Beef Tips and Gravy: the ultimate comfort food that will transport you back to cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of beef, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory gravy. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate.

This classic dish has roots in traditional peasant cooking, where resourceful cooks made the most of less expensive cuts of beef. By slow-cooking these cuts, they transformed them into incredibly tender and flavorful meals. Beef Tips and Gravy became a staple in many households, passed down through generations. It represents resourcefulness, family, and the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal.

What’s not to love? The combination of tender beef and luscious gravy is simply irresistible. People adore this dish for its comforting flavors, satisfying texture, and the sheer ease of preparation. It’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

2 lbs Beef Tips (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 large Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
4 cups Beef Broth
1 cup Red Wine (Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
1 Bay Leaf
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)
2 tbsp Cold Water (optional, for thickening gravy)
Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Beef:

Season the beef tips generously. Before we even think about heating up the pan, let’s get those beef tips seasoned! I like to use a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy this is your chance to build flavor right from the start. Toss the beef tips in a bowl to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Sear the beef tips. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. It’s crucial to get the pot nice and hot before adding the beef. We want a good sear, which will create a beautiful crust and lock in those delicious juices. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing. Sear each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the seared beef tips from the pot and set aside.

Building the Flavor Base:

Sauté the aromatics. In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Sauté the mushrooms. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. The mushrooms will absorb some of the delicious flavors from the onions and garlic, adding depth to the gravy.
Create the roux. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help to thicken the gravy. Make sure to cook the flour long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Creating the Gravy:

Deglaze the pot. Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (fond). These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add richness to the gravy. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the beef. Add the seared beef tips back to the pot. Make sure the beef is submerged in the liquid.
Simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef tips are very tender. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the gravy will become. Check the pot occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
Remove the bay leaf. Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the pot.
Adjust seasoning. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the gravy simmers.

Thickening the Gravy (Optional):

Make a cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can use a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Thicken the gravy. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering gravy, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for a few minutes, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much cornstarch, as it can make the gravy gummy.

Finishing Touches:

Add butter for richness. Stir in the butter to add richness and shine to the gravy. This is an optional step, but it really elevates the flavor and texture.
Garnish and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or polenta. They’re also fantastic with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy!

Serving Suggestions:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for beef tips and gravy.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are excellent options for soaking up the gravy.
Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles provide a comforting and satisfying base for the beef tips.
Polenta: Creamy polenta is a delicious and gluten-free alternative.
Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the gravy.

Tips for Success:

Use high-quality beef. The quality of the beef will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for beef tips that are well-marbled and have a good color.
Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing. Overcrowding the pot will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing. Work in batches to ensure the beef gets a good sear.
Be patient. The longer you simmer the beef tips, the more tender they will become and the more flavorful the gravy will be.
Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Make it ahead of time. Beef tips and gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day or two.

Conclusion:

This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting classic elevated to something truly special. I truly believe this is a must-try because it delivers incredible flavor with surprisingly little effort. The tender beef, simmered to perfection in that rich, savory gravy, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste of home-cooked goodness. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I personally love serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes the perfect canvas for soaking up all that delicious gravy the possibilities are endless. For a heartier meal, try spooning it over egg noodles or fluffy rice. You could even get creative and use it as a filling for savory pies or shepherd’s pie. Looking for variations? Consider adding a splash of red wine to the gravy for a deeper, more complex flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary just before serving can also elevate the dish. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. And if you’re short on time, you can even adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the beef tips, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll come home to a house filled with the most amazing aroma and a ready-to-eat dinner. This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about creating a delicious, comforting meal that brings people together. It’s about taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something truly extraordinary. And it’s about sharing that experience with the people you love. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The key is to not rush the process. Allow the beef tips to brown properly for maximum flavor, and let the gravy simmer until it reaches the perfect consistency. Trust me, the extra time is worth it. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. After all, cooking is all about sharing and creating memories. And I hope this Beef Tips and Gravy recipe helps you create many delicious memories for years to come. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! Happy cooking! Print