Indulge in the comforting flavors of tender beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy. This classic dish combines succulent pieces of beef with aromatic herbs and a luscious sauce, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, beef tips and gravy offer a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Flavorful: Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the deep flavors of red wine, beef broth, and herbs.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing common pantry staples and affordable cuts of meat, this recipe is both economical and accessible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with various sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, allowing for flexibility based on your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious and convenient for future meals.
Ingredients
- Stew meat (cubed chuck, top or bottom round, tips, or steak)
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Red wine
- Beef broth
- Condensed French onion soup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Bay leaf
- Fresh thyme sprig
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the stew meat with salt and pepper. In a medium-sized Dutch oven or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned meat and brown evenly on all sides. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Add the beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and fresh thyme. Return the browned beef to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the pot, allowing the gravy to thicken. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours.
- Total Time: Around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Variations
- Mushroom Addition: Incorporate sliced mushrooms during the sautéing of onions and garlic for an earthy depth to the gravy.
- Vegetable Medley: Add diced carrots and celery along with the beef for a more robust and hearty dish.
- Herb Substitutions: If fresh thyme isn’t available, substitute with dried thyme or rosemary to maintain the herbal notes.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace red wine with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor without alcohol.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much upon reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Affordable cuts like chuck roast, top or bottom round, or steak tips are ideal. These cuts become tender when slow-cooked, absorbing the rich flavors of the gravy.
Can I make this recipe without red wine?
Yes, you can substitute the red wine with additional beef broth or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.
How can I ensure the beef is tender?
Slow cooking the beef for at least 2 hours allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender meat. Using acidic components like red wine or a vinegar marinade can also aid in tenderizing.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before simmering?
Browning the meat enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized crust. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended for a richer taste.
Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. After browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
What sides pair well with beef tips and gravy?
Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad also complement the dish well.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy hasn’t thickened to your liking, create an additional cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it into the pot, allowing it to cook until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas can be added to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months. Ensure they are stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the beef?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting. Adding a small amount of beef broth or water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Conclusion
Beef tips and gravy is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its tender beef and rich, savory sauce, this dish is both hearty and versatile. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or seeking a make-ahead meal, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and the comforting essence of this classic dish.
Print
Beef Tips and Gravy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with tender beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this classic dish is easy to prepare and bursting with hearty flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs stew meat (cubed chuck, top/bottom round, or steak tips)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can condensed French onion soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove from pot and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
Add the remaining ½ tbsp olive oil to the pot. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. - Deglaze and Combine:
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Stir in beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Return the beef to the pot. - Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender. - Thicken the Gravy:
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to form a slurry. Stir it into the pot and simmer for 5 additional minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Serve:
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Add Veggies: Mushrooms, carrots, or celery can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Alcohol-Free Option: Replace red wine with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Slow Cooker Alternative: After browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *