Beef Tips Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal that tastes like it’s been simmering with love for hours but actually comes together without fuss, these Beef Tips are your new best friend. Tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth, perfectly coated in a rich, savory gravy that combines the depth of Worcestershire sauce, the saltiness of soy sauce, and the warmth of browned onions and garlic. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers satisfying flavor and texture that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is all about quality and balance. Each component plays a vital role, bringing out robust flavors and ensuring a beautifully textured finished dish that will impress at any dinner table.
- Olive oil: Using 5 tablespoons divided ensures great browning and a rich base to develop flavor.
- Small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth once caramelized, essential for the gravy base.
- Beef tips (2 pounds): The star of the dish, these tender pieces cook quickly and soak up every bit of seasoning.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Gives the dish a savory, meaty base with plenty of moisture to tenderize the beef.
- Low sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami and a touch of saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/4 cup): Brings tanginess and complexity, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Garlic (1 teaspoon): A punch of aromatic flavor that complements the onion perfectly.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Delivers just the right amount of spice to balance the richness.
- Dry brown gravy mix (1 packet): Thickens the sauce to a luscious, perfect consistency.
How to Make Beef Tips
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Adding the garlic for the last minute enhances the aroma and gives your dish a flavorful jumpstart. Once cooked, remove the onion and garlic from the pot and set aside so they don’t burn later on.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Working in batches, add the beef tips and sear them quickly—just 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side. The goal here is to develop a flavorful crust without fully cooking the meat. This step locks in juices and builds the base for your savory stew.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the sautéed onions and garlic to the pot along with all the seared beef tips. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then season with black pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring to a rolling boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes. This slow cooking helps the beef become incredibly tender while blending the flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
Once the beef is tender, carefully scoop out ½ cup of the steaming beef broth and mix it in a bowl with the dry brown gravy mix until smooth. Pour this thickening agent back into the pot, stirring continuously over medium heat until the gravy classically thickens and clings to the beef tips. This final touch turns your dish into a silky, luscious masterpiece ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Beef Tips
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top can brighten the dish with a pop of color and a subtle fresh note. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or sour cream adds a tangy contrast to the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
The classic way to enjoy these Beef Tips is over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of that glorious gravy. Roasted vegetables like carrots and green beans or a crisp green salad also pair beautifully, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal that fills you up with comfort and warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta. You can also turn this into a hearty sandwich by piling the beef and gravy on a toasted hoagie roll—perfect for those casual dinners where comfort is king. No matter how you plate it, these beef tips promise a delicious experience every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better as leftovers. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture perfect.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Beef Tips for longer, simply freeze them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Portioning them out before freezing makes it easy to defrost just what you need for a quick, hearty meal later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the gravy if it thickens too much. You can also microwave leftovers in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for best results.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Beef Tips?
Beef tips typically come from tender cuts like sirloin or round steak. These cuts work well because they are flavorful yet tender enough to cook quickly without drying out.
Can I use fresh gravy instead of a dry gravy mix?
Absolutely! You can make your own gravy with flour or cornstarch thickener for a more homemade touch. Just whisk the thickener into some reserved beef broth until thickened, then add it back to the pot.
How long do Beef Tips take to cook?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40 minutes. Searing is quick, and the simmering step usually takes around 25 minutes until tender, but times can vary depending on the size of your beef chunks.
Can I add vegetables to the stew?
Yes! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers during the simmering step for added texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times so everything becomes tender but not mushy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since the gravy mix often contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free gravy mix or thicken the sauce yourself with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish like these Beef Tips—it’s simple to make but delivers maximum comfort and flavor, perfect for any night of the week. Whether served over mashed potatoes or noodles, the tender beef and luscious gravy will quickly make this recipe one of your favorites to come back to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Beef Tips Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This hearty Beef Tips recipe features tender seared beef simmered in a flavorful sauce made with beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown gravy mix. Perfectly cooked onions add depth and sweetness to the rich sauce, making it an ideal dish to serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 pounds beef tips
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (0.75 ounce) packet dry brown gravy mix
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Remove Onion & Garlic: Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to a separate bowl and set aside for later.
- Sear Beef Tips: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Working in batches if necessary, sear the beef tips for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side to develop a browned crust without cooking through.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed onions and garlic to the pot with the seared beef tips. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and season with black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the beef becomes tender. Note that thicker pieces may require longer cooking time.
- Prepare Gravy: Once the beef is tender, carefully ladle out ½ cup of the stew broth into a small bowl. Stir in the dry brown gravy mix until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the gravy mixture back into the pot with the beef and simmer on medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the beef tips hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.
- Adjust the simmering time based on the size and thickness of the beef tips to ensure tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the brown gravy mix gradually and cook a bit longer.
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Beef Tips, Beef Stew, Comfort Food, Savory Beef, Easy Dinner Recipe
