲.
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
Start by preparing the base of the gravy. Add the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth into your crock pot. Use a whisk to mix everything together until well combined. Don’t worry if there are small lumps; they’ll dissolve while cooking.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Slice the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning generously over the beef, making sure every piece is coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Gently add the seasoned beef to the crock pot. Give it a quick stir to ensure the beef is fully covered in the gravy mixture. Cover the crock pot with its lid, set it to low, and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Your house is going to smell heavenly! 🤤
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker gravy, melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat about 20 minutes before serving. Whisk in the flour until you form a roux, then slowly pour in some of the broth from the crock pot. Whisk until smooth and thickened, then pour it back into the crock pot and stir. This step makes the gravy extra luscious!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef tips are fork-tender, serve the dish over a bed of rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget a side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for a complete meal. Serve with extra gravy for good measure! 😋
Tips for Making the Recipe
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
Stick with chuck roast, round roast, or stew meat. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking and turn buttery-soft over 8 hours.
2. Don’t Rush
Resist the urge to cook on high heat. Cooking on low gives the beef time to become tender and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
3. Taste and Adjust
Taste the gravy before serving. If it needs more seasoning, you can adjust with a pinch of salt, a bit of pepper, or even garlic powder.
4. Thickening is Optional
Some prefer their gravy thinner, while others love it thick. If thickening isn’t for you, skip the butter and flour step and keep things simple.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
For a dish this flavorful, presentation matters too!
- Over Rice: A classic combo that’s perfect for soaking up all that gravy.
- On Mashed Potatoes: If you want an extra comforting option, mashed potatoes are hard to beat.
- With Egg Noodles: Toss in some cooked egg noodles for a hearty, pasta-like option.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 21g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this meal ahead of time, you’re in luck!
Refrigeration
Once cooked, transfer the beef tips and gravy to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place the cooked beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
With its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and endless versatility, this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your home. Happy cooking and happy eating! 🍴💛
