These Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy are tender, comforting, and covered in a rich mushroom gravy. Everything cooks low and slow in the Crockpot until the beef practically falls apart. A little cream cheese stirred in at the end transforms the savory gravy into a smooth, creamy sauce that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did!
Serve these creamy beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for an easy family dinner that is especially satisfying on a cold evening. It is the kind of dependable comfort-food recipe you will want to make throughout fall and winter.
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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Beef Tips
There is so much to love about this easy Crockpot dinner:
- The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Chuck roast becomes incredibly tender as it cooks.
- The homemade gravy is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- You can serve it over potatoes, noodles, or rice.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully.
- It is comforting enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough for a weeknight.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are bite-sized pieces of beef cooked until tender, usually in a rich brown gravy. Although the name may refer to pieces cut from the tip of the tenderloin, you do not need an expensive cut of meat for slow cooker beef tips.
Boneless beef chuck roast is my preferred choice because its marbling breaks down during the long cooking time. The result is juicy, tender beef with much more flavor than leaner cuts.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy
You only need a handful of familiar ingredients to prepare this comforting dinner.
Beef chuck roast
Cut a boneless chuck roast into evenly sized pieces. You can also use packaged stew meat, although chuck roast usually becomes more tender.
Mushrooms
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add an earthy, savory flavor to the gravy. White button mushrooms will also work.
Onion and garlic
These aromatics create a flavorful base for the beef and gravy.
Beef broth
Use a good-quality beef broth or stock. Reduced-sodium broth gives you more control over the salt level.
Worcestershire sauce
A small amount deepens the beef flavor and balances the creamy sauce.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce adds another layer of savory flavor without making the dish taste like soy sauce. Use reduced-sodium soy sauce if desired.
Seasonings
Dried thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika give the gravy plenty of flavor.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the cooking liquid into a smooth gravy.
Cream cheese
Softened cream cheese makes the gravy creamy, tangy, and rich. Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the smoothest results.
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The Best Beef for Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Boneless chuck roast is the best choice for this recipe. Chuck contains enough fat and connective tissue to remain juicy while cooking for several hours.
Cut the roast into pieces approximately 1½ inches wide. Keeping the pieces close to the same size helps them cook evenly.
You can also use:
- Packaged beef stew meat
- Sirloin tips
- Bottom round roast
- Beef shoulder roast
Sirloin is leaner and may cook faster, so check it earlier to prevent it from becoming dry.
Do You Have to Brown the Beef First?
Browning the beef is optional, but I recommend it when you have a few extra minutes. Searing creates a flavorful crust and gives the finished gravy a deeper, richer taste.
However, you can place the raw beef directly into the slow cooker when you need a true dump-and-go dinner. The beef will still become tender and flavorful.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy
1. Prepare the beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels and cut it into evenly sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Brown the beef
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef for about two minutes per side. Transfer the browned pieces to the slow cooker.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Too much beef in the pan at once will cause it to steam instead of brown.
3. Add the vegetables
Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Mix the gravy base
Whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
5. Cook until tender
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender before you finish the gravy.
6. Thicken the gravy
Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until completely smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking on high for approximately 15 minutes.
7. Make it creamy
Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it melts into the gravy. Let everything cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasonings.
How to Prevent Lumpy Cream Cheese
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it. Cutting it into small cubes will also help it melt more evenly.
For an extra-smooth gravy, place the cream cheese in a bowl and whisk it with about ½ cup of the hot cooking liquid. Once smooth, stir the mixture back into the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Creamy Beef Tips
The creamy mushroom gravy is made for spooning over a comforting starch. Try serving the beef tips with:
Add roasted broccoli, green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple salad to complete the meal.
PrintSlow Cooker Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy
Tender pieces of beef, mushrooms, and onions cook low and slow in a rich, savory gravy before cream cheese is added for a smooth, creamy finish. Serve these easy slow cooker beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting family dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 HOURS
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season it with the kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef for about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef is ready when it is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until completely smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for approximately 15 minutes, or until the gravy begins to thicken.
- Add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it has completely melted and the gravy is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the gravy and add more salt or black pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the creamy beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Notes
- Browning the beef creates a richer flavor but can be skipped when you need a dump-and-go slow cooker dinner.
- Boneless chuck roast produces the most tender and flavorful beef tips.
- Soften the cream cheese and cut it into cubes so it melts evenly.
- For an extra-smooth gravy, whisk the cream cheese with ½ cup of hot cooking liquid before stirring it into the slow cooker.
- If the gravy is too thick, stir in a splash of warm beef broth.
- If the gravy is too thin, add another slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Nutrition information does not include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or other serving suggestions.
Make It Your Own
This slow cooker recipe is easy to customize with ingredients you already have.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream after adding the cream cheese.
- Leave out the mushrooms: Simply omit them or replace them with additional onions.
- Add more vegetables: Carrots or frozen peas make easy additions.
- Increase the garlic: Add another clove or two for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely homemade touch.
- Add a richer flavor: Replace ½ cup of the broth with dry red wine.
- Make it dairy-free: Leave out the cream cheese and prepare the recipe as traditional beef tips and gravy.
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef Tips
- Cut the beef into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Sear the beef in batches to develop better flavor.
- Do not add the cornstarch directly to the slow cooker. Mix it with cold water first.
- Wait until the end to add the cream cheese.
- Cook the beef until fork-tender rather than relying only on the clock.
- Use reduced-sodium broth and soy sauce, then adjust the salt before serving.
- Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently because it releases heat and extends the cooking time.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the beef gently in a covered saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or milk if the gravy becomes too thick.
Can You Freeze Creamy Beef Tips?
Yes, but cream cheese sauces can occasionally separate after freezing. For the best texture, freeze the cooked beef and gravy before adding the cream cheese.
Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and then stir in the softened cream cheese.
If you freeze the finished dish, stir it well while reheating to bring the sauce back together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw beef directly into the slow cooker?
Yes. Browning adds extra flavor, but it is not required. You can place the seasoned raw beef directly into the Crockpot.
Why are my beef tips tough?
Tough beef tips usually need more cooking time. Continue cooking until the pieces can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
Can I use stew meat?
Yes. Packaged stew meat is a convenient substitute. Because the pieces may come from different cuts, check the beef during the final hour and continue cooking until every piece is tender.
Can I prepare this recipe without mushrooms?
Absolutely. Leave out the mushrooms without making any other changes to the recipe.
Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese?
Yes. Stir in ¾ cup of full-fat sour cream at the end. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding it because sour cream may separate at high heat.
Can I make the gravy thicker?
Add an additional slurry made with one tablespoon of cornstarch and one tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the gravy and cook on high until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy deliver everything you want from a cozy homemade dinner: tender beef, savory mushrooms, and plenty of rich gravy for spooning over mashed potatoes or noodles.
The preparation is simple, the ingredients are familiar, and the slow cooker handles most of the work. Save this comforting beef recipe for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday dinners, or any evening when you need a warm meal the entire family will look forward to.
