Oh, let me tell you about this delicious Beef Tips and Gravy recipe! It’s one of my absolute favorites. The tender beef is cooked to perfection in a flavorful gravy that is simply out of this world. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Just brown the beef in a skillet, then add the onions, garlic, and seasonings to create the base of the gravy.

Slowly simmer everything together until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. The result is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice. Trust me, once you try this Beef Tips and Gravy recipe, it will become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 lbs beef tips or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions for Making Beef Tips and Gravy

Prepare the Beef: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer: Return the beef tips to the skillet. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: The key to tender, flavorful beef tips lies in selecting the right cut. While stew meat can be convenient, opting for a higher quality cut like sirloin or chuck roast, and cutting it into pieces yourself, can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor and tenderness.

Browning is Essential: Don’t rush the browning process of the beef. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor in the meat and the gravy. Ensure the beef is patted dry before searing to achieve a nice, caramelized crust.

Low and Slow Cooking: Once all the ingredients are combined, allow the dish to simmer gently. This low and slow cooking method helps break down the tough fibers in the beef, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Thickening the Gravy: For a silky, rich gravy, ensure the cornstarch slurry is smooth without lumps before adding it to the pot. If the gravy is too thin, you can always add a bit more slurry; if it’s too thick, thin it out with a little extra beef broth.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavors perfectly.

Resting Time: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving can improve its consistency and flavor, as it allows the ingredients to meld together more harmoniously.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Tips and Gravy is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to turn it into a memorable meal:

Mashed Potatoes: The classic companion to beef tips and gravy, creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that complements the rich, savory gravy.

Rice or Egg Noodles: For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, serve the beef tips over a bed of fluffy rice or tender egg noodles. These options help soak up the gravy while offering a different texture.

Steamed Vegetables: Brighten up the meal with a side of steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli. Their crisp texture and natural sweetness balance the hearty beef and gravy.

Crusty Bread: Offering a loaf of crusty bread on the side is perfect for sopping up any remaining gravy on the plate. It’s a simple addition that adds a lot to the meal.

Salad: Start the meal with a light, fresh salad to prepare the palate for the rich main course. A simple vinaigrette can help cut through the heaviness of the beef and gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Beef Tips and Gravy in a slow cooker? Yes, this dish adapts well to slow cooking. Brown the beef as directed, then transfer all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. Thicken the gravy in the last half hour of cooking if needed.

How can I make this dish in advance? Beef Tips and Gravy reheats well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Prepare the dish as directed, then cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

What can I do if my gravy is too thin? If the gravy hasn’t thickened enough, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the simmering pot. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Can I use frozen beef tips? For the best results, thaw the beef tips in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper browning, which are essential for flavor and texture.

How can I add more flavor to the dish? Consider incorporating a splash of red wine into the gravy for added depth, or mix in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.

What if I don’t have cornstarch? If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener instead. Make a roux by cooking equal parts flour and butter in a pan before adding it to the gravy. Keep in mind that flour requires a bit longer to cook out the raw taste.

Beef Tips And Gravy

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This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering a heartwarming and savory dish that's perfect for gathering around the table.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef tips or stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic minced
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup water
Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer: Return the beef tips to the skillet. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.