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Crockpot Cola-Cola Beef Tips

Say hello to your new favorite crockpot comfort food! If you’re looking for a sign to try something a little different in your slow cooker, this is it. These Coca-Cola beef tips are easy to prep, just gorgeous over mashed potatoes, and are cooked in the most beautiful slightly sweet and savory gravy. Trust me, I know this one sounds a little weird, but it really does work – and it doesn’t taste like Cola!

I think you’ll also love my crockpot Mississippi steak bites, crockpot beef bourguignon, crockpot chicken pot pie, crockpot poor man’s stew, and crockpot garlic parmesan sausage and potatoes!

crockpot coca cola beef tips

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: 

  • The slow cooker does all the work while you get on with your day.
  • The gravy is rich, savory, and the kind you’ll want to pour over everything on your plate.
  • Coca-Cola adds a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors without overpowering them.
  • Perfect for Sundays, chilly evenings, or any night you want proper comfort food.
  • Leftovers are just as good the next day (maybe even better).
  • It tastes like something that’s been simmering on the stove all day, but your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting.

coca cola beef tips

What You’ll Need 

You’ll need beef stew meat, onion, garlic, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Coca-Cola, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a few pantry seasonings.

It might sound like an unusual combination, but everything works together to create a rich, savory gravy that’s packed with flavor!

coca cola beef ingredients

Process Overview 

The beef is quickly browned before going into the slow cooker, which adds an extra layer of flavor that’s well worth the few extra minutes. From there, it’s simply a case of whisking together the sauce ingredients, pouring everything over the beef, and letting the slow cooker take over.

After a few hours, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the gravy thickens into something you’ll want to spoon generously over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

slow cooker coca cola tips

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Take a few minutes to brown the beef: You can skip this step if you’re in a rush, but a quick sear adds loads of flavor and is well worth the effort.
  • Use regular Coca-Cola: Diet cola won’t give you quite the same richness or subtle sweetness that makes this gravy so good.
  • Adjust the amount of gravy: If you like plenty of sauce for spooning over mashed potatoes, add an extra splash of beef broth. Prefer a thicker gravy? Stick to the measurements in the recipe.
  • Cut the beef into similar-sized pieces: This helps everything cook evenly so you end up with perfectly tender beef throughout.
  • Taste before adding extra salt: The gravy mix and onion soup mix already contain plenty of seasoning, so it’s best to adjust the salt right at the end.
  • For an extra creamy finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking for an even richer gravy.
  • Don’t rush it: The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender. If it’s still a little chewy, it simply needs more time in the slow cooker.

crockpot cola tips spoon

Substitutes & Ingredient Swaps

  • Beef stew meat: Sirloin tips, chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces, or even venison all work well in this recipe.
  • Coca-Cola: Pepsi is an easy swap, or try root beer if you’d like a slightly sweeter gravy with a different flavor.
  • Brown gravy mix: Onion gravy mix or au jus mix can be used instead.
  • Onion soup mix: Make your own using dried onion flakes, onion powder, and beef bouillon if you don’t have a packet on hand.
  • Beef broth: Chicken broth works just fine, and even water will do in a pinch since the gravy and soup mixes add plenty of flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: A splash of soy sauce can be used instead if that’s what you have in the cupboard.

Variations

  • Add mushrooms: Stir in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms before cooking for an even richer, heartier gravy.
  • Turn up the heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a little spice.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or a few ounces of cream cheese just before serving for an extra creamy gravy.
  • Turn it into a pot roast: Use a whole chuck roast instead of stew meat, then shred it before serving.
  • Serve it sandwich-style: Spoon the beef and plenty of gravy over thick slices of toasted bread for an easy open-faced sandwich.
  • Add vegetables: Carrots or baby potatoes can be added to the slow cooker if you’d like to turn it into a complete one-pot meal.

beef tips

Serving Ideas 

This is the kind of dinner that’s all about the gravy, so whatever you serve it with needs to be ready to soak up every last drop!

  • Creamy mashed potatoes: My favorite way to serve these beef tips. The rich gravy and fluffy potatoes are hard to beat.
  • Buttered egg noodles: A classic pairing that’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Steamed white rice: A simple option that lets the beef and gravy take center stage.
  • Creamy polenta: If you’re after something a little different, polenta is delicious with the tender beef and savory sauce.
  • Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up any gravy left on your plate.
  • A green vegetable: Steamed broccoli, green beans, peas, or a simple side salad help balance the richness of the meal.

If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a big bowl of mashed potatoes and let everyone help themselves.

Storage & Reheating 

  • Refrigerate: Let the beef tips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer the cooled beef and gravy to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
  • Loosen the gravy if needed: If the gravy has thickened in the fridge, stir in a splash of beef broth or water while reheating until it reaches your preferred consistency.
crockpot coca cola beef tips

Crockpot Coca Cola Beef Tips

This crockpot coca cola beef tips recipe combines tender beef with a rich, savory gravy made from Coca-Cola, beef broth, onion soup mix, and brown gravy mix. Slow cooked until fork-tender, it's an easy comfort food dinner that's perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, add the beef and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. There's no need to cook it through at this stage—you just want to build a little extra flavor.
  • Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, then scatter the sliced onion and minced garlic over the top.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Coca-Cola, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce over the beef and onions, then give everything a gentle stir to coat.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  • If you'd like a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, switch to HIGH, and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using, and serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

Tried this one? I’d love to hear what you think! You can leave a comment and a star rating below. 

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