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Beef Tips and Gravy Made Easy

ByJessie
0.0 from 0 votes
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When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that feel like a warm hug, beef tips and gravy tops the list. This stovetop recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef coated in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

With simple ingredients and a few key techniques, you can create a dish that will delight your family and become a new favorite. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make the best beef tips and gravy.

beef tips and gravy served with egg noodles and carrots, cozy rustic table setting

What Are Beef Tips?

Beef tips are pieces of beef that come from the ends or “tips” of larger cuts like sirloin or tenderloin. These cuts are generally more tender than regular stewing meat, making them perfect for quick cooking methods like sautéing or simmering in gravy.

cutting up sirloin steak to make beef tips and gravy

While stew meat is often cut from tougher parts of the cow, like chuck or round, beef tips are more delicate and flavorful. Stew meat requires long, slow cooking to become tender, while beef tips cook up beautifully in much less time, especially when paired with a rich, savory gravy.

This distinction is essential to understanding why beef tips shine in recipes like this one.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy

Creating the perfect beef tips and gravy is easier than you might think, especially if you follow these tips:

  1. Choose the Right Cut: Use tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for the best results. Avoid tougher cuts, as they’re better suited for slow-cooking methods.
  2. Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the beef, give it space to brown evenly. Crowding the pan will cause the meat to steam instead of sear.
  3. Build Flavor with Aromatics: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding the beef and gravy ingredients creates a flavorful base.
  4. Simmer Low and Slow: While beef tips don’t need as much time as stew meat, simmering for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become even more tender.
  5. Thicken to Taste: Adjust the gravy’s thickness by adding more flour for a thicker consistency or a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
closeup of beef tips and gravy served over mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley

Serving Suggestions

Beef tips and gravy pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes perfectly complements the rich, savory gravy.
  • Buttered Egg Noodles: Tossing egg noodles with a bit of butter makes for a simple yet delicious base.
  • Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the gravy for a comforting combination.
  • Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, green beans, or steamed broccoli for added color and nutrition.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about beef tips and gravy is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

  • Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
  • Use Red Wine: Replace half of the beef broth with red wine for a deeper, more complex gravy.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
  • Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a luxurious finish.

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Refrigerate: Store beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Beef Tips and Gravy
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Beef Tips and Gravy

Recipe by Jessie
Course: Main
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 c beef broth

  • 2 Tbsp flour

  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef cubes in a single layer, searing each side until browned.
  • Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring a smooth consistency.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  • Return the seared beef cubes to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  • Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Beef tips and gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a dish that brings people together, satisfying both the stomach and the soul. Whether you’re serving it at a casual weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and discover your new go-to comfort food.

Before you leave, make sure to check out our some of our other classic comfort recipes!

beef tips and gravy in a brown ceramic bowl, glass of red wine in background
closeup of beef tips and gravy simmering in a cast iron pan

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