Beef Tips Recipe
Beef Tips Recipe: Tender, Savory, and Perfect for Comfort Food Cravings
What Are Beef Tips?
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy dinner idea, this Beef Tips recipe is exactly what you need. Made with tender chunks of beef, slow-simmered in a rich brown gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery egg noodles, this dish is always a hit with the family. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients for Beef Tips Recipe
To make this savory Beef Tips recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (or sirloin tips, chuck roast cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for slurry)
Optional:
- Sliced mushrooms for extra texture
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Beef Tips (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in batches, searing each side until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Beef Tips
Return the beef to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender. You can also do this step in a slow cooker on low for 5–6 hours.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly stir this into the gravy and cook for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Why I Love This Beef Tips Recipe
Growing up, Sundays were all about comfort food in our house. My mom would start cooking in the early afternoon, and by dinner time, the whole place smelled like savory heaven. This Beef Tips recipe was one of her go-to meals, especially during colder months.
I remember sneaking into the kitchen just to get a spoonful of the gravy straight from the pot. The tender beef, the rich brown gravy, and the way it soaked into the mashed potatoes—it was pure comfort on a plate.
Now, making this recipe feels like bringing a little piece of home into my own kitchen. Whenever I serve it, I’m instantly transported back to those cozy Sunday nights with my family.
Variations: How to Customize Your Beef Tips Recipe
1. Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions for extra flavor and texture.
2. Crockpot Beef Tips
After searing the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
3. Spicy Beef Tips
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a little kick.
4. Red Wine Beef Tips
Swap 1/2 cup of the beef broth with dry red wine for a deeper, more robust flavor.
What to Serve with Beef Tips
This Beef Tips recipe is versatile and pairs well with many sides:
- Mashed potatoes (classic choice)
- Steamed white rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans
Pro Tip: Spoon extra gravy over your sides for maximum comfort-food vibes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftover Beef Tips
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Can You Freeze Beef Tips?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of beef is best for beef tips?
Stew meat, sirloin tips, or chuck roast cut into cubes all work well. The key is slow cooking to tenderize the meat.
Can I make beef tips without cornstarch?
Yes. You can use flour as an alternative thickener. Just whisk it into the broth or sprinkle over the beef before searing.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Sear the beef on sauté mode, then cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes with a natural pressure release for tender beef.
How do I make the gravy richer?
Add a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this Beef Tips recipe, try these next:
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
- Beef Stroganoff
- Smothered Pork Chops
Final Thoughts
This Beef Tips recipe is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but cozy enough for Sunday supper.
Serve it over your favorite starch, spoon on that rich brown gravy, and enjoy every bite of tender, savory goodness.
