Slow 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
Scale
- 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.