Beef Tips in Gravy (with Mashed Potatoes)

Hey y'all, I'm Jan. I don't know about y'all, but it's way too hot here to be wanting to use the stove. So, I'm making as many crock pot meals as I can... for now.
Today, we're making beef tips and mashed potatoes.

There's no set recipe. But here's what I use:
I turn the crock pot to high, pour in a packet of brown gravy mix, and extra seasonings. Salt, pepper, Garlic and onion powders, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk that together.
Then cut a small onion in half, and place each half in the bottom of the crockpot.
The beef tips- I turned the stove eye on medium high, and got the skillet very hot. Added 2 tbs veg oil.
To my beef tips, I add the same seasonings I put into the crockpot gravy.
Salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, and maybe 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce.
Brown the beef tips on each side, for about 2 minutes, each. Then dump the beef tips into the crockpot. Add a little water to the skillet and scrape up any brown bits and pour it into the crockpot, too. That's all good flavor.

Let the beef tips cook an hour, then stir. At the second hour mark, they might look done, but they're still tough. Give them another 45 minutes to 1 hour, and they'll be fork tender.

To make the mashed potatoes I used, boil 2 cups of water on the stove or in the microwave.
Pour the packet of instant mashed potatoes into a bowl that can withstand boiling water. Then pour the boiling water in. Using a fork, mix the mashed potatoes for at least 1 minute, or until you see no more flakes left. Let sit one minute.

I also turned for stove on broil. Added two pieces of garlic butter covered sub buns, and broiled only 5 minutes.
I absolutely love the gravy, and must have some sort of toasted bread to sop it all up with. I could make a meal of gravy and toast by itself. Very delicious!
Enjoy. :)

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