Crock Pot Beef Tips Tender

This slow cooker beef tips recipe makes an incredibly tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The rich gravy cooks perfectly alongside the meat, making this comfort food that almost feels like it made itself. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and can be tailored to your preferences.

I first tried this during a busy week with little time to cook, and it quickly became a staple because everyone loved how flavorful and easy it was

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: this cut breaks down beautifully when cooked low and slow, becoming tender without drying out. Look for well marbled meat for the best flavor
• Lemon pepper seasoning: it might sound unusual but it seasons the beef well without overpowering the dish. Use your favorite seasoning if you prefer something milder or spicier
• Dry onion soup mix: if you want a fresher taste, you can make this yourself but the store bought kind works fine and adds a nice savory depth
• Cream of mushroom soup, lower sodium: adds creaminess and richness to the gravy. Choose a lower sodium version to keep the saltiness balanced
• Beef broth, low sodium: helps create the gravy base and keeps the overall flavor from becoming too salty
• Butter and flour: used to make a roux that thickens the gravy for a perfect consistency

Instructions

Sauté the Beef:

Cut your beef chuck roast into roughly 1 inch cubes. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly over the meat to season it lightly but thoroughly.

Combine the Sauce Ingredients:

In your slow cooker, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. It is okay if the mixture has lumps at this stage as they will disappear during cooking.

Cook the Beef Tips:

Add the seasoned beef to the slow cooker and stir everything gently to coat the meat with the sauce. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This long cooking time will make the beef extremely tender.

Make the Roux:

When the beef is ready, melt two tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in about three heaping tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously until smooth and bubbling. This mixture is called a roux and it is the base that will thicken your gravy.

Thicken the Gravy:

Scoop the beef tips out and place them on a plate or bowl to avoid mixing them while thickening the sauce. Pour about two cups of the beef broth mixture from the crock pot into your roux slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. Turn the heat up to high and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Then, remove from heat.

Combine and Serve:

Pour the thickened gravy back into the slow cooker. Add the beef tips back in and stir gently to coat the meat. Serve this comforting dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up all that incredible gravy.

My favorite part of this recipe is the gravy which combines flavors from the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup into something truly comforting. I remember serving this for a family gathering and everyone went back for seconds, especially the kids who loved the tenderness of the beef and the glossy sauce.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the beef. This recipe also freezes well for up to three months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup works well as an alternative and still keeps the gravy creamy. Instead of beef chuck roast, you can use round steak or stew meat but be sure to cut it into smaller chunks so it cooks evenly and becomes tender. For a gluten free version, use a gluten free flour blend for the roux or substitute with cornstarch mixed with cold water for thickening.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes to make the most of the gravy or try it on buttered egg noodles for something different. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, balance out the richness of this dish wonderfully. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely and lightens the meal.

This slow cooker beef tips is an easy, comforting meal that rewards patience with tender meat and rich gravy. It freezes well and makes excellent leftovers.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of meat works best for beef tips?

Chuck roast or round steak are ideal because they become tender with slow cooking, offering rich flavor without high cost.

→ How can I cook beef tips without a crock pot?

Brown the beef in a pot, combine with cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and onion soup mix, then simmer low and slow on the stove for about an hour.

→ What sides complement beef tips well?

Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to enjoy the flavorful gravy. Steamed vegetables like carrots or broccoli make great sides.

→ How do I thicken the gravy?

Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add beef broth from the cooker and cook until thickened before mixing back with the meat.

→ Can beef tips be cooked on high heat?

Cooking on low heat is recommended for tender results, as high heat may toughen the meat and reduce juiciness.