Beef Tips and Gravy is a cozy dish full of tender beef pieces simmered in a rich, savory gravy. It’s perfect over rice or mashed potatoes, making your meal warm and hearty!
I love how this dish makes my kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. My family can’t resist! Serve it with a side of veggies, and you have a dinner everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin for tenderness and flavor. However, tenderloin is great too if you’re looking for something a bit leaner. If you’re on a budget, beef chuck or round cuts can also work, just keep in mind they may need longer to become tender.
Onion: A medium yellow onion is perfect for this recipe due to its sweetness. If you prefer a milder taste, you could use a sweet onion like Vidalia, or even shallots for a more delicate flavor.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is wonderful, but store-bought is fine for convenience. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, low-sodium broth helps control the salt levels. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option; just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Thyme: Dried thyme adds a nice aromatic touch. If you don’t have dried thyme, fresh thyme (about three times the amount) works beautifully. You could also substitute with rosemary or oregano if you prefer.
How Do I Achieve the Best Searing for the Beef?
Searing the beef is crucial for building flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a hot skillet. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers before adding the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; too many pieces will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary.
- Sear each side until it’s a rich brown color, around 2-3 minutes per side. This will create a tasty crust.
After searing, set the beef aside to keep it juicy! This attention will help your dish shine.
Delicious Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time, making it perfect for a delicious dinner. In total, you will spend about 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare this comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Beef:
Start by seasoning the bite-sized beef pieces with salt and black pepper. Make sure they’re coated evenly, as this will help enhance the flavor!
2. Searing the Beef:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef to the pan and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that delicious aroma!
4. Making the Gravy:
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme. Give it a good stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmering the Beef:
Return the seared beef back to the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow cooking makes the beef super tender and flavorful!
6. Thickening the Gravy:
To thicken your gravy, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. After the beef has cooked and is tender, add this slurry to the pot, stirring well. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken up nicely.
7. Serving:
Once your beef tips and gravy are ready, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve it hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Enjoy this warm and hearty meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or tenderloin works best for tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or round steak. Just keep in mind that chuck may require a longer simmering time to become tender, around 2 hours.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a tablespoon of soy sauce for added flavor. Just adjust the salt accordingly since some broths can be saltier than others!
How to Store Leftovers
Let the beef tips and gravy cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef tips and gravy a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy.
