Beef Tips and Gravy is a meal that always brings a smile. I remember the first time I tried cooking it—my kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas that instantly reminded me of home-cooked dinners. There’s something magical about tender beef simmering in rich gravy, making it the perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.
Cooking this dish brings warmth and comfort to the table, creating memories with every bite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, and with just the right blend of spices and ingredients, you achieve a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. This recipe for Beef Tips and Gravy will become a family favorite in no time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You need everyday items from your kitchen, making it easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.
- Tender and Flavorful: Searing the beef ensures it stays juicy while the spices create a depth of flavor that delights the palate.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add herbs for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it a great option for leftovers or future meals.
- Quick Cooking Time: With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Sirloin tips – 1½ lbs. These tender cuts of beef provide great flavor and texture.
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons. This oil helps brown the beef perfectly, adding richness to the dish.
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons. Coating the beef in flour helps create a thick gravy.
- Brown sugar – 1 teaspoon. This balances the flavors, enhancing the dish's depth.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon. A crucial ingredient for enhancing overall flavor.
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon. This adds a slight kick to the dish.
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon. It contributes a savory depth to the gravy.
- Onion powder – ½ teaspoon. This gives a subtle sweetness and flavor boost.
- Chili powder – ½ teaspoon. Adds a mild heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon. It adds color and a hint of warm flavor.
- Butter – 2 tablespoons. Essential for sautéing onions and adding richness.
- Yellow onion – 1 small, diced. Provides sweetness and is a flavor base for the gravy.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Beef broth – 2 cups. It forms the foundation of the gravy, providing depth and moisture.
- Beef bouillon cube – 1. This intensifies the beef flavor in your gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce – 1½ teaspoons. This adds a savory tang to the dish.
- Dried thyme – ¼ teaspoon. Thyme enhances the aromatic quality of the gravy.
- Dried rosemary – ¼ teaspoon. It adds a fragrant earthy flavor to the dish.
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon. This boosts the onion flavor in the gravy.
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon. For an extra layer of garlic goodness.
- Cornstarch – 3 tablespoons. Used to thicken the gravy for a perfect consistency.
- Cold water – ¼ cup. Helps create a slurry to thicken the gravy smoothly.
How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Cut the sirloin into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry. In a bowl, mix all the beef seasoning ingredients, including salt, pepper, and spices. Toss the beef with this seasoning mix, then coat it evenly with flour.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, cooking for 30 to 45 seconds per side until browned. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Base for the Gravy
Using the same skillet, deglaze the pan with the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce by half. Lower the heat, add butter and diced onions, cooking until the onions are soft. Stir in the minced garlic.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add beef broth, the bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan to thicken the gravy. Return the seared beef and any juices back to the skillet. Simmer on low, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes until the beef is tender. For a Crock Pot option, transfer the beef and gravy mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Cut Uniformly – Make sure all beef cubes are cut to the same size to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain chewy.
✓ Monitor Heat Level – Keep an eye on the heat when searing the beef. Too high can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
✓ Let Gravy Simmer – Allow the gravy to simmer properly to develop deeper flavors. A longer simmer will yield a more robust taste.
✓ Adjust Thickness – If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little extra beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
✓ Serve with Sides – This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread that can soak up the delicious gravy. Consider adding steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tips and Gravy
Yes, you can use chuck roast or flank steak if you prefer. Both will provide good flavor, but adjust the cooking time as needed for tenderness.
The beef should be fork-tender after simmering for about 10 to 15 minutes. If using a slow cooker, it may take longer. Check regularly to ensure it is fully cooked.
Absolutely! Beef Tips and Gravy can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
If your gravy is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.
This dish is perfect over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Serve alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin tips
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
Gravy Components
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 cube Beef bouillon
- 1.5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 0.25 cup Cold water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 small Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cut the sirloin into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry. In a bowl, mix all beef seasoning ingredients, including salt, pepper, and spices. Toss the beef with this seasoning mix, then coat it evenly with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, cooking for 30 to 45 seconds per side until browned. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate.
- Deglaze the skillet with the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the broth by half, then lower the heat and add butter and diced onions, cooking until the onions are soft. Stir in the minced garlic.
- Add beef broth, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all flavors.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan to thicken the gravy. Return the seared beef and any juices back to the skillet. Simmer on low, partially covered, for 10 to 15 minutes until the beef is tender.
Notes
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or bread that can soak up the gravy.
- Consider adding steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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