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!