Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. The combination of tender beef cooked in a savory gravy makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s also versatile enough to pair with various side dishes, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

How to Prepare Beef Tips and Gravy

Preparing the Beef Tips

1. Season the Beef: Start by seasoning the beef tips generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Gravy

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Stir in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the gravy, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. If using cornstarch, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the gravy.

Combining Everything

6. Combine Beef and Gravy: Return the beef tips to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
7. Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

For this recipe, cuts like sirloin or chuck work best. Sirloin provides a good balance of tenderness and flavor, while chuck is more budget-friendly and becomes tender with slow cooking.

Thickening the Gravy

If the gravy isn’t thick enough, you can add a bit more flour or cornstarch. Just be sure to mix it with cold water before adding it to the hot gravy to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Potatoes

Beef Tips and Gravy pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the rich gravy, making each bite irresistible.

Rice

For a lighter option, serve the beef tips over rice. The rice will absorb the gravy, making it a comforting and filling meal.

Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate.

Customizing the Recipe

Adding Vegetables

You can add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the gravy for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onions before adding the beef broth.

Using Different Spices

Feel free to experiment with different spices such as rosemary, paprika, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Beef

Overcooking the beef can make it tough. Be sure to simmer it just long enough for it to become tender and soak up the flavors.

Skipping the Deglazing Step

Deglazing the pan is crucial for developing a flavorful gravy. Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Beef Stew Meat?
   Yes, beef stew meat is a great alternative. It’s often pre-cut into bite-sized pieces, making it a convenient option.
2. How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
   To make this dish gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy instead of regular flour. Ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
3. Can I Use a Slow Cooker?
   Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef tips first, then add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef tips and gravy for up to 3 months.
5. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
   Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare it as directed, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
   Yield: 4

   Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

   

   Print

   Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. The combination of tender beef cooked in a savory gravy makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s also versatile enough to pair with various side dishes, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
   • 2 tbsp olive oil
   • 1 small onion, diced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
   • 2 cups beef broth
   • 1 cup water
   • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 tbsp soy sauce
   • 1 tsp dried thyme
   • 1 tsp dried rosemary
   • 1/2 tsp paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
   • 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)

   Instructions

   1. Brown the Beef:Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
   2. Sauté the Vegetables:In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   3. Make the Gravy Base:Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
   4. Add Liquids and Seasonings:Gradually whisk in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   5. Simmer the Beef:Return the browned beef tips to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking.
   6. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering gravy and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
   7. Serve:Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

   Notes

   For extra flavor, you can add sliced mushrooms or carrots to the skillet along with the onions.

   If you prefer, you can also cook this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.