The Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something rich, satisfying, and downright delicious. This recipe combines tender beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection in a savory gravy made with simple pantry staples like soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, creating deep layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this dish brings warmth and robust taste to the table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build a rich and satisfying gravy while keeping the beef juicy and tender. Together, they balance savory, umami, and subtle aromatic notes that elevate your meal without needing fancy additions.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed: Choose well-marbled meat for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion during the slow simmer.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base to sauté and brown the beef and onions without overpowering the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent, forming a flavorful foundation.
- 2 cups water: Acts as the simmering liquid to slow-cook the beef and meld all flavors together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Infuses the gravy with a rich umami punch and salty depth.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the complexity with slight tanginess and savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle but aromatic garlic background flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Thickens the sauce quickly and adds a smooth, rich gravy texture beloved by all.
How to Make Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft. This step is crucial because it releases the onion’s natural sweetness, which forms the flavorful base for your gravy.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Cubes
Next, add the cubed beef stew meat to the skillet and brown it on all sides. Browning helps develop a deep, savory crust, locking in the juices to keep each bite tender and flavorful once simmered.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine. This mixture will become the delicious broth that slowly tenderizes the meat.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the contents of the skillet to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the beef’s connective tissue and infuses the gravy with a rich, meaty flavor that makes this the Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Mix the brown gravy packet with one cup of water in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the gravy thickens and coats the beef beautifully. This creates a silky, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every tender beef piece.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
At this point, your Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe is ready to be served hot. Spoon it generously over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up every bit of that mouthwatering gravy.
How to Serve Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh burst of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the beef tips just before serving. These herbs brighten the rich gravy and add a lovely visual contrast that makes the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or tender egg noodles — each one providing the perfect canvas for the savory gravy and tender meat. For a lighter balance, you can add steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef tips over buttery toasted bread or a warm biscuit, which will soak up the gravy in the most delicious way. Alternatively, make mini beef tip sliders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for quick reheats during busy weeknights.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months, offering you a ready-made comfort meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help redistribute the gravy evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can restore any lost moisture and keep the beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat works best for tenderness in this slow-cooked dish, chuck roast or other braising cuts are great substitutes and will deliver equally delicious results.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the brown gravy packet for a gluten-free mix or make your own gravy using cornstarch and gluten-free broth to keep the thick, luscious texture without gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Follow the initial steps of browning the beef and onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the gravy mix towards the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
What are some good toppings for this dish?
Besides fresh herbs, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese add fantastic layers of flavor and texture to your Beef Tips & Gravy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you can’t go wrong with the Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe. It’s straightforward, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers big on flavor and comfort. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and embrace all the cozy deliciousness it brings to your table!
Print
Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef stew meat simmered in a rich soy and Worcestershire sauce-based gravy. Perfectly browned beef cubes are slowly cooked with onions and a savory brown gravy mix to create a comforting dish ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. An easy, hearty meal that brings classic comfort to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the cubed beef stew meat to the skillet with the onions. Brown the meat on all sides, ensuring a nice golden crust forms to enhance flavor. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Beef: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well melded.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the beef finishes cooking, mix the packet of brown gravy mix with 1 cup of water in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually stir this into the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes over medium heat until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and thickened gravy over your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, you can marinate the beef in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness.
- Leftovers keep well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If a thicker gravy is desired, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir into the gravy, cooking until thickened.
