Beef Tips and Gravy is a warm and hearty dish that features tender pieces of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice, making it super comforting.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like a big hug? I like to serve it with some warm bread on the side to soak up all that delicious gravy. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin works well for this dish, but you can use chuck roast or even tenderloin. Just remember that tougher cuts need more cooking time to become tender.
Onions: I love using sweet onions in this recipe, but yellow or white onions will do. They add great flavor to the gravy.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce is a good alternative, though it’s saltier.
Herbs: Fresh herbs take the flavor up a notch, but if fresh is hard to find, dried thyme and parsley work perfectly.
How Do I Perfectly Brown My Beef?
Browning the beef is key for flavor! Start by drying the beef with paper towels. This helps it brown better. Use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd it—this ensures each piece gets a nice sear.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in batches, leaving space so they don’t steam.
- Let them brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side without moving them too much.
This will give your beef a nice, rich color, which enhances the overall taste of your dish!
Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for thickening)
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 2 hours for cooking. You will spend the first part browning the beef and cooking the aromatic ingredients, and then it will gently simmer until perfectly tender. The result is a tasty dish worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice browning later. Generously season the beef with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onions (and mushrooms if you’re using them). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and golden. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour the Worcestershire sauce into the pan along with a splash of beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those add fantastic flavor!
5. Simmer the Beef:
Return the browned beef to the pan, then add the remaining beef broth, water, thyme, and parsley. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
6. Make the Gravy:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, which will create a roux. Gradually whisk in some of the hot liquid from the beef mixture—this prevents lumps from forming. Once it is smooth, stir the roux back into the beef and gravy mixture. Let it cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
8. Serve:
Spoon the delicious beef tips and rich gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley and thyme if you wish. Serve with your favorite vegetables like cooked carrots for a complete meal!
Enjoy your comforting plate of Beef Tips and Gravy!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or stew meat is recommended, cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well too. Just remember, tougher cuts will need a bit more time to become tender, so adjust your cooking time as necessary.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, for a slow cooker version, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Thicken the Gravy Without Flour?
If you want to avoid flour, you can use cornstarch instead. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to retain moisture.
