Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Tender beef tips are cooked in a flavorful gravy that’s rich, savory, and satisfying. With a few simple techniques, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles, making it a family favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (sirloin, chuck, or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 c beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- ½ c red wine (optional but adds depth)
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds warmth)
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat beef dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and brown in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove browned beef and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste, and smoked paprika.
- Return beef to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
- Mix 2 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for an earthy flavor.
- Use Red Wine: Swap part of the beef broth for red wine to deepen the flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to spice things up.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in sour cream or heavy cream for a richer gravy.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use a tougher cut of beef?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it longer to achieve tenderness. Cuts like chuck or round are better for slow-cooking.
2. What if I don’t have red wine?
You can omit the wine or replace it with additional beef broth for a milder gravy.
3. How can I make the gravy thicker?
Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy to thicken it.
4. Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
5. What sides pair well with beef tips and gravy?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice are excellent options. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables.
6. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning the beef, and simmer it on low to allow the beef to cook gently.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, beef tips and gravy freeze well. Just store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
8. What is the best way to reheat the gravy?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, vegetables like carrots or peas can be added during the simmering stage for extra flavor.
10. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chili powder to give the dish a kick.
Conclusion
Beef tips and gravy is a fantastic dish for any occasion, offering rich flavors and tender meat in a savory gravy. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a weeknight or for a special gathering, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the comfort and warmth it brings with every bite!
Beef Tips and Gravy Made Easy
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beef tips and gravy is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender beef and savory gravy. Perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (sirloin, chuck, or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- ½ cup red wine (optional but adds depth)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or ½ tsp fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and brown in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Return beef to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5 – 2 hours until beef is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then stir into the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- If you prefer a richer gravy, consider adding sour cream or heavy cream in the final stages of cooking.
- You can add sliced mushrooms during the sautéing process for an earthy flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don’t hesitate to add more smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
