This Crock Pot beef tips recipe makes tender chunks of beef slowly cooked in a rich, savory gravy. When the right cut of beef is used and the liquid is kept in balance, this dish turns out hearty, flavorful, and perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, with very little hands-on work.
Ingredients
about 900 g to 1 kg beef stew meat or cubed beef
(preferably chuck or other collagen-rich cuts suitable for slow cooking; avoid very lean stew meat)
1–2 onions, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
250–300 ml beef broth or stock
(the beef and onions will release additional liquid during cooking)
1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste (recommended for depth of flavor)
Salt and pepper to season
Optional vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms
Optional Flavorings
1 bay leaf
Herbs such as thyme or parsley
Instructions
Season and brown the beef (strongly recommended):
Season the cubed beef with salt and pepper. Brown the pieces in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat until well colored. This step develops deep, beefy flavor and prevents the meat from tasting flat or boiled.
If time allows, briefly sauté the chopped onions in the same pan for 1–2 minutes to pick up the browned bits before transferring everything to the Crock Pot.
Add ingredients to the Crock Pot:
Transfer the beef and onions to the slow cooker. Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste, bay leaf, and any optional vegetables. Pour in the beef broth so it comes only part-way up the meat, not fully covering it.
Cook slowly:
Cover and cook on Low for about 7–8 hours or on High for about 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. This extended cooking time works best with chuck or similar cuts that contain enough connective tissue to become tender and juicy.
Thicken the sauce if needed:
Slow cookers trap moisture, so the sauce will usually remain thin. For a thicker gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, then switch the cooker to High. Stir well and allow at least 15–20 minutes for the sauce to thicken properly.
Final seasoning:
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper if needed, as the liquid may have diluted the seasoning during cooking.
Serving
Serve the beef tips with their gravy over mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Simple steamed vegetables make an excellent side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for beef tips in a crock pot?
For long slow cooking, chuck (shoulder) or other collagen-rich cuts work best. These cuts become tender and juicy during extended cooking. Very lean cuts like sirloin or round can dry out if cooked too long.
How much liquid should I use in a slow cooker?
You don’t need much liquid. About 250–300 ml of beef broth per 1 kg of beef is enough, as the meat and onions release additional moisture during cooking. Too much liquid can result in a thin, soup-like sauce.
Do I really need to brown the beef first?
While technically optional, browning the beef is strongly recommended. It adds depth of flavor and prevents the meat from tasting bland or boiled after slow cooking.
Why didn’t my sauce thicken in the crock pot?
Slow cookers trap moisture and don’t reduce liquid. To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking and switch the crock pot to High to ensure the sauce reaches the temperature needed to thicken.
Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste?
They’re not required, but highly recommended. Both add acidity and depth of flavor, which helps balance the richness of the beef and improves the overall taste of the gravy.
Should I season again at the end?
Yes. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Slow cooking can dilute salt levels, especially depending on the broth used.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Carrots, celery, and mushrooms work well. Just keep in mind that vegetables also release moisture, so avoid adding extra liquid.
If you enjoyed this Recipe for Beef Tips in Crock Pot and are looking for another flavorful yet lighter meal option, you’ll love the Healthy Curried Chicken recipe next. It reimagines classic curry flavors in a fresh, protein-rich chicken salad with Greek yogurt, warm spices, and fruit that makes it perfect for lunches, meal prep, or a light dinner.
Check it out here: https://rooftopbakery.com/healthy-curried-chicken/
