This recipe is so delicious, and I love how I can make it in the oven or slow cooker
Sometimes, you just need a recipe that is both comforting and easy to make, no matter what your schedule looks like. Well, this recipe for tender beef tips in a savory gravy is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re in the mood for the slow-roasted goodness from the oven or the “set it and forget it” convenience of the slow cooker, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made either way. It’s simple, flavorful, and just downright delicious.
Picture this: succulent beef tips, cooked to perfection, soaking in a rich, creamy gravy made with a mix of cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy, and onion soup mix. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—like a cozy evening with the family or a relaxing night on the couch.
Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make this hearty and comforting dish, you’ll need just a few basic
Ingredients
that you probably already have in your pantry:
2 lbs of stew meat, cubed – The star of this dish! Look for well-marbled beef stew meat, which gets wonderfully tender as it cooks.
1 packet brown gravy mix – This will add depth and richness to your gravy. It’s a shortcut that guarantees big flavor!
1 can cream of mushroom soup – The creamy base of this dish, it adds that luscious texture and savory taste that complements the beef so well.
1 packet onion soup mix – This little packet brings in some savory, oniony goodness that really ties everything together.
Water, as required – You’ll need just a bit of water to get everything nice and smooth for the gravy.
Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance the rich gravy.
Instructions
Oven Version:
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, oven-baked meal, this method is for you. It’s easy, and it gives the beef that perfect melt-in-your-mouth tenderness!
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot, so your beef has the perfect environment to slow-cook and get tender.
Mix up your gravy: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and about 1 cup of water. Stir it all together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. You want to make sure there are no lumps in the gravy mix.
Prep your beef: Place the beef tips into a casserole dish, making sure they’re spread out evenly. Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, making sure every piece is covered with that rich, flavorful sauce.
Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps all the moisture in and helps the beef stay nice and juicy while it cooks. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 3 hours, without peeking! It might be hard to resist, but the longer you let it cook, the more tender the beef will become.
Enjoy: After 3 hours, you should have beautifully tender beef soaking in that mouthwatering gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, and don’t forget to drizzle that delicious gravy all over the top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor if you’re feeling fancy!
Slow Cooker Version:
If you’re short on time or just want to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work, this version is perfect. Set it and forget it!
Prepare your gravy: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and about 1 cup of water. Stir it until it’s smooth and creamy, just like the oven version.
Layer the beef: Place the beef tips at the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t worry about any special arrangement—just make sure they’re in a nice, even layer.
Add the gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the beef tips, making sure it’s all covered evenly.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours. The low-and-slow method is perfect for making the beef tender and juicy. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 4 hours, but for the best results, low is the way to go.
Serving time: Once the beef is tender and falling apart, it’s time to serve! Spoon those juicy beef tips over a plate of mashed potatoes or rice, and spoon over the thick, flavorful gravy. A bit of fresh parsley on top makes it look extra pretty and adds a fresh taste.
Notes
Meat: While this recipe calls for stew meat, you could also use cubed chuck roast or round steak. Just make sure you cut the beef into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Gravy Thickness: If you like your gravy a bit thicker, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will thicken it up nicely.
Make it a Meal: This dish is perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles. If you want a side veggie, steamed broccoli or green beans pair beautifully with this meal.
Freezer-Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and you’ve got a quick meal ready to go!
Nutrition
Here’s a rough estimate of the
Nutrition
for one serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 400 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Sugar: 3g
It’s a satisfying, hearty meal with a nice balance of protein and carbs, making it a great choice for dinner.