If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, juicy beef tips slowly simmered in a rich mushroom gravy, creating an irresistible combination of flavors that melt in your mouth. This dish is a total game changer for cozy dinners, effortlessly turning simple ingredients into something spectacular. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to an amazing, home-cooked meal waiting for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step to mastering this recipe. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the fresh mushrooms that add earthiness or the beef that provides the rich, satisfying base.
- Beef tips: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or chuck for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Fresh mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work beautifully, lending a deep, savory flavor to the gravy.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Garlic: Just the right amount to elevate the dish without overpowering it.
- Beef broth: The foundation of your gravy, making it rich and flavorful.
- Flour: To thicken the gravy to that perfect, silky consistency.
- Sour cream (optional): Adds a lovely tang and creaminess to finish the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- Olive oil or butter: For browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, boosting flavor and texture.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef Tips
Start by heating a bit of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown your beef tips in batches, ensuring they’re seared to perfection on all sides. This step is crucial because those caramelized edges add incredible depth to the final flavor of your Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, gently cook the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Then add the mushrooms, letting them release their moisture and become tender. This mixture will build the savory foundation for your mushroom gravy, so take your time and make sure those veggies are bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Create the Gravy Base
Sprinkle in the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring consistently to form a roux that thickens your gravy beautifully. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, allowing the sauce to come together without lumps. This step ensures the signature smooth gravy that makes this recipe a true comfort food gem.
Step 4: Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the mushroom gravy over the browned beef tips in your Crockpot. Add salt and pepper to taste, cover, and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. The slow cooking process breaks down the beef fibers until tender and infuses the gravy with deep, meaty flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Adjust
Before serving, gently stir in a dollop of sour cream if you like a touch of creaminess to your gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Your Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe is now ready to serve, looking glossy and smelling irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to your finished dish. You can’t go wrong with a few cracked black peppercorns on top for a little extra kick and presentation flair.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a freshly baked crusty bread to soak up the luscious gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots make great vibrant vegetable sides that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve the beef tips and mushroom gravy in shallow bowls with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes or polenta on the side. For a family-style dinner, lay it out in a large casserole dish with buttery noodles underneath, allowing guests to help themselves to the saucy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The rich flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second helping even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Just pop your cooled beef tips and mushroom gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much while warming up. Microwave reheating works too; just cover to retain moisture and stir every minute.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with shiitake, portobello, or even wild mushrooms. Each brings a unique flavor that complements the beef, so mix them up to suit your taste or what’s available.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, definitely! It makes fantastic leftovers and freezes well, making it your go-to Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe for busy weeks when you want a hearty yet hassle-free meal.
Can I make this recipe without a Crockpot?
Of course! You can simmer everything in a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over low heat for about two hours, just watch the liquid levels and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
What can I substitute for the flour if I’m gluten-free?
Try using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy. Mix cornstarch with a little cold water first to make a slurry and add it towards the end of cooking to avoid lumps.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Yes! Fresh thyme and rosemary are classic choices that enhance the savory notes, but feel free to add a bay leaf during cooking or sprinkle in some smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe a try. It’s such a satisfying, soul-warming dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare but feels like a special occasion at the dinner table. Once you taste that tender beef bathed in luscious mushroom gravy, you’ll want to make it a staple in your recipe collection, just like I do.
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe features a savory ground beef or lamb filling with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Filling
- 2 pounds 90/10 ground beef or ground lamb
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 1 cup finely chopped fennel, from 1 small bulb
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack in the center for even baking.
- Cook the potatoes: Fill a large pot with salted water, add the peeled and chopped potatoes, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash the potatoes: In the same pot over medium-low heat, combine the softened butter and whole milk, stirring until the butter melts, about 2 minutes. Using a potato ricer, rice the hot potatoes directly over the butter mixture (or mash carefully), then season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to create creamy mashed potatoes. Set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef or lamb and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until fully browned, approximately 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and transfer the meat to a plate.
- Cook the vegetables: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and fennel. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the flour and tomato paste, cooking continuously until the tomato paste darkens, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring, then add freshly cracked black pepper, chopped thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine filling: Return the browned meat and any juices to the skillet, add frozen peas, and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat and vegetable filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing with the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake until the filling is bubbling and the mashed potatoes turn golden brown on top, approximately 20 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven, top with additional freshly cracked black pepper and fresh thyme, then let it rest for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for fluffy mashed potatoes due to their high starch content.
- You can substitute ground lamb for beef for a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream or sour cream to the mashed potatoes.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and are great for next-day meals.
- To save time, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble before baking.
