When Slow-Cooked Keto Beef Tips and Gravy Hit Just Right

There’s something about the smell of beef simmering gently in a slow cooker that instantly makes a kitchen feel like home. I remember the first time I made this keto beef tips and gravy in the crock pot — the rich aroma of garlic and herbs mingling with the savory beef was tempting enough to nearly distract me from everything else going on. Somewhere between checking the timer and peeking under the lid, I realized how forgiving this dish is. It’s one of those meals where you don’t have to hover or stress, and that’s kind of the point.

The moment I ladled the creamy, thickened gravy over a bed of fluffy cauliflower mash, I was reminded why this recipe has a place in my regular rotation. The beef was tender enough to pull apart with a fork, and the mix of thyme and rosemary gave the rich sauce a comforting depth without feeling heavy. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what you want when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without the carbs weighing you down.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Hands-off cooking lets the crock pot do all the work while you relax or tackle other things.
  • The creamy gravy gives you that indulgent feel without breaking your keto goals.
  • It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just great flavor.
  • Perfect for pairing with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower, so you get the cozy comfort of a classic beef and gravy dinner with a low-carb twist.
  • Since it’s slow-cooked, the beef comes out tender but sometimes you’ll find a piece that’s a little chewier, which just adds character.

If you’re new to slow cooker dishes, this one is very forgiving. You can’t really mess it up, and the leftovers reheat well for a quick lunch or easy dinner later in the week.

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Keto Beef Tips and Gravy Crock Pot

Tender and flavorful keto-friendly beef tips slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a low-carb dinner served over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth, low sodium
1/2 cup sour cream, full fat
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons xanthan gum

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef sirloin tips and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
In the same skillet, add butter and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Pour the mixture over the beef tips in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the beef is tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir sour cream into the crock pot mixture until fully incorporated.
Sprinkle xanthan gum evenly over the gravy and stir well to thicken. Let cook uncovered for the remaining 15 minutes.
Serve hot over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.

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Kitchen Notes: Use any sturdy slow cooker you have on hand — no need for anything fancy. I usually serve this over mashed cauliflower, but it also works well with steamed green beans or roasted veggies if you want to switch things up. Sometimes, I toss in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of tang, though I haven’t tested that with every batch. If you prefer your gravy thicker, a little extra xanthan gum added at the end does the trick, but be cautious — too much can make it gluey. For a dairy-free option, swapping sour cream for coconut cream works, although it changes the flavor profile quite a bit.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, but sirloin tips are great because they become tender without drying out. Other cuts might require adjustments in cooking time.

Can I freeze leftovers? The beef freezes well, but the sour cream-based gravy doesn’t hold up to freezing and reheating, so it’s best to store refrigerated and eat within a few days.

What’s a good side dish? Cauliflower rice or mash is the classic low-carb companion, but roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad also balance the richness nicely.

Give this cozy keto crock pot beef tips and gravy a try next time you want something that feels like a warm hug but fits your lifestyle. You might find yourself making it more often than you expect.