If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting, look no further than beef tips with gravy. This classic recipe has been a family favorite for generations, whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The good news? With the right approach, you can master the perfect beef tips recipe every time – here’s how!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: from the best cuts of beef to cooking techniques, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to ensure tender, juicy beef every single time.
🌟 Why Beef Tips Are So Popular
Beef tips are a comfort food staple across the United States, Canada, and the UK. They’re popular because they are:
Rich and flavorful – tender beef simmered in savory gravy.
Versatile – pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even roasted vegetables.
Budget-friendly – often made with stew meat or sirloin tips.
Easy to cook ahead – flavors deepen as they sit, making them perfect for meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect beef tips recipe:
2 lbs beef tips (sirloin tips, stew beef, or chuck roast cut into cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for depth)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut
For tender beef tips, choose cuts like:
Sirloin tips – lean and tender.
Chuck roast – economical, gets tender when slow-cooked.
Stew meat – convenient, already cut into cubes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd) and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, sauté onions until soft, then add garlic. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up the flavorful brown bits.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Return beef to the pan. Add the rest of the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Simmer covered for 1–1.5 hours (or longer if using tougher cuts) until beef is fork-tender.
To thicken the gravy, whisk flour (or cornstarch) with a little water and stir it into the pan. Cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the beef tips and gravy over:
Mashed potatoes 🥔
Egg noodles 🍜
Steamed rice 🍚
Roasted vegetables 🥦
🍽️ Variations to Try
Mushroom Beef Tips – add sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor.
Red Wine Beef Tips – replace 1 cup of broth with dry red wine.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips – cook on LOW for 6–8 hours for effortless tenderness.
Creamy Beef Tips – stir in a splash of heavy cream for a silky sauce.
🔑 Tips for the Perfect Beef Tips Recipe
Don’t rush browning – caramelization = flavor.
Low and slow cooking makes even tougher cuts tender.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Thicken gravy gradually to avoid lumps.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
âś… Conclusion
Now you know how to make the perfect beef tips recipe every time – here’s how! With the right cut of beef, a flavorful gravy, and a few cooking tricks, you’ll have a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Whether you serve it at a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, beef tips will always hit the spot. 🥩✨