There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate piled high with creamy mashed potatoes, topped generously with tender, slow-cooked beef tips and a rich, velvety gravy. It’s a meal that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and pure satisfaction, making it a beloved staple in many British households. The beauty of preparing this dish in a crockpot, or slow cooker as we often call it, is the sheer ease it offers – simply set it and let time work its magic.

Whether you’re after a hassle-free weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to share with lovedones, mastering crockpot beef tips and gravy is a culinary game-changer. This comprehensive listicle provides 15 delicious and diverse takes on this classic combination, ensuring your slow cooker works hard to deliver maximum flavour with minimal fuss. From traditional savoury profiles to exciting new twists, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make this wholesome dish your own. For those who appreciate well-prepared sides, consider pairing these dishes with a fresh salad or even some Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Side for an alternative texture experience.

Why You’ll Love This List

• Time-Saving Brilliance: Harness the power of your slow cooker for hands-off cooking, perfect for busy schedules.
• Nutritional Variety: Discover options that incorporate vegetables, different seasonings, and lean cuts of beef for balanced meals.
• Diverse Flavour Profiles: Explore everything from classic British savoury notes to international-inspired infusions.
• Effortless Meal Prep: Many of these recipes are ideal for make-ahead dinners, tasting even better the next day.
• Wholesome Family Meals: Provide your family with hearty, satisfying dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.

Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

15 min prep  ·  30 min cook  ·  4 servings

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1. Classic Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy

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This is the quintessential slow cooker beef tips recipe, delivering incredibly tender beef in a deeply flavourful, thick gravy. It’s a straightforward approach that yields consistent, delicious results every time, truly embodying the spirit of home cooking. I stumbled upon this combination by accident, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Ingredients

• 900g stewing beef, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 250ml beef broth
• 60g plain flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Dredge beef pieces in half of the plain flour, ensuring an even coating.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer seared beef and chopped onion to the slow cooker, then pour in the beef broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
5. Whisk the remaining flour with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
6. Serve the rich beef tips and gravy hot over creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: Browning the beef beforehand adds a deeper, richer flavour to the final gravy.

2. Tangy Tomato & Paprika Beef Tips

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A vibrant twist on the classic, this recipe introduces a tangy tomato base and smoky paprika for a subtly spiced gravy. The acidity from the tomatoes helps tenderise the beef further, creating a rich and satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with plain mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting meal with a delightful kick.

Ingredients

• 750g beef chuck, cubed
• 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Add cubed beef chuck, chopped tomatoes, red onion, sweet paprika, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Stir all ingredients together to ensure the beef is coated with the spices and tomatoes.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender.
4. Towards the end, create a slurry with 2 tbsp flour and a little water, then stir into the gravy to thicken.
5. Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes until the gravy is rich and smooth.
6. Spoon the tangy beef tips and gravy over freshly made mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a gentle heat, if desired.

3. Creamy Onion Gravy Beef Tips

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This recipe focuses on creating an incredibly creamy and sweet onion-infused gravy that clings beautifully to the tender beef tips. The slow caramelisation of the onions adds a depth of flavour that is truly irresistible, making it a luxurious topping for your mashed potatoes. It’s an elevated take on a beloved pairing.

Ingredients

• 850g beef brisket, trimmed and cubed
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 250ml beef broth
• 60ml double cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure halal-certified)

Instructions

1. Layer thinly sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the cubed beef brisket on top.
2. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed.
3. Cook on low for 9-11 hours or on high for 4.5-5.5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
4. Stir in the double cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently incorporating it into the gravy.
5. Allow the gravy to simmer and thicken slightly, then season to taste.
6. Serve the creamy onion beef tips and gravy over warm, buttery mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: For an even richer onion flavour, caramelise the sliced onions in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.

4. Garlic & Herb Slow Cooker Beef Tips

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A fragrant and robust recipe where plenty of garlic and a medley of dried herbs infuse the beef and gravy with incredible aroma and taste. This simple yet powerful flavour combination makes for a profoundly satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly evening with a side of mashed potatoes. It’s a truly wholesome dish.

Ingredients

• 900g beef stew meat
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herb mix
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 350ml beef broth

Instructions

1. Place beef stew meat into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle minced garlic, dried Italian herb mix, and onion powder over the beef.
3. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is partially covered.
4. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3.5-4.5 hours, until the beef shreds easily.
5. Create a slurry with 2 tbsp cornflour and cold water, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
6. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, then serve the aromatic beef tips and gravy over hot mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness.

