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Dump-and-Go Savory Beef Tips - Tender, Comforting, and Effortless

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for richer gravy)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This helps it cook evenly and prevents watery gravy. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
  2. Layer the ingredients: Add the beef to your slow cooker or a heavy Dutch oven. Scatter the sliced onion and garlic over the top.
  3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and smoked paprika. Pour over the beef.
  4. Add aromatics: Toss in the bay leaf if using. Give everything a quick stir to coat.
  5. Cook low and slow: Slow cooker: Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or on High for 3.5–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  6. Oven method: Cover the Dutch oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours.
  7. Stovetop: Simmer covered on low heat for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  8. Thicken the gravy: Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the hot liquid. Cover and cook 10–15 more minutes until the gravy thickens. Stir in butter for extra richness, if desired.
  9. Taste and finish: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley.
  10. Serve: Spoon the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or creamy polenta.