Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy: A Comforting, Flavorful Meal
Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy is the perfect dish for anyone craving a rich, hearty meal without the hassle of hours spent in the kitchen. This slow-cooked recipe features tender beef bites simmered in a savory gravy, served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles for a truly comforting meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is both simple and satisfying. Plus, with the convenience of the crockpot, all the work is done for you, leaving you with more time to relax.
In this article, we’ll cover the basic recipe, some tips to elevate the dish, how to store and maintain leftovers, dietary substitutions, and answer some common questions. Let’s dive in!
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
This Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy recipe is straightforward and only requires a handful of ingredients. It’s the perfect meal for those busy days when you want something comforting but don’t have much time to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: If you’re using a chuck roast, cut the meat into bite-sized cubes. For beef stew meat, simply measure out 2 pounds of already-cut beef.
- Add to the Crockpot: Place the beef cubes in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Combine the Gravy Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef cubes in the crockpot.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and fully cooked. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook on high for 3-4 hours, though low and slow yields the most tender beef.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the crockpot about 30 minutes before the dish is done cooking and stir to combine.
- Serve: Once the beef is tender and the gravy is thickened to your liking, serve the Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few techniques and tricks to elevate your Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy:
1. Sear the Beef Before Cooking:
For added depth of flavor, sear the beef in a hot pan with a bit of oil before adding it to the crockpot. This step helps caramelize the meat, which results in a richer, more savory taste. Searing isn’t necessary, but it can enhance the dish.
2. Add Veggies:
To make your Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy more of a one-pot meal, consider adding vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms are great additions. Simply chop them and add them to the crockpot with the beef and gravy ingredients.
3. Try Different Gravy Bases:
For a twist on the classic recipe, you can try different types of gravy. Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of onion, cream of chicken, or even a tomato-based soup. Each variation will give the dish a unique flavor profile.
4. Enhance the Seasoning:
If you prefer a spicier version, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy is a great dish to make ahead and store for future meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
1. Storing Leftovers:
Once the meal has cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store the beef bites and gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
To extend the shelf life, you can freeze Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating:
To reheat, you can either use the microwave or reheat the dish on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Make-Ahead Tips:
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch at once and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store the individual servings in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge or freezer.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to make Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy suit specific dietary needs, there are a few simple substitutions and adaptations you can make:
1. Gluten-Free:
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that the onion soup mix is gluten-free (many brands offer gluten-free options) and swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version or tamari.
2. Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk or a dairy-free cream soup base.
3. Low-Carb:
If you’re following a low-carb diet, serve the beef and gravy over cauliflower mash or a low-carb vegetable like zucchini noodles instead of traditional mashed potatoes or rice.
4. Paleo:
For a paleo-friendly version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade coconut milk-based gravy and ensure the beef broth is free of additives and preservatives.
FAQs About Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While beef stew meat is the most common choice, you can also use cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe without gravy?
You can skip the gravy base and use beef broth and seasonings instead. However, the gravy adds rich flavor and helps keep the beef moist, so it’s recommended for the best results.
3. How do I make the beef more tender?
If you find the beef isn’t as tender as you’d like, it may need more time in the slow cooker. Beef becomes more tender the longer it cooks, so ensure the dish cooks for the full time on low heat.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the additional ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef Bites and Gravy is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With its tender beef and rich gravy, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to customize with different ingredients or seasonings, and it stores well for leftovers, making it ideal for those looking to save time while still enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness that comes with slow-cooked comfort food!