If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dinner that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds, Beef Tips with Gravy is the perfect dish! Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy—served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles—this dish is pure comfort food. It’s easy to make, and the gravy adds so much flavor that you’ll want to pour it over everything!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Tips with Gravy is the epitome of a “stick-to-your-ribs” meal. The beef becomes so tender as it simmers in the gravy, practically melting in your mouth. The savory gravy is flavorful but not overwhelming, adding the perfect richness to the beef. Plus, this is one of those recipes that gets better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for leftovers (if you have any!).
It’s an easy, no-fuss dinner that you can prepare any night of the week, and it feels like a special occasion dish. It’s comforting, filling, and the kind of recipe that makes you feel right at home.
Ingredients (Full list of ingredients below!)
Here’s a quick peek at the key ingredients you’ll need for this cozy dish:
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- Onion
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Flour (for thickening)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for browning the beef)
I’ll share the full list of ingredients below so you don’t miss a thing!
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your beef tips in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial because it locks in the flavors and gives the beef a nice, caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, and toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
Now, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. This will create a roux, which helps thicken the gravy. Cook the flour for about 1 minute to get rid of any raw taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 4: Return the Beef to the Pan
Once the gravy has thickened slightly, add the browned beef back into the pan. Stir to combine, and let the beef simmer in the gravy for about 45 minutes to an hour. The beef will become tender and absorb all those savory flavors. If the gravy gets too thick, you can add a splash of extra beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy. These herbs will give the dish a lovely, aromatic flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper at this stage if needed.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip the browning step! This not only adds color but also locks in the flavor. Brown the beef in batches to ensure each piece gets that beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy isn’t thick enough, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for added flavor and texture. They go wonderfully with the beef and gravy!
- Low and Slow: Letting the beef cook slowly ensures that it becomes fall-apart tender. If you have the time, consider simmering it for 2 hours on low heat for even more tender beef.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Cuts of Beef: While beef stew meat or sirloin tips are great for this recipe, you can also use chuck roast or flank steak. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, and make sure to brown them well before simmering.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Carrots and potatoes are classic additions to beef stew dishes. You can add these in with the beef at the beginning of simmering if you’d like to make it a heartier, one-pot meal.
- For a Lighter Gravy: If you prefer a lighter gravy, you can use a combination of low-sodium beef broth and add less flour to reduce the richness.
- Wine in the Gravy: For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of red wine when making the gravy base. Let it cook off, and you’ll have a beautifully enhanced flavor!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Beef Tips with Gravy is best served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles to soak up all that rich gravy. If you’re in the mood for some greens, a side of roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a fresh salad would balance the richness of the dish beautifully. A warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping into that gravy wouldn’t hurt either!
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish keeps really well in the fridge. Let the beef tips cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary to loosen the gravy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the stovetop method will help retain the texture of the gravy.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use a slow cooker for Beef Tips with Gravy?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first in a skillet, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
2. Can I freeze Beef Tips with Gravy?
Yes! After the dish has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove.
3. Can I make the gravy without flour?
Yes, you can. Instead of flour, try using cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the simmering gravy.
4. What if my gravy is too thin?
If your gravy turns out too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with cornstarch or flour and water and add it to the gravy to thicken it.
Conclusion
Beef Tips with Gravy is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug. The tender beef, the rich, savory gravy, and the comforting sides—what’s not to love? It’s a dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
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Beef Tips with Gravy: A Hearty Meal That Feels Like Home
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
Beef Tips with Gravy is a hearty and satisfying meal of tender beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this comforting dish is simple to make and full of flavor. A classic, home-cooked meal that’s great for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the Beef to the Pan: Add browned beef back into the pan. Stir to combine and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beef is tender. Add more beef broth if gravy becomes too thick.
- Add Fresh Herbs: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add thyme or rosemary for flavor. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Browning the Beef: Browning the beef in batches ensures that each piece gets a beautiful caramelized exterior, locking in flavor.
- Thickening the Gravy: If gravy isn’t thick enough, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy to thicken.
- Add Mushrooms: You can sauté some sliced mushrooms with onions for added flavor and texture.
- Slow Cooking: If desired, cook the beef on low heat for 2 hours for even more tender beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg