If you’re searching for a heartwarming comfort dish that’s ridiculously easy to make, then these Crockpot Beef Tips deserve a spot at the top of your list. The beef comes out meltingly tender after hours of slow-cooking, nestled in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want leftovers to savor, this recipe offers cozy flavors and effortless prep, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy days.

Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Beef Tips is that every ingredient matters—each one layers on flavor, texture, and that nostalgic comfort we all crave. A handful of basic pantry staples transforms simple beef into something truly spectacular.

Beef stew meat or sirloin tips (2 lbs): Go for well-marbled chunks for maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip seasoning your beef! It’s what builds the savory foundation of the whole dish.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A quick sear in olive oil locks in the juices and adds golden color.
Small onion, diced: The sautéed onions melt into the sauce, adding depth and sweetness.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Fresh garlic brings a hit of aromatic warmth that elevates the whole dish.
Beef broth (2 cups): This forms the base of the luscious gravy, infusing the meat with richness.
Worcestershire sauce (1/4 cup): A must for an umami boost and subtle tang.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Another layer of umami and savoriness that deepens the gravy.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Contributes just enough acidity and color while thickening the sauce.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds herbal notes that pair beautifully with beef.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle earthiness and golden hue.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Whisked in at the end to create that silky-smooth sauce.
Water (2 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for lump-free gravy.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A bright pop of color and freshness to bring it all together.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Start by generously seasoning your beef tips with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then sear the beef in batches. You want those edges to develop a beautiful brown crust—it’s the secret to a deeply flavored final dish. Transfer each batch to your crockpot as you go to keep things moving.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add your diced onion and sauté for two to three minutes until it softens and starts to turn golden. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute. This combination creates a craveworthy aroma that hints at how delicious your Crockpot Beef Tips will be.

Step 3: Craft the Sauce

Now pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and paprika. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up every savory brown bit from the bottom of the skillet—they’re flavor gold. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, letting all those ingredients meld before pouring this fragrant sauce over the seared beef in your crockpot.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours (or high for 4 to 5 hours). The long, gentle simmer gives your Crockpot Beef Tips their signature tenderness—the kind you can cut with a fork. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have ample time to prep sides or relax.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

About thirty minutes before you’re ready to dig in, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot, mixing it well to avoid lumps. Cover and let it cook those final 30 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, irresistible gravy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top if desired. It adds a burst of color and freshness that’s the perfect finishing touch for your Crockpot Beef Tips.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a lively brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of chives, a touch of cracked black pepper, or even a bit of lemon zest can elevate each serving.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes, steaming rice, or buttery egg noodles as the canvas for all that beautiful gravy. Roasted green beans or glazed carrots make simple yet delicious vegetable sides that round out your meal and add a splash of color.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, pile Crockpot Beef Tips inside toasted bread bowls for a cozy twist, ladle them over baked potatoes, or even spoon onto garlic toast for a fun, fork-and-knife open-faced sandwich. There’s plenty of room to get creative and surprise your dinner guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Beef Tips store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, so don’t hesitate to look forward to tomorrow’s lunch!

Freezing

These beef tips are freezer-friendly, which means you can stash extra portions for a future comfort food emergency. Let the dish cool completely before packing into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to three months, and don’t forget to label with the date.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of extra broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works, too—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring every minute until hot throughout. Your Crockpot Beef Tips will be just as delicious the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Crockpot Beef Tips?

Absolutely! While stew beef or sirloin tips are classic, you can use chuck roast cut into chunks, which turns wonderfully tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Do I really need to sear the beef before slow cooking?

It’s highly recommended. Searing locks in juices and adds a layer of deep flavor you just can’t get from the crockpot alone. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but your Crockpot Beef Tips will thank you for the extra effort.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double-check your soy sauce and Worcestershire to confirm they’re certified gluten-free products.

How can I add even more richness to the gravy?

For ultra-luxurious gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter right at the end. Both add silky richness that’s irresistible over mashed potatoes.

What’s the best way to double this recipe for a crowd?

Simply double all the ingredients (and use a large crockpot!), then follow the same steps. This is a fantastic dish for gatherings because it holds heat well and everyone always goes back for seconds.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a meal that’s hearty, simple, and full of flavor, these Crockpot Beef Tips are about to become your new weeknight favorite. Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked comfort—your future self (and anyone you’re feeding) will be so grateful you did!

Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful Crockpot Beef Tips cooked to perfection in a savory sauce, ideal for a comforting and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Tips:

2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Beef Tips: Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown beef in batches in a skillet. Transfer to crockpot.
Make the Sauce: Sauté onion, add garlic, then tomato paste. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and paprika. Simmer and pour over beef in crockpot.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until tender. Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.