Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food dinner! Tender, juicy beef simmers slowly in a rich, savory brown gravy made with beef broth, garlic, onions, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Served over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, this hearty homemade meal is perfect for cozy evenings, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings.
The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the beef to become wonderfully tender while the flavors develop into a delicious, comforting gravy. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, spoon plenty of gravy over the top, and finish with fresh parsley for a meal that tastes like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful gravy: Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste create a deeply savory sauce.
- Tender slow-cooked beef: Long, gentle cooking helps the beef become fork-tender.
- Creamy homemade mashed potatoes: Butter, warm milk, and heavy cream make the potatoes smooth and comforting.
- Perfect for busy days: Prepare the beef, let the slow cooker do its job, and make the potatoes near serving time.
- A complete comfort food meal: Everything comes together for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips and Gravy
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Toss well so the seasoning coats the beef evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in small batches, add the seasoned beef cubes and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can prevent the beef from browning properly. Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Paste
Stir the tomato paste into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the paste to develop a deeper, savory flavor.
Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet
Pour 1/2 cup of the beef broth into the skillet. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits left behind from searing the beef.
These browned bits add extra flavor to the gravy.
Step 6: Transfer Everything to the Slow Cooker
Pour the onion mixture and its cooking liquid over the beef in the slow cooker.
Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine.
Step 7: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook using one of these settings:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
The beef should become fork-tender and easy to pull apart. Cooking time can vary depending on the cut and size of the beef pieces, so allow extra time if the meat is still tough.
Step 8: Prepare the Potatoes
About 30 minutes before the beef is expected to finish, place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot.
Cover them with cold water by approximately 1 inch and add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 9: Drain and Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and return them to the warm pot. Let them sit for about 1 minute so excess moisture can evaporate.
Add the 4 tablespoons of butter and mash until mostly smooth.
Gradually pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, continuing to mash until the potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and smooth.
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently, then cover to keep warm.
Step 10: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until completely smooth.
During the final 20 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and gently stir to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, until the gravy becomes thick, glossy, and rich.
Stir gently to coat the beef tips in the gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 11: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate or into a shallow bowl.
Arrange the tender beef tips over the potatoes, then ladle plenty of rich onion gravy over everything.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while the beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes are hot.
Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy
- Brown the beef first: Searing adds a deeper, richer flavor to the finished dish.
- Choose the right cut: Beef stew meat is convenient, while sirloin tips can also work well. Leaner cuts may cook faster, so check them for tenderness.
- Don’t rush the slow cooking: If the beef is still tough, it usually needs more time to soften.
- Use warm dairy for the potatoes: Warm milk and cream blend more easily and help keep the mashed potatoes hot.
- Drain the potatoes well: Removing excess moisture helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water: This prevents lumps from forming in the gravy.
- Add the thickener near the end: Thickening late in the cooking process helps you control the gravy’s consistency.
- Taste before serving: Depending on your broth and soy sauce, you may need little or no additional salt.
What to Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy
This dish is already hearty and satisfying, but a simple vegetable or side dish can make the meal even better.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Garlic butter broccoli
- Peas
- A crisp garden salad
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Buttered corn
Warm dinner rolls are especially delicious for soaking up any extra gravy left on the plate.
Easy Recipe Variations
Mushroom Beef Tips: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the onions. Let them soften before adding the garlic and tomato paste.
Extra Garlic Gravy: Add another minced garlic clove or a small amount of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Add a little dried rosemary along with the thyme for a fragrant, savory finish.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Replace part of the heavy cream with sour cream for a tangy, creamy texture.
Beef Tips Over Rice: Serve the beef and gravy over steamed rice instead of mashed potatoes for another comforting dinner option.
Beef Tips with Egg Noodles: Spoon the tender beef and gravy over cooked egg noodles for a classic, hearty meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow the beef tips, gravy, and mashed potatoes to cool slightly before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.
For the best results, store the beef and mashed potatoes separately.
To reheat the beef and gravy, place them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. Add a small splash of beef broth if the gravy has become too thick.
Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or in a covered saucepan over low heat. Stir in a little milk or cream if needed to restore their creamy texture.
You can also freeze the beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen, although their texture may change slightly after thawing.
Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw beef directly into the slow cooker?
Yes. The beef can be cooked directly in the slow cooker, but searing it first adds extra flavor and creates a richer gravy. If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step.
Why are my beef tips still tough?
The beef may need more time. Connective tissue in stew meat takes time to soften, so continue cooking and check again after 30–60 minutes until the beef is fork-tender.
Can I make the gravy thicker?
Yes. If the gravy is too thin, mix a little additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the hot liquid. Cook until the gravy thickens, checking the consistency before adding more.
Can I use frozen beef?
For food safety, thaw the beef completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker. Starting with frozen meat can keep the contents at an unsafe temperature for too long.
Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare them shortly before serving for the best texture, or make them ahead and refrigerate them separately. Reheat gently with a little warm milk or cream to restore their smooth consistency.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes. You can omit the soy sauce or substitute a little extra Worcestershire sauce according to your taste. Keep in mind that the flavor and saltiness will change slightly.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the kind of homemade dinner that makes any evening feel a little more special. Tender beef, rich brown gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes come together in one comforting meal that’s perfect for the whole family.
With a little preparation and plenty of slow-cooking time, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner without spending the entire evening in the kitchen. Serve it hot with your favorite vegetables and warm rolls for a meal everyone will look forward to.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 8 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 665 per serving