Beef Tips and Gravy
If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal, nothing beats a classic Beef Tips and Gravy recipe. This dish brings tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is easy to make yet impressive enough to please any crowd. Whether you’re serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles, Beef Tips and Gravy is sure to become one of your favorite go-tos for satisfying, homemade comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet delicious: Uses basic ingredients that come together for a mouthwatering result.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile serving options: Pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, or pasta for endless variety.
- Comfort food classic: Provides that warm, hearty feeling we all crave from a good home-cooked meal.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is straightforward but essential, giving the dish its signature flavor and perfect texture. From the tender beef to the rich gravy base, every component plays a key role in creating this comforting classic.
- Beef sirloin tips: Choose tender sirloin tips for quick cooking and juicy bites.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the gravy.
- Garlic: Provides an aromatic punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Beef broth: The foundation of the gravy, giving it richness and body.
- Flour or cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to a luscious consistency.
- Butter: Used for sautéing and to add richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and gravy.
- Optional mushrooms: For an earthy touch and extra texture if you like.
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley): Add freshness and visual appeal at the end.
Variations for Beef Tips and Gravy
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you customize it to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the meat, or try a gluten-free version, there are several tasty options.
- Mushroom lovers’ version: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra substance.
- Slow cooker method: Perfect for hands-off cooking with melt-in-your-mouth beef tips.
- Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy safely.
- Beef alternatives: Substitute with pork or chicken tips for a different twist.
- Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips
Start by patting your beef sirloin tips dry to promote nice browning. Season them generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef tips in batches. Sear each side until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside to keep the juices locked in.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Base
Sprinkle flour over the sauteed onions and garlic and stir to create a roux, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps, allowing the gravy to thicken.
Step 5: Simmer with the Beef
Return the beef tips and any juices back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Step 6: Final Touches
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and stir in fresh herbs if desired. Your Beef Tips and Gravy is now ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Beef Tips and Gravy
- Use room temperature beef: It sears better and cooks more evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the beef in batches to avoid steaming and ensure a perfect crust.
- Deglaze the pan well: Scrape the browned bits from the bottom for maximum gravy flavor.
- Stir the gravy constantly: Prevent lumps by whisking as you add the broth.
- Simmer low and slow: Gives the beef time to tenderize without drying out the meat.
How to Serve Beef Tips and Gravy
Garnishes
Finishing off with freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a splash of color and a fresh note that balances the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up every bit of that luscious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the beef tips over polenta or sweet potato mash for a modern twist, or pile it high in a warm biscuit for a comforting beef tip sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Beef Tips and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully: freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sirloin tips with stew meat, chuck roast cut into cubes, or even flank steak, but adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the beef tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the flour for cornstarch or your preferred gluten-free thickener when making the gravy.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first for flavor, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender results.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?
Try white or brown rice, buttered egg noodles, polenta, or even roasted vegetables as delicious alternatives to mashed potatoes.
How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thick?
If your gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that wraps you up in warmth and flavor with every bite, this Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is the perfect choice. Easy to prepare yet rich in taste, it’s a delicious way to enjoy classic comfort food anytime. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your household!
Related Posts
PrintBeef Tips and Gravy
Beef Tips and Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender sirloin beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Ready in under an hour, this classic recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or get creative with polenta or biscuits for a delicious homemade comfort food that’s versatile and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use cornstarch)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin tips, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish
- Additional vegetables (bell peppers, carrots) if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Tips: Pat the beef sirloin tips dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to retain juices.
- Cook the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, scraping up the browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the flour (or cornstarch) over the onions and garlic to create a roux. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the gravy thickens.
- Simmer with the Beef: Return the seared beef tips and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, if using. Your Beef Tips and Gravy is now ready to be served.
Notes
- Use room temperature beef for even cooking and better searing.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to avoid steaming and ensure a good crust.
- Deglaze the pan well by scraping up browned bits; this adds rich flavor to the gravy.
- Whisk the gravy constantly while adding broth to prevent lumps.
- Simmer on low heat to keep the beef tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Beef tips, gravy, comfort food, quick dinner, homemade, gluten-free option, easy recipe
