When you think of comfort food, few dishes can compete with a hearty plate of Beef Tips and Gravy. This classic meal brings warmth and richness to the table, making it a favorite among families. The tender beef tips, perfectly seasoned, swim in a savory gravy that complements a variety of sides.
Why We Love This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
What makes Beef Tips and Gravy so delightful? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the ingredients or how they come together to create a robust flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet can impress guests at a dinner gathering. The tender, fork-ready beef tips swim in a luscious gravy that is simply irresistible. You can customize the serving options, ensuring that every meal is unique. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks will have everyone anticipating dinner.
Ingredients for Beef Tips and Gravy
To create this fulfilling dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef tips, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups no-sodium beef broth, divided
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons beef better than bouillon or 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2.87 oz reduced sodium brown gravy packets
How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to walk through the process of creating this delicious dish.
Season the Beef: Begin by seasoning the beef tips with salt and pepper. This step enhances the beef’s natural flavor. Once seasoned, set the beef tips aside to allow the seasoning to permeate the meat.
Sear the Beef: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the oil hot before adding the beef tips. Sear the seasoned beef tips on both sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step should take about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your stove.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: After the beef is nicely browned, reduce the heat to low. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent. The garlic will infuse the dish with a lovely aroma.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, and stir in the beef better than bouillon or beef bouillon cubes. Stir until everything is well combined. The flavors will begin to meld together beautifully.
Simmer the Beef: Cover the skillet loosely with a lid and allow the beef tips to cook over low heat. Stir occasionally for 1 to 2 hours. The goal here is to cook the beef until it becomes fork tender. Check occasionally to ensure it’s not sticking or drying out.
Prepare the Gravy: Right before serving, whisk together the remaining cup of low-sodium beef broth with the brown gravy packets in a separate bowl until combined.
Thicken the Gravy: Pour this gravy mixture into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Increase the heat back to medium and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 2 to 4 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Finally, taste your gravy to ensure it’s well-seasoned. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat.
How to Serve Beef Tips and Gravy
This hearty meal is incredibly versatile in terms of serving options. The rich gravy complements various sides beautifully. You can serve your beef tips and gravy over:
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes absorbs the gravy perfectly.
Cooked Rice: A fluffy bowl of rice makes for a fantastic base, soaking up the savory flavors.
Egg Noodles: The tender noodles will catch every bit of gravy, creating a delightful experience with every forkful.
Vegetables: For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables on the side. Green beans or broccoli pair exceptionally well.
Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Expert Tips: Beef Tips and Gravy
To make the most out of your Beef Tips and Gravy, consider the following expert tips:
Choose Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality beef tips. Look for cuts that have good marbling, as they tend to become more tender during cooking.
Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the beef tips overnight in the seasoning. This will enhance the flavor upon cooking.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Low and slow is the key to achieving fork-tender beef tips. Avoid cranking up the heat to speed up the process, as this can result in tough meat.
Season Gradually: Taste your gravy as you cook. Season gradually to avoid over-salting.
Utilize Leftovers: If you have any leftover beef tips and gravy, they can be incorporated into a sandwich or used in a hearty soup.
How to Store Beef Tips and Gravy
If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be safely stored in the refrigerator. Here’s how to do it right:
Let it Cool: Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a storage container.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to maintain freshness and flavors.
Store in the Fridge: Your beef tips and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Freezing for Later: If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the beef tips and gravy. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Variations of Beef Tips and Gravy
While the classic recipe is delicious, you might enjoy experimenting with variations to keep things interesting:
Add Vegetables: Include carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Change Up the Gravy: Consider using mushroom gravy or adding a splash of cream to the gravy for a creamy texture.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, a touch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can spice things up.
Different Broths: Swap out the beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Herbs and Spices: Incorporate herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the cooking process for an aromatic twist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Tips and Gravy
To give you further insight into the world of Beef Tips and Gravy, here are some common questions and answers:
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! While beef tips are great for this recipe, cuts like chuck roast or sirloin can also work. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.
How long does it take to cook beef tips?
Cooking times can range from 1 to 2 hours on low heat. The goal is to achieve fork-tender beef.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Beef Tips and Gravy in advance not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors as they meld. Just reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Beef Tips and Gravy?
Great side options include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or a mix of roasted vegetables.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes! The beef tips and gravy can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure it’s stored properly in an airtight container.
Beef Tips and Gravy
Equipment
- Skillet
- Medium Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef tips room temperature
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups no-sodium beef broth divided
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. beef better than bouillon or 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2.87 oz. reduced sodium brown gravy packets
Instructions
- Season the beef tips with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Reduce heat to low and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is tender.
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, and stir in the beef better than bouillon or bouillon cubes.
- Cover the skillet loosely and let the beef cook over low heat for 1 to 2 hours until fork tender, stirring occasionally.
- Before serving, whisk together the remaining cup of beef broth with the brown gravy packets in a separate bowl.
- Pour the gravy mixture into the skillet with the beef and stir. Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 2-4 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat and serve hot.
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