Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Tender cubes of beef stew meat are coated and seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy that balances the earthiness of red wine, the depth of beef broth, and the tang of Worcestershire sauce. This dish offers a delightful combination of savory, juicy meat and silky gravy that you’ll want to spoon over mashed potatoes, noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, familiar, and crucial to delivering the taste, texture, and rich color that make this recipe so memorable. Each plays its role perfectly—from seasoning to thickening and enriching the gravy.

• Beef stew meat (1½-2 pounds): Choose well-marbled beef cubes for tender, flavorful bites after slow cooking.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps create a beautiful crust on the beef and thickens the gravy.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor in the dish by seasoning both beef and vegetables.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and warmth.
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the savory profile alongside fresh onions.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of subtle heat and earthiness.
• Olive oil (¼ cup, divided): Used for browning beef and sautéing vegetables, contributing a smooth mouthfeel.
• Onion (½, chopped): Adds sweet, aromatic notes when softened.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic brings a bright punch to the gravy base.
• Red wine (½ cup): Deepens flavor with complexity and acidity that balances richness.
• Beef broth (2 cups): Forms the hearty liquid base for the luscious gravy.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds an umami-packed tang and savory depth.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) + water (2 tablespoons): Whisked together to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Beef

Start by tossing your beef cubes in a mixture of flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This coating will not only flavor the beef but also create the foundational crust that helps thicken your gravy later. Give it a good toss until every piece is nicely covered.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat half of your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, avoiding crowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Brown the beef evenly on all sides until it develops a rich, golden crust. This step is essential to infuse intense flavor into your dish. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and your chopped onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, which usually takes a few minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for about a minute more until fragrant. These sautéed aromatics form the savory backbone of your gravy.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine and let it sizzle. Take a wooden spoon and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those delicious brown bits left behind from browning the beef. This technique, called deglazing, imparts exceptional depth to the gravy’s flavor while the wine’s acidity brightens the sauce.

Step 5: Build the Gravy

Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. This simmering phase melds all those incredible flavors together, creating a rich gravy base that will beautifully envelop the tender beef tips.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into your simmering sauce. The cornstarch will work its magic, thickening the gravy into a luscious coating for the beef. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and get an evenly thickened sauce.

Step 7: Simmer the Beef in Gravy

Return the browned beef to the skillet, nestling it into your thickened gravy. Cover the pan and let it gently simmer for about 40 minutes. This slow simmer tenderizes the beef until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The longer cooking also deepens the flavor of the gravy.

Step 8: Final Sauce Thickening

Uncover the pan and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further. This final step ensures your gravy clings perfectly to the beef tips, sealing in all the savory goodness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Your Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is now ready to be served. Ladle the tender beef and gravy generously over mashed potatoes, noodles, or your favorite starch for a comforting meal. Prepare for a symphony of flavors that feels home-cooked and indulgent.

How to Serve Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add a pop of freshness, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. These herbs introduce a vibrant green color and a mild, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the gravy beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even rice to soak up every luscious drop of gravy. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans make excellent nutritious sides that lighten the plate and add texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the beef tips atop a bed of buttery polenta or alongside fluffy biscuits for a Southern twist. You can also turn this into an elegant main course by plating the beef tips with a side of sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach, creating layers of flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef tips and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. For best results, cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your beef tips gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and glossy. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe?

Absolutely! Chuck roast cut into cubes works beautifully because it becomes tender as it simmers. Other stew meats or sirloin tips can also be used, but adjust simmering time based on tenderness.

Is red wine necessary in the recipe?

While red wine adds wonderful depth and complexity, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar if you prefer no alcohol.

How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If you want thicker gravy, simply increase the cornstarch slurry slightly. For thinner gravy, add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken the sauce.

What is the best way to serve leftover beef tips?

Leftover beef tips are fantastic in sandwiches, over steamed rice, or even stirred into creamy pasta dishes. They reheat well and maintain their juicy tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a classic Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe that delivers rich flavor, tender meat, and a silky smooth sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests with a comforting yet elegant meal, this recipe has got you covered. Don’t hesitate to dive in—your kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas, and your taste buds will thank you for every luscious bite.

Print