The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like a hearty and satisfying meal that warms your soul, and beef tips and gravy does just that. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for your family or looking for a cozy dish on a chilly evening, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Originating from classic American home-cooking traditions, beef tips and gravy is a timeless dish that brings nostalgia and delicious flavors to the table. What makes it so special is the slow-cooked beef tips, seasoned to perfection and simmered in a savory brown gravy that’s thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The best part? It can be made on the stovetop in just one pot or in the slow cooker for an even easier, hands-off approach.

This meal is not just about great taste—it’s about bringing people together. Imagine sitting down at the dinner table with a steaming plate of beef tips and gravy, creamy mashed potatoes absorbing the rich, velvety sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor every bite, and truly enjoy the moment.

In this post, we’ll walk you through why you’ll love this recipe, the key ingredients that make it stand out, and all the tips you need to ensure your beef tips and gravy turns out perfect every time.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple, One-Pot Cooking

Nobody likes a sink full of dishes, which is why this beef tips and gravy recipe is a dream come true. Everything cooks in one pot, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while keeping cleanup to a minimum. Less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.

2. Rich and Deeply Satisfying Flavors

The secret to incredible beef tips and gravy is layering flavors. A combination of perfectly seasoned beef, slow-simmered onions and garlic, a splash of red wine (optional but highly recommended), and beef broth create a rich, mouthwatering sauce. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and herbs like thyme and rosemary gives the dish extra depth, making each bite better than the last.

3. Ultra-Tender Beef Tips

Using sirloin tips or beef tenderloin ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy. The slow simmering process allows the beef to soak up all the incredible flavors while becoming fork-tender in the process. If you use the slow cooker method, the beef becomes even more melt-in-your-mouth delicious with minimal effort.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish is great for making ahead of time and storing for later. Beef tips and gravy refrigerates well and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers taste just as amazing as the first serving.

5. Versatile Serving Options

One of the best things about beef tips and gravy is how versatile it is. Whether you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, fluffy rice, or even crusty bread, the rich gravy enhances any pairing. You can easily switch it up depending on what you have on hand.

6. Customizable to Your Taste

Love a little extra spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. Prefer a deeper umami flavor? Increase the Worcestershire sauce or use a richer beef broth. Want a thicker gravy? Adjust the cornstarch mixture to get the consistency just right. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your flavor preferences.

7. Slow Cooker Option for Effortless Cooking

Busy day? No problem! The slow cooker method allows you to toss everything in the pot in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat, fall-apart-tender meal. Cooking beef tips and gravy low and slow ensures the most flavorful, tender results with minimal effort.

8. Crowd-Pleasing and Family-Friendly

This dish is one that both kids and adults will love. The mild yet flavorful gravy, tender beef, and creamy sides make it an instant favorite for the whole family. If you’re looking for a dinner that pleases picky eaters while satisfying hearty appetites, beef tips and gravy is the answer.

9. Naturally Gluten-Free with Simple Substitutions

For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe can easily be adjusted. Simply swap out the flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and you’ll still get the same rich, thick gravy without the gluten.

10. The Ultimate Comfort Food

At the end of the day, nothing beats a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. Beef tips and gravy checks all the boxes—it’s flavorful, filling, easy to make, and brings a sense of warmth with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that turns a bad day into a good one, making it a staple in any home-cooked meal rotation.


With all these reasons to love beef tips and gravy, it’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a reliable dinner recipe, an impressive meal for guests, or a new family favorite, this beef tips and gravy recipe is sure to be a winner.

Now that we’ve covered why you’ll love this dish, let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to make sure your beef tips and gravy turns out perfectly every single time!


Ingredients for Beef Tips and Gravy

To make the best beef tips and gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Beef Tips:

  • 1 ½ lbs. sirloin tips (or beef tenderloin tips)
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Beef Seasoning:

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

For the Gravy:

  • ¼ cup dry red wine (optional, but enhances 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 corn starch + ¼ cup cold water

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips

  1. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  2. Mix the beef seasoning ingredients together and sprinkle them over the meat.
  3. Toss the beef tips with the seasoning, then coat them evenly with flour.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear on each side for about 30-45 seconds until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

  1. Add ¼ cup red wine (if using) to the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

  1. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
  2. Add diced onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bouillon cube.
  5. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water.
  2. Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the gravy, stirring continuously, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 6: Simmer the Beef

  1. Return the beef (and any juices) to the skillet.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until the beef is tender and cooked through.
  3. (Optional) Swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter before serving for a silky finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  1. Follow steps 1-3 (sear the beef and prepare the gravy ingredients).
  2. Transfer everything to a slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy

  • Use the Right Cut: Sirloin or beef tenderloin tips yield the most tender results.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear in batches for a better crust.
  • Enhance the Flavor: Red wine deepens the richness of the gravy.
  • Make It Thicker: Add more cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?

Yes! Simply substitute the wine with additional beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.

2. What Are the Best Side Dishes for Beef Tips and Gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair wonderfully.

3. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

4. Can I Freeze Beef Tips and Gravy?

Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.


Final Thoughts

Beef tips and gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and full of rich, savory flavors. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop or let it simmer in the slow cooker, this dish delivers a hearty, satisfying meal every time. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again!

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Beef Tips & Gravy
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🥩 Beef Tips & Gravy – The Ultimate Comfort Food! 🍽️


  • Author: therecipemingle

Description

Nothing beats a warm, hearty plate of Beef Tips and Gravy served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice! This one-pot meal is rich, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, it’s a cozy dish that brings everyone to the table. Give it a try and enjoy pure comfort in every bite!


Ingredients

Scale

🔹 Beef: 1 ½ lbs sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
🔹 Seasoning: Brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika
🔹 For the Gravy:

  • ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth + 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp corn starch + ¼ cup cold water

Instructions

1️⃣ Season the beef, toss in flour, and brown in a skillet with olive oil. Set aside.
2️⃣ Deglaze the pan with wine, then add butter, onions, and garlic. Cook until softened.
3️⃣ Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices. Bring to a boil.
4️⃣ Stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken the gravy.
5️⃣ Add beef back in and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6️⃣ Finish with a tablespoon of cold butter for a velvety smooth gravy.
7️⃣ Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

🔥 Slow Cooker Method:

  • Follow steps 1-3, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Stir in cornstarch mixture at the end to thicken the gravy.

Notes

✔ Use sirloin or tenderloin for best results.
✔ Skip the wine? No problem! Just deglaze with extra broth.
✔ Want even richer flavor? Stir in a tablespoon of cold butter at the end.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 Servings
  • Calories: 384 kcal Per Serving
  • Sodium: 931mg Per Serving
  • Fat: 14g Per Serving
  • Carbohydrates: 19g Per Serving
  • Protein: 40g Per Serving

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