Beef Tips And Gravy Recipe

Tender Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Beef tips and gravy gives comfort food to a whole new level with its rich, savory appeal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

There's something deeply satisfying about tender bites of beef coated in a luscious sauce that seems to make everything better.

When you want a meal that feels both hearty and homey, few dishes deliver quite like one built around succulent meat in silky gravy.

Cold weather calls for warming plates, and what could be more inviting than a dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas?

Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, it remains one of those dependable favorites that always hits the spot.

When dinner needs to feel special without being complicated, here's a winning option that proves simple can be absolutely delicious.

What Makes Beef Tips and Gravy So Comforting

  • Super Simple Cooking: This recipe feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, perfect for anyone who wants delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Pantry Friendly Dinner: Most ingredients are basic staples already in your kitchen, making this dish a total win for quick meal planning.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Tender beef tips swimming in rich gravy will totally satisfy your hunger and make dinner feel special without tons of work.
  • Flexible Meal Option: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to match whatever side dishes your family enjoys most.

What You’ll Need for Beef Tips and Gravy

Meat:
  • Beef Sirloin (2 pounds): The star of this comforting dish, cut into perfect bite-sized pieces that will melt in your mouth. Choose a high-quality cut for the best flavor and tenderness.
Liquid Base:
  • Beef Broth (1 cup): Adds rich, deep flavor to your gravy and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Brings a savory umami depth that makes the sauce extra delicious.
  • Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Provides a tangy, complex flavor that enhances the beef’s natural taste.
Aromatics:
  • Onion (1): Chopped to release sweet, caramelized notes that complement the beef perfectly.
  • Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to infuse the dish with a classic, aromatic punch.
Thickening and Seasoning:
  • Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Creates a silky smooth gravy that clings perfectly to each meat morsel.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Fundamental seasonings that bring out the beef’s natural flavors.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the meat and creates a delicious foundation for the entire dish.

What Tools Simmer Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Large Skillet (12-inch): Your primary cooking vessel for searing beef and creating rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for handling all the cooking steps in one pan.
  • Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients and scraping delicious browned bits from the skillet’s bottom without scratching the surface.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps you add precise amounts of broth, sauces, and water for consistent results every time.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping onions and preparing your ingredients before cooking.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife (8-inch): Allows you to slice onions and trim beef tips with precision and ease.
  • Cornstarch Measuring Spoon: Enables accurate measuring of cornstarch for creating the perfect gravy consistency.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining cornstarch and water to make the thickening slurry.
  • Tongs: Helps you safely and easily turn and move beef tips while browning in the skillet.

How to Simmer Beef Tips and Gravy

1

Prepare Beef

Get your 2 pounds of beef sirloin and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Season the meat with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

2

Heat the Pan

Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. The pan should be hot and ready to sizzle.

3

Brown the Meat

Drop the beef pieces into the hot skillet. Let each piece develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, turning to cook all sides evenly. This should take about 5-6 minutes total.

4

Remove Beef

Transfer the browned beef to a clean plate and set aside. Keep those delicious meat pieces warm.

5

Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add your chopped ingredients:

  • 1 whole onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cook these until they turn soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

6

Combine Liquids

Bring the beef back to the skillet. Pour in your liquid ingredients:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Stir everything together gently.

7

Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for exactly 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8

Thicken Gravy

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

9

Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Your beef tips are now ready to serve hot and delicious.

Easy Kitchen Guidance for Beef Tips And Gravy

  • Choose well-marbled chuck or sirloin tips for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Take time to brown meat thoroughly, creating a gorgeous caramel crust that locks in juicy goodness and develops deep flavor complexity.
  • Worcestershire sauce adds incredible depth, while soy sauce brings a savory umami punch that makes this gravy irresistibly delicious.
  • Low and slow cooking breaks down tough meat fibers, transforming beef tips into melt-in-your-mouth tender bites that comfort your soul.
  • Whisk cornstarch carefully to avoid lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats each beef tip perfectly.

What Beef Tips and Gravy Variations Feel Most Comforting?

  • Slow Cooker Option: Transfer browned beef, onions, and garlic to a slow cooker, then pour in broth and sauces. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef becomes super tender.
  • Lean Protein Switch: Replace beef tips with turkey or chicken breast chunks for a lighter protein version that keeps the same rich gravy flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to thicken your gravy without gluten, maintaining the same smooth consistency.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Use portobello mushroom chunks or plant-based beef alternatives instead of meat, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

How to Serve Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Serve Over Hearty Sides: Spoon these tender beef tips and rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
  • Perfect Veggie Companion: Roast some crisp green beans or buttered carrots on the side to add color and fresh crunch to your comfort meal.
  • Wine Pairing Choice: Grab a glass of bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the deep, savory flavors of the beef and gravy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so stash some leftovers in the fridge for an easy reheat-and-eat dinner.

How to Store Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Refrigerate leftover beef tips in an airtight container for up to 4 days, so your next meal is ready in minutes.
  • Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags with gravy for convenient future dinners when short on cooking time.
  • Transfer cooled beef tips to shallow containers before refrigerating to help them cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat refrigerated beef tips gently in a covered skillet with a splash of extra broth to keep the meat tender and prevent drying out.

Beef Tips And Gravy Reader FAQs Explained

FAQ

What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat are perfect for beef tips because they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

FAQ

Can beef tips be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave without losing texture or taste.

FAQ

How do I prevent tough meat when cooking beef tips?

Brown the meat first at high heat, then cook slowly at a low simmer to break down tough muscle fibers and create melt-in-your-mouth beef.

FAQ

Is a cast-iron skillet necessary for this recipe?

While cast-iron provides great heat distribution, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work perfectly for creating delicious beef tips.

FAQ

What if my gravy doesn’t thicken correctly?

Gradually add more cornstarch slurry in small increments, stirring continuously until you reach your desired gravy consistency.

FAQ

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Simply replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the entire dish gluten-free.

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Beef Tips And Gravy Recipe

Beef Tips And Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Beef tips and gravy will make your dinner table sing with comfort and flavor straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Tender beef chunks swimming in rich, silky gravy guarantee smiles and clean plates from everyone around your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds beef sirloin

Supporting Aromatics:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Cooking and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
  2. Carefully add 2 pounds of beef sirloin pieces, spreading them evenly across the pan to ensure maximum browning.
  3. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes, turning each piece to create a rich golden-brown crust on all sides.
  4. Transfer browned beef to a clean plate, keeping the flavorful pan drippings intact.
  5. Drop chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  6. Return beef pieces back to the skillet, nestling them among the softened onions.
  7. Pour 1 cup beef broth, ¼ cup soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce over the meat, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 50-60 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
  9. Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry.
  10. Slowly stream the cornstarch mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to a glossy consistency.
  11. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
  12. Remove from heat and serve the beef tips immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose a well-marbled beef cut like chuck roast for tender, flavorful tips that break down beautifully during slow cooking.
  • Brown the meat in batches to ensure a deep, caramelized crust that adds rich flavor to your gravy without steaming the beef.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy.
  • Serve this comforting dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious, savory gravy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Beef
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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