Few meals are as comforting as a big serving of Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy spooned over creamy mashed potatoes. Tender chunks of beef slowly simmer in a rich, savory gravy made with au jus seasoning, onion soup mix, ranch seasoning, butter, and beef broth.
The slow cooker does almost all the work, turning simple ingredients into a hearty dinner with wonderfully tender beef and plenty of flavorful gravy. It’s an easy family meal for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or whenever you’re craving classic comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips & Gravy
- 2–3 pounds (900 g–1.3 kg) beef stew meat or beef tips
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into slices
- Salt and black pepper, to taste, if needed
For Serving
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the beef tips or stew meat directly into the slow cooker.
For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding it to the crockpot. This step is optional, but browning creates a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix, onion soup mix, and ranch seasoning evenly over the beef.
Gently toss the meat so the seasoning coats the pieces as evenly as possible.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Broth
Arrange the slices of butter over the seasoned beef.
Pour the beef broth around the meat.
There is no need to completely cover the beef with liquid. The slow cooker will produce additional juices as the meat cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook until the beef is very tender:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and cut of the beef. The beef should be tender enough to cut easily with a fork.
Step 5: Stir the Gravy
Once the beef is cooked, carefully stir everything together.
The melted butter, beef juices, broth, and seasoning mixes combine to create a rich, savory gravy.
Taste before adding salt because the seasoning packets can already contain quite a bit of sodium.
Step 6: Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the beef is finishing, prepare your favorite creamy mashed potatoes.
For especially smooth mashed potatoes, use warm milk or cream and softened butter when mashing the cooked potatoes.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
Top with tender beef tips and plenty of the rich gravy.
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips
Brown the beef first: Although optional, searing the beef in a hot skillet gives it a deeper browned flavor and can make the finished dish taste even richer.
Don’t add too much liquid: The beef will release its own juices as it cooks. Too much broth can make the gravy thinner than desired.
Watch the salt: Au jus, onion soup, and ranch seasoning mixes can all be salty. Taste the finished gravy before adding additional salt.
Choose the right beef: Beef stew meat, chuck roast cut into chunks, or packaged beef tips can all work well. Cuts with some connective tissue become particularly tender during slow cooking.
Let the beef cook until tender: If the beef is still chewy at the end of the suggested cooking time, it may simply need additional time. Slow cooking helps break down connective tissue and creates a more tender texture.
How to Thicken the Gravy
If your gravy is thinner than you’d like, you can easily thicken it after cooking.
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1–2 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the hot gravy and allow it to cook for a few minutes until thickened.
For a thicker gravy, repeat with a small additional amount of slurry rather than adding a large amount at once.
What to Serve With Beef Tips & Gravy
Mashed potatoes are the classic choice because they soak up the savory gravy beautifully.
You can also serve the beef tips with:
- Egg noodles
- White rice
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Corn
- Crusty dinner rolls
A simple green vegetable is especially good alongside this rich dish.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate within a couple of hours and enjoy within 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm the beef and gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a small splash of beef broth if the gravy has become too thick.
The beef and gravy can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Make This Without Ranch Seasoning?
Yes. The ranch seasoning contributes a tangy, savory flavor, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
For a simple alternative, season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and a little paprika. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different from the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy is comfort food at its best: tender beef, rich savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes all on one plate.
With just a few convenient ingredients and several hours in the slow cooker, you can create a hearty homemade dinner that feels like it took much more effort than it actually did. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy family meal, especially when you want something warm, filling, and wonderfully satisfying.