Beef Tips and Gravy

Learn how to make Beef Tips and Gravy from scratch in one pot on the stove top or in the Slow Cooker! This classic comfort food is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The tender beef tips simmered in a flavorful gravy will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a heartwarming meal that’s great for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and Flavorful: The blend of spices and slow cooking creates a savory gravy that enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to suit your preference.
• Comforting Meal: Ideal for chilly evenings, this hearty dish warms you up from the inside out.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify clean-up with this all-in-one cooking method.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Beef Tips and Gravy perfectly, gather essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Silicone spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A good skillet allows even cooking and browning of the beef tips.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for deglazing the pan without scratching it, ensuring all flavors are incorporated into the gravy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Learn how to make Beef Tips and Gravy from scratch in one pot on the stove top or in the Slow Cooker! This classic comfort food is great with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Ingredients:
– 1 ½ lbs. sirloin tips
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon EACH: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika
– ¼ cup dry red apple vinegar (optional)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small yellow onion (diced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 beef bouillon cube
– 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– ¼ teaspoon EACH: dried thyme, dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 3 tablespoons corn starch + 1/4 cup cold water

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Combine beef seasoning mix and measure out all gravy ingredients before starting.
• Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, discarding any large pieces of fat.

Step 2: Season the Beef

• Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the meat cubes. Toss to coat evenly.
• Add flour over the seasoned meat and toss again until coated.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

• Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the meat in batches; avoid overcrowding. Brown each side for about 30–45 seconds.
• Transfer browned beef to a plate. Repeat until all meat is browned.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

• Pour in ¼ cup of apple vinegar. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Allow vinegar to bubble gently until reduced by half.

Step 5: Sauté Onions and Garlic

• Reduce heat to medium; add butter and diced onions. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.

Step 6: Create the Gravy Base

• Add all remaining gravy ingredients except for cornstarch mixture. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy

• In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water. Whisk together until smooth.
• Gradually whisk into boiling sauce until desired thickness is achieved.

Step 8: Cook Beef in Gravy

• Lower heat to medium-low; add browned beef along with juices from the plate. Cover partially with lid.
• Cook for 10–15 minutes until beef is cooked through.

Step 9: Finish Your Dish

• Optional step: Swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter at the end for a silky finish.

Step 10: Serve

Enjoy your delicious Beef Tips and Gravy served hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice!

How to Serve Beef Tips and Gravy

Beef Tips and Gravy is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a hearty family feast, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that absorbs the rich gravy perfectly.

With Egg Noodles

• Tender egg noodles are great for soaking up the savory beef tips and gravy, offering a satisfying texture.

On Rice

• Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a wholesome meal that complements the beef flavor.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve your beef tips inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. The crusty exterior adds a delightful crunch.

As Tacos

• Use leftover beef tips as a filling for tacos. Top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa for an exciting variation.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing beef tips with roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate while balancing the richness of the gravy.

How to Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy

Creating perfectly tender and flavorful Beef Tips and Gravy takes some practice. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish:

• Use quality beef – Selecting good sirloin tips ensures tenderness and flavor in your finished dish.

• Brown the meat well – Searing the beef properly develops rich flavors that enhance the gravy’s taste.

• Deglaze the pan – Using apple vinegar to deglaze captures all those lovely browned bits, adding depth to your sauce.

• Adjust seasoning – Taste your gravy before serving; don’t hesitate to adjust salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.

• Let it simmer – Allowing the dish to simmer helps meld all flavors together, resulting in a more cohesive taste.

• Finish with butter – Adding cold butter at the end gives your gravy a luxurious texture that enhances mouthfeel.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Tips and Gravy

To complement your Beef Tips and Gravy, consider these side dishes that enhance its flavors:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy.
2. Steamed Broccoli – This bright green vegetable adds freshness and balances out the richness of the beef.
3. Creamed Spinach – Rich creamed spinach makes a decadent side that pairs wonderfully with savory beef.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the heaviness of the dish.
5. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be loaded with sour cream or cheese alongside beef tips for extra indulgence.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn offers a delightful contrast in sweetness against savory beef tips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Beef Tips and Gravy can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin this comforting dish.

• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season the beef properly can lead to bland flavors. Always coat the meat with your seasoning mix for maximum taste.
• Overcrowding the pan – Adding too much beef at once will steam instead of brown it. Cook in batches to achieve perfect browning and flavor.
• Not deglazing the pan – Ignoring the fond left in the skillet means missing out on rich flavors. Use vinegar or broth to scrape up those delicious bits for your gravy.
• Overcooking the beef – Cooking the beef all the way through before adding it to the sauce can make it tough. Brown it lightly; it will finish cooking in the gravy.
• Neglecting consistency – Not whisking in the cornstarch mixture slowly may result in lumps. Add it gradually while stirring for a smooth sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Beef Tips and Gravy can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Beef Tips and Gravy

• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Beef Tips and Gravy

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe container, stirring every minute until heated evenly, usually about 2-4 minutes.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, approximately 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Beef Tips and Gravy that might help you out.

Can I make Beef Tips and Gravy in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Simply brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

What should I serve with Beef Tips and Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. You can also add vegetables like green beans or carrots.

How do I thicken my Beef Tips and Gravy?

If it’s too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into your gravy while it’s simmering until desired thickness is reached.

Can I use different cuts of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips are great, you can also use chuck roast or stew meat. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Final Thoughts

Beef Tips and Gravy is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort any day of the week. Its versatility allows you to serve it over various sides, making it perfect for family dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite spices or vegetables!