What Makes Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy a Must-Try Recipe?
Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that marries convenience with elegance. Imagine tender beef simmering in a rich, savory gravy, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can prepare it in mere minutes, especially if you’ve got your beef and onion pre-chopped. It’s a perfect dish for any gathering, from casual family dinners to more formal affairs.
How Does This Dish Save Time Without Sacrificing Flavor?
Time is precious, especially in today’s fast-paced world. That’s where this recipe shines. By spending just a few minutes in the morning to prepare the ingredients and setting your crockpot to work, you’re free to tackle your day. And when dinnertime rolls around? You’re greeted with a meal that’s been enhancing its flavors for hours. This method ensures that every bite is infused with a depth of taste that typically requires much more effort and attention.
Can You Customize the Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. While the basic ingredients are simple – beef stew meat, condensed cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, beef broth, onion, garlic, and a cornstarch-water mixture for thickening – feel free to get creative. Add your favorite herbs or spices, or swap the beef broth for a different type of stock. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it ideal for those who like to put their personal spin on classic dishes.
What Are the Best Ways to Serve This Dish?
Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy is delightfully flexible when it comes to serving options. The classic choice is over a bed of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles, providing a perfect canvas for the rich, meaty gravy. For a lighter option, consider serving it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Whichever way you choose, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Why is This Recipe Ideal for Busy Families and Entertaining?
This recipe is a boon for busy families and those who love to entertain but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Its ease of preparation ensures that you can have a gourmet-worthy meal on the table without the stress of complex cooking methods. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who enjoys hassle-free cooking, this Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy recipe is designed to make your life easier while delighting your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Beef Stew Meat: 2 lbs
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: 10.75 oz can
- Brown Gravy Mix: 0.88 oz packet (1 oz packets work too)
- Beef Broth: 1 cup
- Onion, finely diced: 1 small (approx. 1/3 cup)
- Garlic, minced: 1-2 cloves
- Cornstarch: 1 Tablespoon (mix with 1 Tablespoon water, or alternatively, use 2 Tablespoons flour mixed with 1/4 cup water for thickening)
Optional
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes, prepared as per preference
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the cream of mushroom soup, gravy mix, beef broth, onion, and garlic in a medium-sized bowl. It’s perfectly fine if the mixture seems a bit lumpy; these will integrate seamlessly during the slow cooking process.
- Place the beef stew meat into a 4-quart crockpot. Gently ladle the gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring an even coating.
- Cover and set the crockpot on LOW. Let it cook undisturbed for 7 hours. This slow cooking infuses the beef with rich flavors and tenderizes it to perfection.
- Post the 7-hour mark, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef onto a separate plate. Now, blend in the cornstarch and water mixture into the gravy. This step is crucial for achieving that lusciously thick gravy.
- Return the beef to the crockpot. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.
- Serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with either egg noodles or mashed potatoes, making for a hearty, satisfying meal.
This Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy recipe is a fuss-free way to bring a mouth-watering meal to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to gather compliments. Bon appétit!
