Beef tips are a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy meal. Tender pieces of beef are slow-cooked in a rich brown gravy, creating a flavorful and satisfying dinner. This recipe is easy to make and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce, you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal any night of the week.
Why We Love This Beef Tips Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, hearty, and comforting meal, this beef tips recipe is a must-try. It’s packed with deep, savory flavors, comes together with simple ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Here’s why this dish is a favorite:
- Tender, Juicy Beef – Slow cooking allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
- Rich, Flavorful Gravy – A luscious brown gravy infused with garlic, onions, and Worcestershire sauce coats the beef perfectly.
- Easy to Make – This recipe requires minimal prep, and simmers to perfection while you take care of other tasks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impress guests with a comforting, home-cooked meal.
- Pairs Well with Everything – Whether over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish is always a hit.
With just a little effort, you’ll have a deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!
Ingredients for beef tips recipe
Beef (Sirloin or Chuck Roast) – Sirloin or chuck roast is best for tender, flavorful beef tips. Other cuts can be used, but they may change the texture.
Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil helps sear the beef for a good crust. Olive oil can be used instead.
Onion – Onion adds sweetness and savory flavor. Yellow onions are preferred but others can work, too.
Garlic – Garlic adds savory flavor to complement the beef. Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be used.
Beef Broth – Beef broth creates a rich gravy. Low-sodium or homemade broth can be used to have more control over salt.
Soy Sauce – Soy sauce boosts the savory flavor in the gravy.
Dried Thyme – Thyme adds an earthy, herby taste to the beef and gravy.
Cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the gravy. You can use flour or arrowroot powder as alternatives.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make tender, juicy beef tips with a rich, flavorful brown gravy. It’s an easy process that delivers mouthwatering results every time!
Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. This step adds flavor and a nice crust.
Cook the Aromatics
Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any brown bits for added flavor.
Deglaze the Pan
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir and bring to a simmer to combine and build the flavor base for the gravy.
Simmer the Beef
Return the beef to the pan, add thyme, and stir. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and juicy.
Thicken the Gravy
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then slowly add it to the gravy while stirring. Cook for 5 more minutes until the gravy thickens. Add more broth if it’s too thick.
Finish with Butter
Stir in butter to make the gravy smooth and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
Now, your beef tips are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with your favorite side dish, and enjoy the tender, savory goodness.
Pro Tips
To make sure your beef tips recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips that will take your dish from good to great!
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
For tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips, opt for cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking and become incredibly tender when simmered in the gravy. If you’re looking for something a bit leaner, you can use flank steak, but be sure not to overcook it to maintain its tenderness.
Don’t Skip the Searing Step
Searing the beef before simmering it not only helps to lock in flavor but also creates that rich, browned crust. Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the beef, and avoid overcrowding the pan to get an even sear.
Control the Gravy Thickness
If your gravy is too thin, you can easily thicken it by making a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a bit of water). Add this slowly to the simmering sauce while stirring to get a smooth, velvety texture. If it’s too thick, just add a little extra beef broth.
Let It Simmer Low and Slow
The key to tender beef is slow cooking. Simmering the beef in the gravy for 30-40 minutes on low heat allows the meat to absorb all those rich, savory flavors. Don’t rush this process—it’s worth the wait!
Add a Touch of Fresh Herbs
While dried thyme works beautifully in this recipe, try adding a little fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and presentation of your dish.
Customize Your Gravy
Feel free to get creative with your gravy! If you love a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of tomato paste while simmering the gravy.
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to create a mouthwatering plate of beef tips that’s sure to impress every time!
Variations
This beef tips recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you’re looking to change up the flavor or incorporate seasonal ingredients, here are a few variations to try.
Add Vegetables for a One-Pan Meal
To make your meal even heartier, consider adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan about 15-20 minutes before the beef is done simmering. This will allow the veggies to cook through and soak up all the rich gravy flavors.
Spicy Beef Tips
If you love a bit of heat, spice up your beef tips with ingredients like jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Add them along with the onion and garlic to give the dish a smoky, spicy kick. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for an extra layer of heat.
Creamy Gravy Option
For a creamier version, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking. This will add a rich, velvety texture to the gravy and provide a luxurious twist on the classic recipe. Perfect for those who enjoy a little extra indulgence!
Mushroom Beef Tips
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, try adding sliced button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. Mushrooms will soak up the gravy, adding depth and umami to the dish. They pair wonderfully with the beef, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for beef tips recipe
Now that your beef tips are ready, it’s time to think about how to serve this mouthwatering dish. While the beef tips themselves are a star, the side dishes can elevate the meal even more. Here are a few ideas to perfectly complement the rich, savory flavor of your beef tips:
Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing better than creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that flavorful gravy. Whether you prefer classic mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a rich cheddar mashed potato variation, this side will never disappoint. The smooth texture pairs wonderfully with the tender beef tips.
Rice or Rice Pilaf
If you’re looking for something lighter than mashed potatoes, consider serving your beef tips over a bed of fluffy rice or a flavorful rice pilaf. The rice soaks up the savory gravy, making each bite absolutely satisfying.
Roasted Vegetables
A side of roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and brussels sprouts will add a burst of color and a slightly caramelized sweetness that balances out the richness of the beef. The slight crunch from the roasted veggies adds texture to the dish, making it even more delightful.
Crusty Bread
A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up that flavorful gravy. You can use a French baguette, sourdough, or even dinner rolls—all are great options to complement the hearty beef tips.
FAQs about beef tips recipe
When it comes to cooking beef tips, you may have a few questions about the process, ingredients, or even how to store leftovers. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions to help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While sirloin tips are a popular choice for beef tips, you can also use other tender cuts like ribeye, chuck roast, or flank steak. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Tender cuts like ribeye will cook faster, while tougher cuts like chuck roast will need a bit more time to become tender.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! If you prefer a slow cooker method, you can easily adapt this recipe. Brown the beef tips and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. This is a great option for busy days!
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If you like a thicker gravy, there are a couple of ways to achieve that. You can either add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the gravy and stir it in as it simmers, or you can reduce the sauce by simmering it uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
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beef tips recipe
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water for thickening
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
Sear the Beef
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. This step locks in the flavor, creating that delicious crust on the beef.
Cook the Aromatics
- Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. Be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s all flavor!
Deglaze the Pan
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring everything to a simmer, scraping up any remaining bits from the skillet. This deglazing step helps build the rich base for your gravy.
Simmer the Beef
- Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add the dried thyme and stir. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beef is fork-tender. This slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes super juicy and flavorful.
Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering gravy while stirring. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your preferred texture.
Finish with Butter
- Stir in the butter to finish the gravy, adding richness and a smooth finish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.