If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, the Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe is here to become your new favorite. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a savory blend of ranch seasoning, rich brown gravy, and flavorful au jus, delivering layers of taste that simply melt in your mouth. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights, it’s incredibly easy to make yet packs so much deliciousness, making every bite a celebration of hearty, homestyle cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build the perfect balance of savory flavor, smooth texture, and a bit of richness that ties everything together.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites after hours of slow cooking.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds that familiar tangy, herby kick to lift the flavors.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Brings a deep, savory backbone to the rich sauce.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Offers an extra depth of beefy goodness, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 onion, sliced: For a natural sweetness and texture contrast as it softens.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warmth and aromatic intensity.
- 1 cup beef broth: The liquid base that keeps everything moist and flavorful during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle zing and umami boost.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): A little splash adds extra richness and depth for those who love bold flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and balance.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional): The secret to thickening your gravy to perfect, silky consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water (if thickening): Used to make the cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by adding your cubed beef stew meat into the Crockpot. This sets the stage for the slow-cooking magic where the beef will become wonderfully tender and soak up all the seasoning.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meat. Toss in the sliced onions and minced garlic. These aromatics will cook down and seep into every bite, creating a base of flavor that’s both rich and inviting.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and if you’re using it, the soy sauce. These liquids not only prevent dryness but also blend all the flavors into a luscious sauce that complements the beef perfectly. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your Crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 4 to 5 hours. Patience is key here—the extended, gentle cooking tenderizes the meat and lets those seasonings develop into something truly special.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you love a thick, velvety gravy, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Thirty minutes before serving, stir this into the Crockpot and let it cook uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully. This step is your ticket to a restaurant-quality gravy right at home.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
With your beef perfectly tender and the gravy looking glossy and thick, it’s time to serve! Ladle these sumptuous beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite noodles, and prepare for a seriously satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise. For an extra touch, a few thinly sliced green onions add a mild bite and a pop of color that feel just right with the hearty flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or steamed rice, which soak up that luscious gravy so well. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad offer a fresh contrast, balancing the richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve the Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe on warm biscuits for a Southern-inspired twist. Or try topping baked sweet potatoes with the beef and gravy for an unexpectedly delightful meal that’s both cozy and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let the Crockpot Beef Tips cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, leftovers stay delicious for up to 4 days, making meal prep a breeze for busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, it freezes beautifully. Place the cooled beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Frozen, it can last up to 3 months without losing its enticing flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This keeps the beef tender and the gravy smooth, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat works wonderfully, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using larger pieces to ensure tenderness.
Is it necessary to use all three seasoning packets?
The combination of ranch, brown gravy, and au jus mixes creates the signature flavor profile of this dish. Omitting one might change the taste balance, but feel free to experiment according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can adapt it by simmering beef and seasonings in a heavy pot over low heat for 2-3 hours until tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels and adjust accordingly.
How do I thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use flour as a thickener by mixing it with a bit of cold water and stirring it in towards the end of cooking. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and cook until thickened.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check the labels on your ranch, brown gravy, and au jus mixes, as some may contain gluten. Using gluten-free gravy and ranch seasoning packets will keep this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about slowing down and letting flavors mingle over hours, and the Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe is a shining example of that. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping ahead for busy nights, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your table with minimum effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your home.
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Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours low or 4-5 hours high
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful Crockpot Beef Tips slow-cooked with savory ranch, brown gravy, and au jus seasoning mixes, complemented by onions and garlic. This hearty dish simmers all day to develop rich flavors, perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
For Thickening (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Add the beef stew meat into the Crockpot to form the base of your dish.
- Mix the seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, and au jus gravy mix over the beef. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Add the liquids: Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional soy sauce over the meat and seasonings. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly for an even flavor distribution.
- Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the gravy (optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the gravy to thicken as it cooks.
- Serve: When the beef is tender and the gravy has reached the desired consistency, serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before or after cooking.
- Soy sauce adds extra depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Use cornstarch slurry to control gravy thickness and avoid lumps.
- Best served fresh but leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all seasoning mixes and gravy mixes are gluten-free.
