Have you ever stared into your fridge, wanting real comfort food but not a huge project? You want something warm, savory, and satisfying. Something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
That’s where these beef tips and gravy come in. This isn’t some fancy, complicated recipe. This is the good stuff, made simple.
Forget tough beef and bland gravy. I’ll show you how to get super tender meat and a rich, flavorful sauce every single time. Let’s get cooking.
The Easiest Beef Tips and Gravy You’ll Ever Make
This recipe is all about simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. The stove does most of the work for you.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef, like sirloin or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth, preferably low-sodium
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- A large pot or Dutch oven
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A cutting board and knife
How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect meal. Don’t rush the simmering part; that’s where the magic happens.
Step 1: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season them all over with salt and pepper. This helps them get a nice brown crust.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef to the pot. Don’t crowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove it and set it aside. Repeat with the other half of the beef.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it’s soft, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until you can smell it. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the onions. Stir and cook for about a minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and will help thicken your gravy.
Step 6: Slowly pour in about one cup of the beef broth while whisking. Keep whisking to get rid of any lumps. Once it’s smooth, add the rest of the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
Step 7: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the browned beef back into the pot.
Step 8: Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender it gets.
Step 9: Once the beef is tender, taste the gravy. Add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Stir in the fresh parsley right before serving.
Pro Tips
After making this dish hundreds of times, I’ve learned a few things. These little tricks make a big difference.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the beef is the most important step for flavor. It creates a rich, meaty base for your gravy. Take your time with this part.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Don’t try to speed up the simmering. Low heat breaks down the beef, making it super tender. If you boil it, the meat can get tough.
- Scrape the Brown Bits: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot after searing the beef are pure flavor. Make sure you scrape them all up when you add the onions and broth.
- Taste at the End: Don’t add too much salt at the beginning. The broth will reduce and get saltier as it cooks. Taste it right before you serve it and adjust then.
What to Serve It With
This dish is great on its own, but it’s even better with the right side dish to soak up all that amazing gravy.
| Serving Suggestion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | A classic combo. |
| Egg Noodles | Soft and buttery. |
| White Rice | Simple and easy. |
| Roasted Broccoli | Adds a nice crunch. |
| Crusty Bread | For dipping in gravy. |
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have everything on the list? No problem. This recipe is easy to change up.
Ingredient Swaps
| Instead Of… | You Can Use… |
|---|---|
| Sirloin/Chuck | Stew meat, round steak |
| Yellow Onion | Shallots or a white onion |
| All-Purpose Flour | Cornstarch slurry (for GF) |
| Beef Broth | Mushroom or vegetable broth |
Fun Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Throw in some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an extra earthy flavor. Cremini or button mushrooms work great.
- A Splash of Wine: Add a splash of dry red wine (like Merlot) after the onions cook down. Let it cook for a few minutes before adding the broth.
- Add Some Veggies: You can add carrots and celery with the onions to make it more like a stew.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This is a great meal to make ahead of time. The flavors get even better the next day.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can chop the onion and garlic and cube the beef a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This makes cooking day a breeze.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
Store the beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, just warm it up in a pot on the stove over low heat. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has gotten too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I get about this recipe.
Q1. Why did my beef turn out tough?
Ans: It probably just needs to cook longer. If the beef is tough, it means the connective tissues haven’t broken down yet. Just put the lid back on and let it simmer on low for another 20-30 minutes and check again.
Q2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Ans: Yes! Brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic on the stove as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q3. My gravy is too thin. How can I fix it?
Ans: To thicken the gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches the thickness you like.
Wrapping Up
See? A restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, and it was pretty easy. This beef tips and gravy recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a Sunday feast.
Now it’s your turn. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Drop a comment below with your results or any questions you have. I love hearing from you
