Beef Tips and Gravy – Tender Beef in Rich, Homemade Gravy Over Potatoes, Noodles, or Rice

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Beef Tips and Gravy is it. I remember the first time I made it — the savory aroma filled the kitchen, and my family couldn’t wait to sit down to eat. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights but also elegant enough for a cozy dinner.

Let’s dive into how to make this comforting meal. Trust me, you’ll love it.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

This is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just starting out. It’s perfect for anyone, from beginner cooks to seasoned pros. Here’s why:

• One-pan cooking: Less mess, less fuss — everything comes together in one skillet.
• Simple ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy spices to make this dish shine.
• Family-friendly: My kids adore it, and even picky eaters can’t resist the savory beef and smooth gravy.
• Quick prep: The recipe only takes about 30 minutes to get everything on the table.

So, if you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and super satisfying, you’re in the right place.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Tips and Gravy

Before we get started, make sure you have these ingredients on hand. Most of them are kitchen staples, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe.

For the Beef Tips:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin tips (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons flour (to coat the beef)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Beef Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika

And For the Gravy:

• ¼ cup dry red wine (optional but adds flavor)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon each: dried thyme, dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water (to thicken the gravy)

You’ll also need some mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for serving. Trust me, the gravy is the best part to pour over everything.

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking. This recipe is pretty straightforward, and I love how it comes together so quickly.

Step 1: Prep the Beef

1. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes. Discard any large pieces of fat — we want tender bites of beef in the end.
2. Season the beef: In a small bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients — brown sugar, pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture all over the beef and toss to coat.
3. Coat with flour: Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned beef, and toss again to make sure the beef is coated evenly. This will help thicken the gravy later.

For Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef: Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the beef on each side for about 30-45 seconds, just until it’s nicely seared.
3. Transfer to a plate: Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside. The beef doesn’t need to be cooked through yet, as it will finish cooking in the gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Deglaze the pan: Add ¼ cup of red wine to the hot pan and use a silicone spatula to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits (called fond) are packed with flavor and will make your gravy delicious.
2. Add butter and onions: Once the wine has reduced by half, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and diced onions, and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Add the remaining gravy ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring everything to a boil.
5. Thicken the gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the boiling gravy, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Keep adding until you reach your desired gravy thickness.

And for Step 4: Combine the Beef and Gravy

1. Add the beef: Add the browned beef and any juices from the plate back into the gravy. Stir to coat the beef with the sauce.
2. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid (leaving it slightly open) and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the beef to cook through and soak up all the delicious flavors of the gravy.

Step 5: Optional Finishing Touch

For a smooth, velvety finish to the gravy, swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter at the end. This technique, called “monter au beurre,” will give your gravy a rich, silky texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. The gravy will soak into everything and make each bite even more delicious.

Tips for Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy

• Don’t overcook the beef: The beef should be seared but not fully cooked before adding it to the gravy. Let it finish cooking in the sauce for maximum flavor.
• Use a silicone spatula to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the pan when deglazing. It’s those bits that give your gravy its rich taste.
• Add more cornstarch slurry if needed: If your gravy isn’t thick enough, simply add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water until you get the right consistency.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.

FAQs

What kind of gravy is best for beef tips?

The best gravy for beef tips is a rich, savory one made from beef broth, red wine, and herbs. It should have a deep, robust flavor.

What is the secret to tender beef tips?

The secret to tender beef tips is to sear them quickly and cook them in the gravy. Don’t overcook them when browning — the beef should only be lightly seared.

How do I thicken my gravy for beef tips?

Cornstarch mixed with cold water is a great way to thicken beef gravy. Add it slowly, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired thickness.

Can I use beef stew meat for beef tips and gravy?

Yes! Beef stew meat works well, but it may need a bit longer to cook. If using stew meat, make sure to cook it until it’s tender.

How do I make my gravy smoother?

For a smooth, velvety gravy, finish with a small knob of cold butter. This will add richness and make the gravy extra silky.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Quick and Delicious Recipes — Looking for more dinner ideas? Check out this collection of quick and easy dinner recipes.
• New Thanksgiving Recipes — Need some holiday dinner inspiration? These new recipes will make your Thanksgiving dinner special.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites — A quick and flavorful beef recipe with the same savory appeal as beef tips and gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is sure to become a family favorite in your home. It’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, it’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone happy and full. I hope you give it a try!

Let me know how it turns out and if you add any personal twists. And don’t forget to share your creation on social media! You can tag me at @RitzyRecipes or on Pinterest here.

Happy cooking! 🍽

Print