Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat (or sirloin tips), cut into 1-2 inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 (1 oz/28g) packet brown gravy mix (such as McCormick)
  • 1 (1 oz/28g) packet onion soup mix (such as Lipton)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water, mixed into a slurry (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in skillet. Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
  2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix to the slow cooker. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
  4. If a thicker gravy is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Cook uncovered until the gravy thickens to desired consistency.
  5. Ladle the beef tips and gravy over your choice of side dish.