Beef Tips in Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Beef Tips in Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to special gatherings. Tender, juicy beef tips are simmered in a rich, savory gravy made from pan drippings, beef broth, and seasonings, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is a complete meal that warms you from the inside out.

The beauty of Beef Tips in Gravy lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. While the recipe only requires a few basic ingredients, the slow simmering process infuses the beef with incredible tenderness, making each bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees satisfying results every time.

In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, helpful tips for perfecting the dish, and variations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for meal prep, Beef Tips in Gravy is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love Beef Tips in Gravy

• Tender and Flavorful: The beef tips are seared to create a rich, browned crust before simmering in a flavorful gravy. The result is tender beef with an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
• Easy to Make: While this dish may sound fancy, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights or weekend meals.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the dish by adding vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or carrots to the gravy, or by adjusting the seasonings to your preference.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Beef Tips in Gravy stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and side dishes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips:

• 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat or beef tips (such as sirloin or chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the gravy)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (for an earthy flavor)
• 2 carrots, sliced (for added sweetness and texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Tips

Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized cubes. If you’re using stew meat or sirloin, trim off any excess fat. Season the beef cubes with half of the salt and pepper to ensure they’re well-coated with seasoning.

2. Sear the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring that the pieces are not overcrowded. Sear the beef on all sides until it is browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step develops a deep, flavorful crust on the beef, which will enhance the taste of the dish.

Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat the process with the remaining beef if necessary.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the onions. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These browned bits are packed with flavor, so be sure to get every bit of them. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and thyme to the skillet, stirring to combine.

5. Return the Beef to the Skillet

Once the liquid is simmering, return the seared beef cubes to the skillet. Stir to ensure that the beef is well-coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Thicken the Gravy

After the beef has simmered for an hour, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a couple of tablespoons of water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy, stirring constantly. Let the gravy simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more flour slurry. If it gets too thick, just add a little more beef broth or water to loosen it up.

7. Finish the Dish

Once the gravy has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper. If you want a more intense flavor, you can also add a little more Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard.

If you’re adding optional vegetables like mushrooms or carrots, you can stir them into the gravy at this point and let them cook until tender (about 10-15 minutes).

Once everything is cooked through and the beef is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter to the gravy, stirring it in until it melts and adds richness to the sauce.

8. Serve the Beef Tips in Gravy

Serve the beef tips and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for an added burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Beef Tips in Gravy

• Use a Heavy Skillet or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for searing the beef and simmering the gravy. These types of cookware distribute heat evenly and help create a rich, flavorful crust on the beef.
• Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the searing process. Allow the beef to brown properly on all sides to develop a deeper flavor in the gravy. The browned bits left behind in the pan are essential for the richness of the dish.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the beef tips slowly over low heat. This allows the beef to become tender and soak up all the savory flavors of the gravy. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!
• Customize the Gravy: Feel free to add other seasonings, such as rosemary, bay leaves, or garlic powder, to the gravy for extra flavor. You can also add a splash of red wine for a deeper, more robust gravy.
• Thicken Gradually: If you prefer a thinner gravy, start with less flour and gradually add more if needed. It’s easier to thicken gradually than to try to thin out an overly thick gravy.

Variations of Beef Tips in Gravy

• Mushroom Beef Tips in Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the dish for an earthy flavor that complements the beef. The mushrooms will absorb the savory gravy, adding texture and richness to the dish.
• Beef Tips with Carrots: For a sweeter variation, add sliced carrots to the gravy. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the savory beef and creates a more well-rounded dish.
• Creamy Beef Tips in Gravy: For a creamier version, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of the cooking process. This will make the gravy richer and smoother.
• Beef Tips with Red Wine Gravy: Substitute half of the beef broth with red wine for a deeper, more complex flavor in the gravy. The wine adds acidity and depth, enhancing the beef’s taste.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Tips in Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the gravy if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the beef tips in gravy. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Tips in Gravy

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect base for the rich, flavorful beef tips and gravy.
• Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the gravy beautifully, making it a perfect side dish to pair with the beef tips.
• Egg Noodles: Soft, chewy egg noodles are another great option to serve with beef tips, as they soak up the gravy and provide a nice contrast to the tender beef.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans provide a healthy and flavorful side that complements the richness of the beef.
• Steamed Broccoli: The freshness and slight bitterness of steamed broccoli help cut through the richness of the beef and gravy, balancing the meal.

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Conclusion

Beef Tips in Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef, savory gravy, and hearty sides into one delicious meal. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the rich flavors and tender beef, makes this dish a favorite for many. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, Beef Tips in Gravy is a versatile and satisfying dish that never disappoints. Enjoy the deep flavors and comforting warmth of this classic recipe, and make it your go-to meal for any time of the year!