5. Hearty Vegetable Beef Tips & Gravy

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Load up your slow cooker with wholesome vegetables alongside the beef for a complete and nourishing meal. Carrots, celery, and potatoes (which can be mashed separately) add sweetness and texture to the rich gravy, making it an all-in-one hearty dinner. This is a truly satisfying option for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 800g beef topside, cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed (for flavour, not mashing)
• 500ml vegetable stock

Instructions

1. Combine cubed beef, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potato in the slow cooker.
2. Pour over the vegetable stock, making sure all ingredients are moistened.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
4. Remove the larger potato pieces and mash them into the gravy for extra thickness and flavour, or discard.
5. Whisk 2 tbsp flour with water to create a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy further.
6. Serve this hearty beef and vegetable gravy alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: For extra richness, add a tablespoon of tomato purée along with the stock.

6. Spicy Black Pepper Beef Tips

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For those who appreciate a bit of heat, this recipe features a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper to create a warming, aromatic gravy. The spice beautifully complements the richness of the beef, offering a bold flavour profile that stands out. It’s an exciting variation that still offers classic comfort.

Ingredients

• 700g beef round, cut into tips
• 2 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 onion, diced
• 400ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (ensure halal-certified)

Instructions

1. Place beef round tips and diced onion into the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle generously with freshly cracked black pepper and pour in beef stock and soy sauce.
3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3.5-4.5 hours, until the beef is meltingly tender.
5. Thicken the gravy by stirring in a cornflour slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve the spicy black pepper beef tips and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: Toast whole peppercorns lightly before crushing them for an even more intense peppery flavour.

7. Balsamic Glazed Beef Tips

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A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful sweet and tangy glaze to the beef tips, creating a sophisticated depth of flavour in the gravy. This recipe offers a slightly gourmet twist, with the vinegar mellowing beautifully during the long cooking process. It’s a delightful surprise for your palate.

Ingredients

• 800g beef shin, cubed
• 60ml balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 300ml beef stock

Instructions

1. Place cubed beef shin, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and chopped onion into the slow cooker.
2. Pour over the beef stock, ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender.
4. Whisk 2 tbsp flour with a little water to form a smooth slurry, then stir it into the gravy.
5. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the gravy has thickened and achieved a glossy finish.
6. Spoon the balsamic glazed beef tips and gravy over soft, fluffy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: Reduce the gravy slightly on the hob after cooking for an even more concentrated flavour, if desired.

8. Beef & Stout-Style Gravy Tips

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Achieve a deep, malty flavour in your gravy by substituting traditional stout with a rich, dark beef stock and a touch of malt vinegar. This creates a robust and savoury sauce that complements the tender beef perfectly, offering all the richness without any alcohol. It’s a truly hearty and flavourful option.

Ingredients

• 900g beef topside, cubed
• 400ml dark beef stock
• 1 tbsp malt vinegar
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Combine cubed beef, dark beef stock, malt vinegar, finely diced carrot, and bay leaf in the slow cooker.
2. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf, then thicken the gravy with a flour slurry during the last 30 minutes.
5. Stir until the gravy reaches your desired consistency and is smooth.
6. Spoon the rich beef and stout-style gravy over a generous serving of mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: For an extra layer of flavour, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the stock – it deepens the colour and complexity without a coffee taste.

9. Economical Beef Mince & Gravy Tips

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This clever variation uses beef mince, shaped into small ‘tips’, to create a budget-friendly yet incredibly flavourful and satisfying meal. The mince quickly absorbs the rich gravy, offering a comforting texture that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes. It’s a smart way to enjoy the classic taste with less fuss.

Ingredients

• 800g lean beef mince
• 1 large onion, grated
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 400ml beef broth
• 1 tsp mixed herbs

Instructions

1. Mix beef mince with grated onion, salt, and pepper, then form into small, irregular “tips” or meatballs.
2. Sear the beef mince tips in a hot pan with a little oil until browned on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add the plain flour and mixed herbs to the slow cooker, stirring to coat the beef.
4. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the mince is mostly submerged.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the mince is cooked through and the gravy is thick.
6. Stir well before serving, ensuring the gravy is smooth and rich.
7. Spoon the economical beef mince and gravy over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: For extra flavour, sauté the grated onion until translucent before mixing it with the mince.

10. Herb-Infused Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy

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Elevate your beef tips with aromatic herbs and earthy mushrooms, creating a gravy that’s both complex and comforting. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld beautifully, resulting in a truly gourmet experience over fluffy mashed potatoes. This dish feels special without extra effort.

Ingredients

• 800g beef sirloin tips
• 200g cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 500ml beef stock

Instructions

1. Place beef sirloin tips, sliced mushrooms, rosemary, and thyme into your slow cooker.
2. Pour over the beef stock, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged.
3. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3.5-4.5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
4. Remove rosemary sprigs, then thicken the gravy with a cornflour slurry during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Stir well to combine and ensure the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve this herb-infused beef and mushroom gravy generously over hot, creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: For an extra depth of flavour, sauté the mushrooms until golden before adding them to the slow cooker.

