When the weather turns cool and the house needs that cozy, slow-cooked smell, this is the kind of supper that practically makes itself while you go about your day. It’s a humble, budget-friendly crock pot meal built from just a few pantry and freezer staples, and it delivers the kind of rich, hearty comfort that feels right at home on a Sunday table.
This savory beef dish is especially good served over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice so none of that extra gravy goes to waste. For a full family meal, add a simple green bean side, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad, and set out warm dinner rolls or biscuits for soaking up every last spoonful.
3-Ingredient Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 lb beef stew meat
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 packet onion soup mix
Directions
1. Add the beef stew meat to the slow cooker insert and spread it into an even layer.
2. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, then sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly on top.
3. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the gravy is hot and thick.
5. Stir gently before serving, then spoon the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If someone at your table isn’t a fan of mushroom texture, use cream of mushroom soup and give the finished gravy a very thorough stir so the mushrooms blend in more smoothly. Serving it over buttery noodles also makes it especially kid-friendly.
Make it richer: For a deeper, beefier flavor, brown the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. It’s an extra step, but it adds wonderful color and makes the finished gravy taste even more homemade.
Adjust the consistency: If the gravy seems thicker than you like, stir in a splash of water or beef broth near the end of cooking. If you want it thicker, let it cook uncovered for a short time after the beef is tender.
Easy freezer prep: You can combine the beef, soup, and onion soup mix in a freezer bag ahead of time and freeze it flat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding it to the crock pot for an easy busy-day supper.