Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Rich Homemade Gravy

This slow cooker beef tips with gravy recipe features tender steak bites simmered in a rich, homemade gravy made with onions, garlic, beef broth, and a blend of herbs and seasonings. Serve it over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans or carrots, and finish with fresh parsley for a warm, satisfying weeknight dinner made from simple pantry staples and plenty of savory flavor.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

If you’ve struggled with tough beef or a thin gravy, this method solves both. Searing the steak briefly before slow cooking concentrates flavor, while adding a starch slurry at the end creates a smooth, silky gravy ideal for spooning over mashed potatoes. The recipe relies on common ingredients—beef broth, Worcestershire-style sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, onions, and thyme—to produce a cozy, homemade gravy anyone can recreate.

This dish is a great addition to a rotation of comforting, easy beef dinners. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower mash, or gluten-free noodles and works equally well for family dinners or casual meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Steak & Seasoning

• Sirloin steak (2 lb): Trim excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes. Filet or NY strip can be used as alternatives.
• Gluten-free 1:1 flour (3 tbsp): Lightly coats the beef and helps the gravy thicken.
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Garlic powder (1 tsp) and onion powder (1 tsp)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) for searing

Gravy

• Butter (3 tbsp) — replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option
• Onion (1, diced)
• Minced garlic (3 cloves)
• Beef broth (2.5 cups) — a full-flavored broth creates a rich base
• Gluten-free Worcestershire-style sauce (1.5 tsp)
• Dijon mustard (2 tsp) for depth
• Hot sauce (1 tbsp) — adds complexity without making the gravy overly spicy
• Dried thyme (1 tsp)
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder to taste
• Arrowroot powder (3 tbsp) mixed with water (1/3 cup) to make a slurry for thickening; cornstarch can be substituted

Recipe Variations

• Use different cuts: sirloin is my top pick, but filet or NY strip work well too.
• Dairy-free option: swap butter for a vegan alternative.
• Thickener swap: arrowroot or cornstarch both work to achieve a glossy gravy.
• Serving ideas: serve over mashed potatoes, white rice, cauliflower mash, or gluten-free noodles.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Homemade Gravy

Step 1: In a bowl, toss the cubed steak with the gluten-free flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated steak in a single layer and sear for about a minute on each side until browned but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic 4–5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Add beef broth, Worcestershire-style sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, thyme, and remaining seasonings. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Transfer the gravy mixture to the slow cooker and add the seared steak bites. Cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours, until the beef is tender.

Step 5: About 10–15 minutes before serving, whisk the arrowroot powder with water to make a smooth slurry. Turn the slow cooker to high, stir in the slurry, and continue cooking on high for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your liking.

Step 6: Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes with green beans or carrots on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• If you have a few extra minutes, sear the steak — it builds deeper flavor in both the beef and the gravy.
• Don’t crowd the pan when browning. Work in batches if needed so the meat browns rather than steams.
• Cut the steak into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.
• Cooking on low yields the most tender results if you have the time.
• The hot sauce adds flavor complexity without making the gravy overly spicy, so add it as written for balance.
• This method is adaptable to stovetop, instant pot, or slow cooker preparations depending on your timetable.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth while reheating to loosen it.
• Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this a great meal-prep option.
• To freeze: cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe FAQs

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