Beef Tips with Gravy

🧂 Ingredients

This is meant to be a brief overview of the recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.

• cubed stew meat
• small onion
• fresh garlic
• beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• beef bouillon concentrate or beef bouillon cube

from the pantry: extra virgin olive oil, bay leaf, salt and pepper, flour, browning sauce

Marinate the Beef

This step is really important for super flavorful and tender smothered beef tips! I love using my covered baking dish for this step. You can do this the night before for maximum flavor, or skip it if you're in a rush.

1. Add the beef to the baking dish and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef bouillon concentrate or crushed bouillon cube with the Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add the chopped onions and garlic into the bowl and mix.
4. Spoon the Worcestershire mixture over everything in the dish.
5. Toss to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cover and put in the refrigerator to marinate for one hour. For best results, marinate overnight.

🔪Instructions

For the stew meat to get tender, you need at least 2 hours on the stovetop.  It starts by searing the meat, which adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices.  You might think you can skip this step, but it makes a big difference. 

The best way to sear the stew meat is to work in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan. Add half the oil and get the pan super hot, then add half the beef. You're looking for a quick sear on the outside, then turn each piece using a set of tongs.

Here's how to put it all together:

1. Add 1-½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add half of the beef to the pan and sear on all sides, turning with a set of tongs.
3. Remove the first batch of meat and set aside.
4. Add the rest of the oil, and repeat the searing process with the remaining beef.
5. Remove the beef from the pan.
6. Deglaze the pan with the beef stock, using a whisk or wooden spoon to get all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
7. Return the meat to the pot, and reduce heat to medium-low.
8. If you are using mushrooms, also add those the pot.
9. Simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender.

How to Make the Best Brown Gravy

While the beef is the star of the show, it wouldn't be much of a dish without the gravy - after all, this is a beef tips with delicious gravy recipe! It's tempting to used store-bought gravy, but homemade is super easy and adds so much rich flavor. Remove the beef from the Dutch Oven and you can add your gravy starter right into that pot. It all starts with a simple roux.

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter.
2. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and whisk into the butter.
3. Cook the roux 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be golden brown and bubbly.
4. Using a ladle or measuring cup, add about 1 cup of the beef tips cooking liquid to the saucepan and whisk.
5. Once the mixture is smooth, add a second cup of liquid.
6. Pour the gravy starter into the pot with the rest of the cooking liquid.
7. Whisk until the gravy starter is completely incorporated and the gravy is smooth.
8. Add 1 tablespoon browning sauce (optional).
9. Taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed.

Now you're almost done with the smothered beef tips!  Add the tender tips back into the pot.  Allow it to cook a couple more minutes, then serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Slow Cooker Instructions

You can use your slow cooker or crock pot to make this easy recipe also. Here's how:

1. To make smothered beef tips a weeknight dish, make the marinade the night before. 
2. In the morning, quickly brown the meat in a skillet, then add it into the slow cooker. 
3. Deglaze the pan with the beef stock and pour that on top of the meat. 
4. Add a bay leaf, mushrooms and set the slow cooker for 8 hours on low. 
5. Follow the instructions above to make the gravy as directed.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve this meal is with creamy mashed potatoes, but if you're short on time, egg noodles are a great substitute. 

Because beef tips and gravy are rich and savory, I recommend serving them with bright and slightly sweet vegetables such as carrots, sweet corn, beets, or petite baby peas. Warm dinner rolls are great for scooping up the last of the yummy gravy, too! These tender beef tips are the star of the show though!

Storage

Here's what to do with Beef Tips and Gravy leftovers:

To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated throughout.

To Freeze: Once cooled, place beef tips into a freezer bag and remove any extra air. Label and store for about 2 months.

To Thaw: Thaw overnight in the fridge.

What to do with Leftovers

These beef tips and gravy are just as good the next day, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. However, here are some ideas if you want to get creative:

• Make a vegetable beef soup by shredding the tips and adding 2 cups of beef stock to thin out the gravy into a broth. Mix in your favorite vegetables such as green beans, potatoes, and corn.
• Add cooked bite-sized root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips or even squash for a beef tip root veggie stew.

😋 Similar Recipes

Next time, try one of these tasty recipes:

• Italian Roast Beef: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe - the slow cooker makes this both easy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe - take out flavor, without the price tag.
• Homemade Beef Pot Pie - this is a classic recipe for the whole family.
• Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon - the easiest 'fancy' meal you'll ever make in your crockpot!