Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy – Perfect Over Noodles!

Introduction

Imagine coming home to a warm, comforting dish that’s been simmering away all day, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of tender beef and savory gravy. This Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks, requiring minimal effort for a meal that’s both impressive and delicious. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, perfect for serving over noodles, rice, or with some crusty bread.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: With a slow cooker, the hard work is done for you. Simply prepare your ingredients, add them to the cooker, and let the magic happen while you’re busy with other things.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers impressive results, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 pounds beef tips (sirloin or ribeye work well), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces noodles (egg noodles or similar), for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by seasoning the beef tips with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and browned beef tips to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cover the cooker and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with a little water to make a slurry, and stir it into the gravy in the slow cooker to thicken it.
6. Step 6: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Serve the beef tips and gravy over the noodles, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Handy Tips

• For a richer gravy, use less beef broth or add a little red wine.
• Consider adding other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
• If using frozen beef, make sure it’s thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Heat Control

The beauty of using a slow cooker is the minimal monitoring required. However, it’s essential to cook the beef to a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety. The low and slow cooking method helps achieve this without constant supervision.

Crunch Factor

This dish is all about tender comfort food. The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the beef, making it tender and easily shredded with a fork. If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding some sautéed vegetables or crispy fried onions on top of the noodles before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• Brown the beef and cook the onions in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker for deeper flavors.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken further.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of water if the gravy has thickened too much.
• Freeze the cooked beef and gravy in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
• Use airtight, microwave-safe containers for reheating leftovers to prevent splatters and make cleanup easier.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, you can gift the recipe itself or package the ingredients in a basket for a thoughtful gift. Include a printout of the recipe, a bag of noodles, some fresh herbs, and a bottle of wine for a complete gift package.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor or some dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Creative toppings: Add some diced bell peppers, chopped fresh parsley, or grated cheese on top of the noodles for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different protein, or substitute the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the beef is not tender, it may not have cooked long enough. Check the internal temperature and cook for a bit longer if necessary.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use a can of diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes cooked down to create a similar flavor profile.
• Over/undercooking signs: The beef should be easily shredded with a fork. If it’s still tough, it’s undercooked. If it’s falling apart, it might be overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and ensure the noodles you choose are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger crowds. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using a larger slow cooker.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy recipe is a staple for any home cook looking to impress with a delicious, comforting meal that requires minimal effort. With its rich flavors, tender beef, and versatile serving options, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further substitutions or variations.