This dish brings tender beef tips cooked slowly in a rich and creamy gravy. It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or busy days!
I love how my Crock Pot does all the work here—just toss in the ingredients and let it simmer. It’s like magic! Plus, this meal goes great over mashed potatoes or rice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin Tips: This is the star of the dish and adds the rich flavor. You can substitute with chuck roast or stew meat if that’s what you have on hand. Both will work just fine and will be tender after long cooking.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have any onions, diced shallots or even onions flakes can be used instead. They will give a mild flavor similar to fresh onions.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder can be a quick substitute; use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove. Keep in mind the taste is less intense.
Sour Cream: For creaminess, sour cream is perfect in this recipe. If you prefer a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works too. Just wait until the end of cooking to add it in so it doesn’t curdle.
How Do You Achieve Tender Beef in the Crock Pot?
The slow cooking method in the Crock Pot is what makes the beef tender and flavorful. A few tips for success:
- Brown the beef first! This adds rich color and flavor, even though it can be skipped if you’re pressed for time.
- Low and slow is key. Cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours allows the meat to break down nicely.
- Don’t rush the process. If you cook on HIGH, keep an eye on the time. The more time you give it, the better the results will be.
Following these simple techniques will make sure your beef tips turn out tender and delicious every time! Enjoy your easy meal, and don’t forget to savor the gravy!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips and Creamy Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For The Creamy Gravy:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
For Garnish and Serving:
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional for serving: cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes for prep and then you’ll let it cook in the Crock Pot. You can cook it on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, making it perfect for a busy day. You’ll have about 30 minutes of final cooking time to get the creamy gravy ready before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Begin by heating the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips to the skillet and brown them on all sides—this should take about 4-5 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but browning adds a lovely flavor!
2. Setting Up the Crock Pot:
Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your Crock Pot. Then, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
3. Cooking Time:
Cover your Crock Pot and let it work its magic! Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for about 3-4 hours until the beef is nice and tender.
4. Preparing the Creamy Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take a small bowl and mix together the sour cream and flour until it’s smooth and lump-free. This will help thicken your gravy!
5. Finishing Touches:
Stir the sour cream mixture into the Crock Pot with the beef and mix well. Cover and switch your Crock Pot to HIGH again, letting it cook for another 20-30 minutes. This will allow your gravy to thicken up nicely.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, give the gravy a taste! Add more salt or pepper as needed. If it seems too thick, feel free to add a splash more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious beef tips over cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice—whatever you prefer! Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips and Creamy Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Beef Tips?
Yes, you can use frozen beef tips! However, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for even results. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sour Cream?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip sour cream or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream. Just mix in a little at the end to maintain the creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy!
What Can I Serve With These Beef Tips?
These beef tips pair wonderfully with cooked egg noodles, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve them alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
