Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Savory Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe: Comfort Food At Its Finest

Savory beef tips dancing in a rich, velvety gravy might just become your new comfort food obsession.

Tender chunks of meat simmer slowly, absorbing deep, robust flavors that warm your soul.

Families gather around the table, drawn by the irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic dish promises pure culinary comfort with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners transform into memorable moments when you serve these mouthwatering beef tips.

Creamy, silky gravy blankets each perfectly cooked morsel, creating a symphony of taste that begs for a second helping.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why Beef Tips and Gravy Make Comfort Food Classic

  • Unlock Hearty Comfort: Dive into a classic dish that wraps you in warm, savory goodness perfect for satisfying hunger and lifting spirits.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Create a restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Serve over multiple bases like mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, transforming this recipe into a flexible dinner option for different preferences.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet or Dutch oven method that concentrates flavors and reduces washing up afterward.

Ingredients for Beef Tips and Gravy

Main Protein:
  • Beef: Tender meat cut into bite-sized pieces for a hearty and flavorful main dish.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a sweet and savory base that adds depth to the beef's rich flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami dimension to the gravy.
Cooking and Thickening Agents:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking to the skillet.
  • Flour: Creates a smooth, thick gravy by absorbing liquid and providing a silky texture.
  • Beef Broth: Adds rich meaty flavor and helps create the gravy's liquid base.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional): Provides a fresh, bright garnish for visual appeal and subtle herbaceous flavor.

Instructions to Cook Beef Tips and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil for a perfect golden sear.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the following ingredients to create a flavor base:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until onions become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Brown Beef Pieces

Introduce beef pieces to the hot skillet and brown them on all sides, creating a delicious caramelized exterior. This process takes approximately 5-7 minutes and develops deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Gravy Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the browned beef, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. This step helps thicken the upcoming gravy and creates a smooth texture.

Step 5: Build Liquid Base

Slowly pour beef broth into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent any lumpy formations. This technique ensures a silky, consistent gravy.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Add the following flavor enhancers:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the dish.

Step 7: Simmer and Tenderize

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered. Allow beef to become tender and gravy to thicken, which typically takes 20-25 minutes.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Remove skillet from heat. Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender noodles. Serve immediately while hot and savor the rich, comforting flavors.

Tips for Tender Beef Tips and Rich Gravy

  • Pat beef pieces dry before browning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and enhance flavor development.
  • Use chuck roast or sirloin for the most tender and flavorful beef tips that melt in your mouth.
  • Adjust gravy thickness by adding more broth for a thinner consistency or simmering longer to reduce and thicken.
  • For a low-carb option, serve beef tips over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches.
  • Enhance the dish's depth by adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of tomato paste during cooking for extra richness.

Variations to Change Up Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Ranch Beef Bites: Add ranch seasoning mix to the flour coating for a tangy, herbal flavor profile that enhances the beef's richness.
  • Mushroom Infusion: Incorporate sliced cremini or button mushrooms during the onion sautéing stage for an earthy, umami-packed variation.
  • Spicy Southwest Beef: Mix chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into the flour coating to create a bold, zesty version with a southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Beef: Blend dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired taste that transforms the classic recipe.

Pairings That Work With Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory beef flavors and cut through the hearty gravy.
  • Create Creamy Potato Companions: Serve alongside classic mashed potatoes or crispy roasted garlic potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy and add smooth texture.
  • Match with Bright Green Vegetables: Add steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or sautéed Brussels sprouts to balance the heavy meat dish with fresh, crisp vegetables and provide nutritional contrast.
  • Enhance with Crusty Bread: Include warm, buttered artisan bread or dinner rolls to help soak up every last drop of the flavorful gravy and complete the comforting meal experience.

Storage Instructions for Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the beef remains moist and flavorful.
  • Transfer cooled beef tips and gravy to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour beef tips and gravy into a skillet, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying.

FAQs About Beef Tips and Gravy

  • What cuts of beef work best for this recipe?

Chuck roast or sirloin are ideal because they become tender when slow-cooked and have enough marbling to create rich flavor.

  • Can I make this dish without flour?

No, flour helps thicken the gravy and creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the beef perfectly.

  • How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?

Brown the beef quickly over high heat and then simmer on low heat to keep the meat tender and juicy.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, beef tips and gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently, with the flavor often improving after a day in the refrigerator.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
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: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty beef tips and gravy bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, delivering rich meaty flavors that warm hearts and satisfy hungry families. Savory slow-cooked beef melts tenderly, creating a classic meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces

Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat vegetable oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
  2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  3. Introduce beef pieces to the hot skillet, carefully browning them on all surfaces for 5-7 minutes to develop rich caramelization.
  4. Evenly dust flour over the browned beef, thoroughly coating each piece to create a foundation for the gravy.
  5. Slowly incorporate beef broth while continuously stirring to prevent any potential lumps from forming in the sauce.
  6. Enhance the flavor profile by adding Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper, and mixing thoroughly.
  7. Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the beef becomes fork-tender and the gravy reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.
  8. Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
  9. Transfer the succulent beef tips and rich gravy to a serving dish, presenting over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender noodles for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Choose chuck roast or sirloin for maximum tenderness and flavor in your beef tips.
  • Pat beef pieces dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and deep caramelization.
  • Adjust cooking liquid consistency by adding more broth if gravy becomes too thick during simmering.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free thickening agent.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star