If you are craving a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Rich Gravy Recipe. Tender, juicy chunks of beef slow-simmered to perfection in a flavorful gravy create a comforting dish that melts in your mouth. The combination of herbs, garlic, and a luscious thickened sauce elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles, this recipe promises to make any dinner feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick piece of raw red meat with some white fat is placed on the left side of a white cutting board with black edges, resting on a white marbled texture surface. Next to it, a woman's hand is slicing the meat into thick rectangular pieces with a large shiny knife. To the right side of the cutting board, there are several uneven chunks of red meat with white fat scattered together. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and achieving that perfect texture—simple yet essential elements bring this dish to life, from fragrant thyme to the rich beef broth that forms the heart of the gravy.

Dried thyme (2 teaspoons): Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the beef beautifully.
Kosher salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances natural flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.
Boneless beef chuck roast (2 1/2 to 3 pounds): Cut into chunks—this cut is perfect for slow cooking, delivering tenderness and flavor.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Essential for a good sear that locks in juices and adds depth.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the gravy and helps soften the onions.
Medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups): Provides sweetness and body to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): The secret thickener that transforms broth into silky gravy.
Low-sodium beef broth (3 cups): The savory base for the gravy, rich but not overpowering.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a tangy, slightly sweet kick that lifts the gravy.
Fresh parsley (2 sprigs, optional): A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
Mashed potatoes, polenta, cooked egg noodles, or steamed rice: Perfect starchy bases to soak up every bit of that rich gravy.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Rich Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef

Mix your dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful seasoning blend. Coat the beef chuck pieces thoroughly with this mix to ensure every bite bursts with balance and taste.

Step 2: Sear to Lock in Juices

Heat half of the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until it shimmers. Brown half the beef, giving each piece a beautiful golden crust for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step is crucial as it sears in flavor and juices. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the remaining oil and beef pieces.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add butter and diced onion to the same pot, stirring to soften and release their sweetness. Scrape all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom—they carry so much flavor. After the onions soften, add garlic and cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.

Step 4: Make the Gravy Thick and Luscious

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat everything. This flour layer will thicken the gravy while simultaneously adding a toasted note once it browns slightly.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in beef broth along with soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to blend all the components smoothly with no lumps. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pot, and bring the entire mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender

Lower the heat to simmer gently, then cover and cook for one hour, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent sticking. After that, uncover and continue cooking for another 45 minutes to an hour until the beef is meltingly tender and the gravy thickens to a silky finish.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Chop fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness if you like. Serve your Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Rich Gravy Recipe over your favorite mashed potatoes, polenta, noodles, or rice, letting that rich gravy soak in beautifully.

How to Serve Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Rich Gravy Recipe

The image shows a blue pot filled with a rich brown stew. The stew has several pieces of cooked meat, each coated in a glossy, thick brown sauce. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm brown tones. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the pot's light interior rim is also visible, showing some sauce splashes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, adding a burst of green and a slight herbal brightness that contrasts with the rich gravy. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of coarse black pepper or a small pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of gravy. If you prefer lighter options, soft polenta or buttered egg noodles create a comforting base, while steamed rice adds a neutral stage for the bold flavors to shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve the beef tips in rustic shallow bowls with a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. You can also turn it into a hearty stew by adding roasted root vegetables or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra texture and depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Rich Gravy Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious second meal.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes wonderfully. Cool completely before transferring the beef tips and gravy to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through to maintain that perfect tender texture and luscious sauce consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, you can also use stew meat or even brisket, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Yes, browning the beef locks in flavor and creates those delicious caramelized notes that build a rich gravy, vastly improving the final dish.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until super tender.

What can I serve instead of potatoes or noodles?

Try creamy polenta, steamed rice, or even cauliflower mash if you want a lower-carb option. Each creates a wonderful canvas for the rich gravy and tender beef.

How do I get the gravy to thicken perfectly?

Sprinkling flour on the sautéed onions and garlic before adding broth allows the sauce to thicken naturally as it simmers; stirring continuously when adding liquids prevents lumps for a smooth, velvety finish.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about preparing and sharing this Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Rich Gravy Recipe. It brings warmth, comfort, and incredible depth of flavor to any meal. Once you taste those tender beef tips swimming in rich, homemade gravy, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a beloved classic in your cooking repertoire. So gather those simple ingredients, slow cook with love, and enjoy every cozy bite—it’s worth every minute.