Tender Beef Tips with Savory Gravy

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Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 1.5 to 2 hours (stovetop) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)

  • Total time: Varies by method

  • Servings: 4–6

  • Difficulty: Easy

 Ingredients

For the beef tips:

  • 900 g (2 lbs) beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for browning)

For the gravy:

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami)

  • 1 tsp dijon mustard (optional, for depth)

  • 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry to thicken)

  • Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms for added flavor

 Instructions

Stovetop or Dutch Oven Method

1. Sear the beef

  1. Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

  3. Brown the beef in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until well-seared. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics

  1. In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté onions until soft (about 4–5 minutes).

  2. Add garlic (and mushrooms, if using) and cook 1–2 more minutes.

3. Deglaze and simmer

  1. Return the beef to the pot.

  2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, mustard (if using), thyme, and black pepper.

  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and cover.

  4. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.

4. Thicken the gravy

  1. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry.

  2. Stir it into the simmering beef mixture and cook until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

Slow Cooker Method

  1. Brown beef in a skillet as above (optional but recommended for flavor).

  2. Add all ingredients except cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker.

  3. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender.

  4. In the last 30 minutes, stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve beef tips over:

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Buttered egg noodles

  • Steamed white rice

  • Creamy polenta

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for color.

 Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

  • Calories: ~420

  • Protein: 35 g

  • Carbohydrates: 10–12 g

  • Fat: 25 g

  • Fiber: 1–2 g

Varies based on cut of beef and sides.

 Tips & Variations

  • Beef cuts: Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin all work well — chuck may need a bit longer for tenderness.

  • Make it richer: Use ½ cup red wine with the broth for a deeper flavor.

  • Mushroom gravy: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist.

  • Add vegetables: Carrots and celery make it a heartier stew-style dish.

 Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.

  • Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

  • Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

 Final Thoughts

Tender Beef Tips with Savory Gravy is a cozy classic that never fails to satisfy. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and makes your kitchen smell amazing while it simmers. Whether you use the stovetop or slow cooker, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

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