11. Smokey BBQ Beef Tips

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Infuse your beef tips with a delicious smokey BBQ flavour, creating a rich and tangy gravy that’s incredibly satisfying. This version offers a departure from traditional gravy, bringing a beloved American flavour profile to your slow cooker. It’s a fantastic way to add excitement to a classic meal.

Ingredients

• 750g beef chuck, cut into tips
• 250ml BBQ sauce (ensure halal-certified)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 150ml beef broth

Instructions

1. Place beef chuck tips, BBQ sauce, diced onion, smoked paprika, and beef broth into the slow cooker.
2. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to coat the beef evenly.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Once cooked, shred some of the beef slightly with two forks to create a saucier texture.
5. Thicken the gravy with a cornflour slurry, if desired, during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve the smokey BBQ beef tips and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: Choose a good quality, naturally smoked BBQ sauce for the best flavour.

12. Zesty Lemon & Thyme Beef Tips

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Brighten up your beef tips and gravy with a refreshing hint of lemon and fragrant thyme. The citrus cuts through the richness of the beef beautifully, while the thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note. This lighter yet still comforting option is perfect for those seeking a fresh twist. It’s surprisingly invigorating.

Ingredients

• 800g lean beef stew meat
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 300ml beef broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place lean beef stew meat, lemon zest, and fresh thyme sprigs into the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the beef broth and fresh lemon juice, ensuring the beef is well moistened.
3. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3.5-4.5 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Remove the thyme sprigs, then whisk 2 tbsp flour with water to create a slurry.
5. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for another 20-30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
6. Serve the zesty beef tips and gravy generously over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth without overpowering the lemon and thyme.

13. Root Vegetable Medley Beef Tips

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A wholesome combination of beef tips and a medley of root vegetables like parsnips, swede, and carrots for a truly rustic feel. The vegetables break down slightly, adding natural sweetness and body to the gravy, making it incredibly flavourful and nourishing. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 900g beef short ribs, cut into pieces
• 1 large parsnip, chopped
• 1/2 swede, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 500ml beef stock

Instructions

1. Place beef short ribs, chopped parsnip, cubed swede, and sliced carrots into the slow cooker.
2. Pour over the beef stock, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged.
3. Cook on low for 9-11 hours or on high for 4.5-5.5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
4. Remove any large bone pieces from the short ribs.
5. Mash some of the cooked root vegetables into the gravy with a fork to thicken it naturally.
6. Serve this hearty root vegetable beef tips and gravy over your favourite mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: A sprig of fresh sage added during cooking complements the root vegetables beautifully.

14. Mushroom & Shallot Reduction Beef Tips

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This recipe focuses on creating a sophisticated, deeply savoury gravy through a reduction of mushrooms and sweet shallots. The slow cooking process coaxes out incredible flavours, resulting in a rich, umami-packed sauce that perfectly coats the tender beef. It’s an elegant yet easy dish.

Ingredients

• 850g beef brisket, cubed
• 200g button mushrooms, halved
• 4 shallots, finely sliced
• 400ml beef consommé
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Add cubed beef brisket, halved button mushrooms, finely sliced shallots, and beef consommé to the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is meltingly tender.
4. Stir in the balsamic glaze during the last hour of cooking to add a touch of sweetness and shine.
5. Thicken the gravy with a cornflour slurry, if needed, during the final 30 minutes.
6. Serve the rich mushroom and shallot beef tips and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: For an even deeper flavour, quickly sear the beef cubes before adding them to the slow cooker.

15. Red Pepper & Garlic Beef Tips

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Sweet roasted red peppers and plenty of garlic form the base of this vibrant and flavourful gravy. The peppers break down to create a naturally sweet and slightly smoky sauce, offering a delightful twist on the classic. This is a wonderfully colourful and tasty option.

Ingredients

• 700g beef goulash meat
• 2 roasted red peppers (from a jar), drained and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 350ml beef broth

Instructions

1. Combine beef goulash meat, chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and chopped onion in the slow cooker.
2. Pour over the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are well-moistened.
3. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3.5-4.5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Once cooked, use an immersion blender to slightly smooth out the gravy for a creamy texture, if desired.
5. Thicken the gravy with a cornflour slurry during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve the vibrant red pepper and garlic beef tips and gravy over a mound of mashed potatoes.

Quick tip: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or coriander adds a lovely fresh finish to this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

From classic British comfort to exciting new flavour combinations, these 15 slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipes offer something for every palate and occasion. Embrace the ease and flavour that your crockpot brings to the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal. We encourage you to try a new recipe this week, save your favourites, and discover the endless possibilities of this beloved dish. Happy cooking!