Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here’s why these beef tips will become a favorite in your kitchen:
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Only three ingredients. Cubed sirloin tip roast, brown gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup. That’s it.
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Feeds a crowd. Six generous servings make it perfect for families and leftovers.
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Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
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Tender and juicy. Slow cooking transforms sirloin into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
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Rich and savory. The gravy is perfectly seasoned and delicious.
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Budget-friendly. Sirloin tip is an affordable cut that becomes luxurious with slow cooking.
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Minimal cleanup. One slow cooker, one bowl. That’s it.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves this tender, savory beef.
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Perfect for Sunday dinners, weeknights, and family meals. It’s that versatile.
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Great for leftovers. Tastes even better the next day.
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No pre-cooking required. Just layer and go.
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Classic comfort food. A timeless family favorite.
The 3-Star Ingredients
This recipe proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cubed sirloin tip roast – 2½ to 3 pounds. Sirloin tip roast is a lean, flavorful cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Cubing it ensures even cooking and easy serving.
Brown gravy mix – 2 packets (about 0.87 to 1 ounce each). Brown gravy mix adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a thick, silky gravy that coats the beef perfectly.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup – 2 cans (10.5 ounces each). Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and savory depth, creating a rich, velvety gravy.
That’s it. Three ingredients. No onions. No garlic. No complicated steps. Just honest, delicious ingredients that come together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions (The Short Version)
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Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Add the cubed sirloin tip roast to the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix and condensed cream of mushroom soup until smooth and well combined. Spoon the mixture over the beef, then stir to coat all the pieces evenly.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy is hot, thick, and silky. Give it a good stir once or twice during cooking if you’re home, but it will still turn out well if left alone.
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Taste and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, spooning extra gravy over the top.
How to Serve It Like a Pro
These beef tips are delicious on their own, but a few simple sides make it a complete meal:
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Over mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up all that rich gravy.
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Over rice – A simple and satisfying bed for the beef and gravy.
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Over egg noodles – Wide noodles are perfect for catching every drop of sauce.
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With roasted vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or broccoli add color and nutrition.
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With a side salad – A crisp green salad cuts through the richness.
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With crusty bread – For soaking up every last bit of gravy.
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With a sprinkle of fresh parsley – Adds brightness and color.
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With a dollop of sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess.
Variations & Swaps (Because Life Happens)
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:
Make It with Different Meat
Use beef stew meat, chuck roast, or round steak instead of sirloin tip.
Make It with Different Gravy Mix
Use onion gravy mix, mushroom gravy mix, or a combination.
Make It with Different Soup
Swap the cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or cream of celery.
Make It with Garlic
Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for extra savory depth.
Make It with Onion
Add a sliced onion to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Make It with Mushrooms
Add sliced fresh mushrooms for extra earthy flavor.
Make It with Herbs
Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Make It with Worcestershire Sauce
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Make It in the Oven
If you don’t have a slow cooker, braise in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F for 2½–3 hours.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
After making these beef tips multiple times (because they’re so easy and delicious), here are my best tips:
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Cut the beef into uniform cubes. This ensures even cooking.
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Stir the gravy mixture thoroughly. This prevents lumps.
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Don’t add extra liquid. The beef releases its own juices as it cooks.
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Don’t lift the lid frequently. The heat and moisture need to stay consistent.
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Stir once or twice if possible. This helps the gravy stay smooth.
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Check for tenderness. The beef should be fork-tender.
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Taste and adjust. Add salt and pepper if needed before serving.
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Serve warm. This is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Beef stew meat, chuck roast, or round steak are great alternatives.
Can I use a different gravy mix?
Yes. Onion gravy mix or mushroom gravy mix are great alternatives.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes. Cream of chicken or cream of celery are great alternatives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This dish actually tastes even better the next day. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Why is my beef tough?
It may need more time. Cook until fork-tender.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Onions, mushrooms, or carrots are great additions.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
See the oven variation above. A covered Dutch oven at 325°F works beautifully.
Can I use this beef for sandwiches?
Yes. Shred it and serve on buns for beef sandwiches.
The Beauty of Simple, Sunday Gravy
There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, tender, savory beef dish that comes together with almost no effort. It’s the kind of food that makes people happy — the kind that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something delicious.
These beef tips are a celebration of all those things — simplicity, flavor, and the joy of gathering around the table.
They’re not fancy. They’re not complicated. But they are reliable, crowd-pleasing, and delicious. And isn’t that what great Sunday dinners are all about?
So keep cubed sirloin tip roast, brown gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup in your kitchen. And when you need a hearty, satisfying dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, you’ll know exactly what to make.
Final Verdict
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Rating: 5 out of 5
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Difficulty: Easy
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
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Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
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Total Time: Approximately 4–8 hours
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Yield: 6 servings
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Cleanup: Minimal (one slow cooker + one bowl)
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Leftover potential: Excellent — reheats beautifully
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Best for: Sunday dinners, weeknights, and family meals