📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Preparing Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/Setup
- Directions
- Cooking Techniques for Beef Tips
- Technique
- Tips and Tricks
- Perfecting Your Beef Tips Dish
- Perfecting Results
- Troubleshooting and Variations
- Serving and Storing Beef Tips
- Serving and Presentation
- Pairings and Storage
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Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy: A Hearty Meal
Preparing recipes that bring everyone to the dinner table involves discovering comfort in simple ingredients. One of my fondest memories features a family gathering where the fragrance of beef stew filled the air, evoking warmth and togetherness. As the slow cooker worked its magic, we shared stories, laughter, and anticipation for a hearty meal that would soon follow.
Crockpot beef tips with gravy capture that same inviting spirit. This dish transforms cubed beef into tender morsels, bathed in a rich gravy that harmonizes with various sides. Creating this meal serves as a reminder of how easy it can be to craft comforting food that speaks to the heart.
Whether you choose to serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this recipe guarantees satisfaction. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate the magic of family gatherings, making every meal a moment to cherish. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary experience.
Preparing Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
Fundamentals
Crockpot beef tips are a go-to for busy households and gatherings alike. The beauty lies in the simplicity of its preparation. Using tender beef stew meat or sirloin tips, this recipe thrives on slow cooking. It melds flavors beautifully, allowing the meats to absorb the rich essence of the gravy.
Understanding the ingredients makes the process even smoother. The creamy mushroom soup adds depth, while the ranch seasoning brings an unexpected twist, enhancing the savory profile. Brown gravy mix acts as the foundation, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Preparation/Setup
Start by preparing your beef stew meat. If you find large chunks, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. With a consistent size, you guarantee uniform tenderness, creating a delightful eating experience.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This combination becomes the magic potion that elevates your beef tips to a satisfying dish.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to place the beef tips in the crockpot. Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Ingredients
When embarking on your culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or sirloin tips, cubed)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice (for serving)
Each ingredient plays a vital role in the ultimate flavor development, complementing one another perfectly. The simplicity of the ingredients showcases that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Directions
- Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks, if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the beef tips in the crockpot.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
- Stir into the crockpot and cook for 15 more minutes until thickened.
- Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, garnished with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Cooking Techniques for Beef Tips
Technique
Cooking beef tips in the crockpot allows for flexibility with techniques. Stay attentive to the settings—cooking on LOW produces tender results that fall apart, while HIGH will provide a quicker meal without sacrificing flavor.
If you want to add depth to the dish, consider searing the beef tips in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step creates a beautiful crust and deepens the flavor, amplifying the overall experience of the meal.
Tips and Tricks
To enhance your cooking experience, here are some tips:
- Use Quality Meat: Select fresh beef stew meat or sirloin for added tenderness.
- Coat Evenly: Ensure all meat pieces are well coated with the gravy mixture. This step locks in flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Adjust Consistency: If your gravy becomes too thin, you can easily thicken it with cornstarch and water as mentioned in the directions.
Pay attention to these small details, and you will elevate your dish significantly.
Perfecting Your Beef Tips Dish
Perfecting Results
Perfecting your crockpot beef tips relies heavily on timing and temperature. Always aim to check on the beef towards the end of the cooking period. When it reaches that desirable tenderness, it’s ready to serve. A fork should easily pull the meat apart.
For an added flourish, stir in some frozen peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking. This adds color and nutrition to your dish, making it visually appealing and well-rounded.
Troubleshooting and Variations
It’s essential to troubleshoot as you go. If you find the gravy too watery, remember the cornstarch trick. If the flavor falls flat, try adjusting seasoning gradually. Each ingredient carries its weight, and a little extra Worcestershire sauce can brighten the profile if needed.
Additionally, customize this recipe to your liking. Explore variations by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms directly into the crockpot. These additions bring a new depth to the dish and increase the overall flavor complexity.
Serving and Storing Beef Tips
Serving and Presentation
Serving crockpot beef tips can easily impress. Layer the egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice on the plate first. Then, generously ladle the beef and gravy over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a pop of color to your dish.
Consider serving this comforting meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. The visual appeal comes not just from the hearty beef but also from the complementary sides.
Pairings and Storage
This comforting dish pairs well with numerous sides. While egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice are classic choices, consider options like quinoa or cauliflower rice for a modern twist. Each side allows you to embrace the rich gravy in a different way.
Once you have enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Enjoy the savory flavors all over again.
In conclusion, the beauty of crockpot beef tips with gravy lies in the simplicity and nourishing qualities of the dish. Each ingredient works together to create a meal that warms the heart and soul, making every family gathering a cherished memory. The journey of preparing and enjoying this meal continues, as it brings people together around the table, creating a space filled with love and gratitude.
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Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty dish featuring tender beef tips simmered in a rich gravy, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or sirloin tips, cubed)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks, if needed.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, ranch seasoning mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the beef tips in the crockpot.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
- Stir into the crockpot and cook for 15 more minutes until thickened.
- Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, garnished with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, consider searing the beef tips before adding them to the crockpot. If desired, add frozen peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef tips, crockpot recipes, comforting meals, hearty dinner
