Beef Tips and Gravy: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Beef Tips and Gravy: the ultimate comfort food that will transport you back to cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of beef, simmered to perfection in a rich, savory gravy. Are you ready to recreate that nostalgic experience in your own kitchen? I know I am!

This classic dish has a long and storied history, evolving from humble peasant fare to a beloved staple in homes across the country. Its roots lie in the resourceful use of tougher cuts of beef, transforming them into something truly special through slow cooking and flavorful sauces. While variations exist across different cultures and regions, the core concept remains the same: tender beef bathed in a luscious gravy.

What is it about Beef Tips and Gravy that makes it so irresistible? For me, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The beef is incredibly tender, practically falling apart with each bite, while the gravy is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s also incredibly versatile! Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttered noodles for a complete and comforting meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a weeknight winner that the whole family will love. So, let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Beef:

1. In a large bowl, combine the beef sirloin tips, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Toss until the beef is evenly coated. This step helps to create a nice crust when searing and also thickens the gravy later on.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate all the beef without overcrowding. If necessary, sear the beef in batches.
3. Add the beef to the hot pot and sear on all sides until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Searing the beef is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside.

Building the Flavor Base:

4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; allowing the onions to caramelize slightly will add sweetness and depth to the gravy.
5. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors from the onions and garlic, creating a savory base for the gravy.
6. Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enhance the richness of the gravy.
7. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. These ingredients add a savory and herbaceous complexity to the dish.

Simmering the Beef Tips:

8. Return the seared beef tips to the pot. Make sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little more beef broth to cover.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer the beef simmers, the more tender it will become. Check the beef periodically and add more beef broth if the liquid reduces too much.
10. After simmering, check the tenderness of the beef. It should be easily pierced with a fork. If it’s still tough, continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Making the Gravy:

11. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
12. Slowly whisk the roux into the simmering beef mixture. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
13. Continue to simmer the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce.
14. (Optional) For an extra creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream during the last few minutes of simmering. This will add richness and a velvety texture to the gravy.
15. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to taste.

Serving:

16. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or polenta. Each of these options provides a delicious base for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
17. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the beef. Searing in batches ensures that the beef browns properly and doesn’t steam.
• Use a good quality red wine. The wine adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the gravy.
• Simmer the beef for a long time. This is key to achieving tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips.
• Whisk the roux into the simmering liquid slowly and constantly. This prevents lumps from forming in the gravy.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the gravy and add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.

Variations:

• Add vegetables. You can add other vegetables to the pot along with the onions and mushrooms, such as carrots, celery, or parsnips.
• Use different herbs. Try using other herbs, such as bay leaf or oregano, in addition to or instead of the thyme and rosemary.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot for a little heat.
• Use a slow cooker. You can also make this dish in a slow cooker. Sear the beef as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the gravy as directed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Instructions:

• The beef tips and gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits!

Freezing Instructions:

• Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This recipe for Beef Tips and Gravy is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting classic reimagined for the modern cook. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying, and relatively simple dish that delivers big on flavor. The tender beef, simmered to perfection in that rich, savory gravy, is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the combination of simple ingredients, careful technique, and, most importantly, the love you pour into it. The browning of the beef creates a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched, and the slow simmering allows the gravy to develop a richness that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a special occasion and comforting enough for a weeknight dinner.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While I personally love serving this Beef Tips and Gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes – the perfect canvas for soaking up all that delicious gravy – the possibilities are truly endless. Fluffy rice is another excellent choice, providing a light and airy counterpoint to the richness of the beef. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over egg noodles or even creamy polenta.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations! Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. Looking for a more earthy flavor? Add some sliced mushrooms to the gravy during the simmering process. You could also incorporate other vegetables like carrots, celery, or even peas for added nutrition and texture. For a richer, more decadent gravy, try adding a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream at the very end.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It’s a blank canvas that you can customize to your own tastes and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, different cuts of beef, and different serving suggestions. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe for Beef Tips and Gravy that I urge you to try it out as soon as possible. Don’t be intimidated by the simmering time; it’s mostly hands-off, allowing you to relax and enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen. And once you taste that first bite, you’ll know it was all worth it.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

---