Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Gravy

Tender, juicy beef tips simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy with sliced mushrooms make the perfect comfort-food dinner. This easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal preparation and lets the beef cook slowly until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty family meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet (1 ounce) brown gravy mix
• 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a quicker preparation.
3. Prepare the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and dried thyme until well combined.
4. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef in the slow cooker. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, then pour the gravy mixture over everything. Stir gently to coat the beef and mushrooms.
5. Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the gravy to thicken.
7. Taste and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the beef tips hot with plenty of mushroom gravy spooned over the top.

Tips for the Best Beef Tips

• Choose the right beef: Beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes works well for slow cooking.
• Brown the meat first: Searing adds a deeper, richer flavor to the finished dish.
• Use fresh mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms both work beautifully.
• Adjust the gravy: Add a little extra beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
• Wait before adding salt: The gravy and onion soup mixes can already contain plenty of sodium, so taste before adding more.

What to Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy

These savory beef tips pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, buttered egg noodles, or roasted potatoes. Add green beans, carrots, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.

Enjoy these tender slow cooker beef tips with rich mushroom gravy for an easy, satisfying comfort-food dinner!