Beef Tips with Gravy is the epitome of comfort food—tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty meal that’s guaranteed to please. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Personal Story & Background:
This recipe for Beef Tips with Gravy has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. My mom used to make it whenever we needed something hearty after a long day, and I can still remember the smell of it simmering away in the kitchen. The best part? It’s one of those dishes that gets better with time. The beef becomes tender, and the gravy thickens, making every bite a warm hug for your taste buds.
What makes this version so special is the combination of simple ingredients—beef, onions, and a rich gravy made from scratch. No need for store-bought mixes! It’s a true comfort food that’s filling, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Over the years, I’ve made this dish for everything from casual family dinners to special occasions, and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, so even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll have no trouble getting this dish just right.
Ingredient Notes:
- Beef tips: I use tender cuts like sirloin or stew meat, which are perfect for slow cooking and absorbing the gravy’s flavor. If you can find them pre-cut, even better!
- Onions: A sweet yellow onion works wonders in this dish. The onions add depth to the flavor and sweetness that balances the savory gravy.
- Beef broth: The base of the gravy. For the richest flavor, I recommend using low-sodium beef broth. You can also use homemade stock if you have it on hand.
- Flour: This is used to thicken the gravy. You’ll create a roux (a mixture of flour and fat), which helps make the gravy smooth and creamy.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves add an aromatic depth to the dish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce round out the flavor profile.
Substitutions:
- If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy.
- For a slightly richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and ensures the beef will be juicy. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
3. Make the gravy: Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the onions and garlic, stirring to form a paste. Let it cook for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The gravy should begin to thicken as it heats. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Add the beef back in: Return the browned beef tips to the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Stir everything together so the beef is coated with the gravy. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the beef simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the gravy is thick.
5. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the gravy and add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. The Worcestershire adds a deep, savory note that really brings everything together.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t rush the searing process: Let the beef get a nice, brown crust before removing it from the pan. This caramelization is what gives the beef great flavor.
- Thicken the gravy slowly: If the gravy is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy to thicken it further. Add it a little at a time to avoid over-thickening.
- Low and slow simmer: For the most tender beef tips, let them simmer slowly in the gravy. This will ensure they’re perfectly cooked and easy to cut through with a fork.
Serving Suggestions:
Beef Tips with Gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles—something to soak up all that delicious gravy! A simple side of sautéed vegetables, like green beans or carrots, complements the rich flavors of the dish without overpowering it. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Leftovers? No problem! Store Beef Tips with Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen up the gravy. You can also freeze the beef and gravy mixture for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing and reheat slowly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While beef tips are perfect for this dish, other cuts like chuck roast or stew meat work well too. Just be sure to cook it low and slow to ensure it becomes tender.
2. How do I make this dish spicier? If you like a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy, or even a splash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
3. Can I make this in advance? Yes! Beef Tips with Gravy is actually even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Beef Tips with Gravy is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s comforting, hearty, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself to something cozy, this recipe is sure to become a
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Beef Tips with Gravy: Comfort Food at Its Finest
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef Tips with Gravy is a classic comfort food—tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef tips (sirloin or stew meat)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef tips in batches, browning on all sides (4-5 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until the gravy starts to thicken.
- 4. Simmer the Beef
Return the seared beef to the pan, along with any juices. Stir to coat in the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until beef is tender.
- 5. Season and Serve
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch.
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
- Let beef simmer low and slow for the most tender results.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g
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