If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than this Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe. Tender chunks of beef soak up a delicious blend of ranch seasoning and rich gravies, slow-cooked to mouthwatering perfection. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy day or just want an easy dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it an absolute winner in any home cook’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple but powerful ingredient lineup. Each one plays a key role, from the tender beef stew meat providing hearty texture, to the packet seasonings that pack the flavor punch, and the savory broths and sauces that create the perfect gravy base. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a dish bursting with rich, satisfying tastes and beautiful color.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed): Choose well-marbled beef for tender and juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds tangy, herby goodness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Brings a smooth, savory richness essential for the gravy.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Adds extra depth and a slightly beefy, umami-rich layer to the sauce.
- 1 onion, sliced: Sweetens and softens as it cooks down into the gravy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a luscious, flavorful gravy base.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional): Gives extra depth and a savory bite if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste to balance flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and earthy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional): Used for thickening the gravy to your preferred consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry): Helps dissolve the cornstarch smoothly when thickening the sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by adding those beautiful cubed beef stew meat directly into your Crockpot. Don’t worry about browning the meat first; the slow cooker does all the magic and will tenderize the beef perfectly over several hours.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, and au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef. Toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic right on top—these aromatics will soften and blend seamlessly into the gravy, elevating every bite.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour the beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (if you’re using it) over the beef and seasoning layers. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those wonderful flavors and ensure every piece of beef gets coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your Crockpot and let it work its slow magic. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, 4 to 5 hours on high will do. The beef will turn incredibly tender, soaking up all the savory, herby flavors of the gravy and seasoning.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you love that rich, velvety gravy coating your beef, mix the cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry. Stir it into the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the gravy to thicken beautifully without becoming gloopy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef is perfectly tender and your gravy has reached the desired thickness, it’s time to serve this cozy meal. Ladle those luscious beef tips and plenty of gravy over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely green contrast to this rich, savory dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream on the side adds a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the ranch seasoning.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served over classic mashed potatoes, their creamy texture soaking up all the flavorful gravy. Noodles or white rice are equally delicious for a comforting, carb-friendly base. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans add a vibrant, fresh balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving the beef tips over toasted garlic bread for dipping in the luscious gravy, or pile them on open-faced sandwiches for a hearty meal that doubles as comfort food and casual dining. Even stuffing them into a warm puff pastry makes a showstopping appetizer or main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal equally delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that slow-cooked richness all over again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir to maintain the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, chuck roast cut into cubes also works wonderfully and often becomes even more tender.
Do I have to use all three seasoning packets?
Using all three—the ranch, brown gravy, and au jus—creates the signature complex flavor of this recipe. You can experiment with fewer packets, but you might lose some of the depth and richness.
Is soy sauce necessary? What if I don’t have it?
Soy sauce adds extra umami but is optional. If you don’t have it, Worcestershire sauce and the au jus mix already provide great savory flavors, so your dish will still taste amazing.
Can I prepare this dish in an Instant Pot or stovetop?
Yes! For an Instant Pot, brown the meat first using the sauté function, then cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes, followed by a natural release. On the stove, simmer gently in a covered pot for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
How thick should the gravy be?
This depends on your preference. The optional cornstarch slurry lets you control thickness easily—stir it in 30 minutes before serving and watch the gravy become irresistibly luscious without being overly dense.
Final Thoughts
If warming comfort and deep, satisfying flavor are what you crave, the Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy days, and delicious every time. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become one of your go-to meals that feels like a little celebration every time you serve it.
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Crockpot Beef Tips with Ranch, Gravy, and Au Jus Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (using low setting)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips recipe features tender, flavorful beef stew meat slow-cooked with a blend of ranch seasoning, brown gravy, and au jus mixes, along with onions and garlic. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, it’s served with a rich gravy that can be thickened to your liking, ideal over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 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
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra depth)
Seasoning and Thickening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if thickening with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Add the beef stew meat to the Crockpot, creating the base for your slow-cooked meal.
- Mix the seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, and au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to enhance flavor.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce and optional soy sauce for deeper flavor. Stir all the ingredients gently to combine everything well.
- Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time ensures the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Thicken the gravy (optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving and let it cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the beef is tender and the gravy nicely thickened, serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness if desired.
Notes
- Beef stew meat is preferred for tender results, but chuck roast cut into cubes can be used as well.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if seasoning mixes already contain salt.
- Soy sauce is optional but adds extra umami depth to the dish.
- For thicker gravy, do not skip the cornstarch slurry step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
