The term “beef tips“ doesn’t refer to a specific cut of meat—it’s actually a culinary nickname! Traditionally, beef tips were the tender pieces left over from breaking down larger cuts like sirloin or tenderloin. But today, they’ve evolved into a comfort food staple, often made from stew meat, chuck, or round, simmered to juicy perfection in rich gravies or sauces. What began as a way to reduce waste has become a beloved dish in kitchens across America.
Classic Beef Tips Recipe (With Rich Gravy)
Comfort food at its finest — melt-in-your-mouth beef tips simmered in a savory, deeply flavorful gravy.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | 🍲 Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins | 🍽️ Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or sirloin tips work best), cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, adds umami)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, adds depth)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Instructions:
🔹 Step 1: Sear the Beef
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add beef pieces in batches (avoid overcrowding) and brown them on all sides. This step builds flavor. Remove and set aside.
🔹 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add chopped onion. Sauté until translucent (around 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
🔹 Step 3: Build the Gravy
- Stir in tomato paste (if using), then deglaze the pot with a bit of broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Add the rest of the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and herbs. Stir to combine.
🔹 Step 4: Simmer
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
🔹 Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons flour with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the pot and let simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot over:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice
- Or even garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option!
💡 Pro Tips:
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine while simmering the beef.
- This dish tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Use a slow cooker for a hands-off version: just combine all ingredients (except flour slurry) and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
To discover more amazing recipes like Beef Tips Recipe, check out our previous article for more delicious Food ideas!
