SLOW COOKER BEEF TIPS AND GRAVY

• Stew Meat - You can find stew meat already chopped in the grocery store. It tends to be a tougher cut of meat that is best for slow cooking as it allows it to break down and become tender.
• Salt and Black Pepper - These are classic seasonings that add flavor to the stew meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Thyme - This herb adds a subtle earthy and slightly sweet flavor to the beef that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
• Garlic - The minced garlic adds a fragrant and savory flavor to the beef and gravy.
• Dry Onion Soup Mix - This pre-packaged mix of dehydrated onions, spices, and other ingredients adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Beef Broth - This liquid is the base for the gravy, providing a savory and meaty flavor that complements the beef.
• Ketchup - This ingredient adds a subtle sweetness and tang to the gravy, helping to balance out the savory flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce - This sauce adds a rich umami flavor to the beef and gravy, enhancing the overall savory taste of the dish.
• Cornstarch - This ingredient is used to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth, velvety texture.

HOW TO MAKE BEEF TIPS AND GRAVY IN THE CROCK POT

Prepare stew meat: Remove the meat from the package and pat it dry with paper towels. Add it to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Season the beef: To a mixing bowl, add the salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk together until well combined, and pour over beef tips.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook the beef on LOW for 7-8 hours.

Remove and serve: Ladle the beef tips with gravy over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes while hot. Enjoy!

RECIPE TIPS

• For best results, use a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure that the beef cooks evenly and the flavors meld together properly.
• For a deeper, richer flavor, sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with butter or oil for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to prevent lumps from forming.
• If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, add diced onions, carrots, or potatoes to the slow cooker.
• To save time, you can prepare the seasoning mixture the night before. Then store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to start cooking.

STORAGE

Storing: Leftover beef tips and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating: To reheat the leftovers, simply microwave them or warm them up on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much after being stored in the refrigerator, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out before reheating. To prevent the beef from becoming dry when reheated, add a splash of beef broth or water to the container before reheating.
Freezing: To freeze the beef tips and gravy, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag to freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.