Beef Tips and Gravy
This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is made with tender sirloin or hearty stew meat, smothered in rich homemade brown gravy. This classic dish is the epitome of comforting and delicious, making it a perfect choice for family dinners. Pair it with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or any of your favorite sides.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 492kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 ½ - 2 pounds beef tips/stew meat
- ½ tablespoon Creole Seasoning You can substitute using your favorite beef rub if preferred.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced onions I used white onions
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½-2 cups broth Any broth: beef, chicken, vegetable.
Instructions
- Place a Dutch oven or soup pot on the stove at medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.1 teaspoon olive oil
- Add the sliced beef along with the spices. Season both sides of the meat.1 ½ - 2 pounds beef tips/stew meat, ½ tablespoon Creole Seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Sear both sides of the meat. You only need to cook the meat for a few minutes to sear it and lock in the flavor of the spices. Once you have seared the meat, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- Adjust the heat on the stove to medium heat. Add in the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onions and garlic are translucent and fragrant.½ cup diced onions, 2-3 garlic cloves
- Add the butter the pot. Stir and allow it to melt.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- When the butter has melted, add in the flour. Add it in stages and stir continuously to avoid clumping. This will create a roux, which will thicken the gravy.¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Add in 1 cup of broth, Worcestershire sauce, and stir until the gravy begins to thicken. If the gravy is too thick, add additional broth. Stir (and continue to add broth, I typically need 2 cups) until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste as needed. This is important to ensure the gravy isn't bland.1 ½-2 cups broth, ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Add the seared beef back to the pot. Adjust the heat to low. Place the lid on the pot and simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Serve the beef drizzled in gravy.
Notes
Thick gravy can be smoothed out by adding additional broth or stock to the pot. I like to start with a small amount of broth and work my way to ensure it reaches the consistency I'm looking for.
The total cook time will ultimately depend on your preference and desired texture for the meat. Beef tips and stew meat are meant to be cooked low and slow for optimal texture. The meat will be safe to eat rather quickly. If you want you can simmer the dish for 30 minutes and it will still taste great.
If you want to optimize the texture, you will need to simmer the dish for 1-2 hours until fork tender. Sometimes maybe even a little longer.
If you're cutting your own beef, cut the beef into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking, so some pieces don't overcook while others remain undercooked.
Before simmering the beef in the gravy, sear it in a hot pan or pot with a little oil. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in the meat's juices.
Cook the beef at a gentle simmer. Low and slow cooking methods help break down collagen in tougher cuts, making the meat tender.
Make sure there's enough liquid/gravy to cover the meat while it cooks.
Avoid Overstirring. Stirring the beef tips too frequently can break them down and make them tough. Stir only as needed to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Worcestershire sauce adds a complex, rich flavor to beef dishes. It contains a subtle sweetness along with its savory notes, which can help balance the overall flavor of the beef, especially in dishes that have sweet or rich elements like caramelized onions or gravy.
It contains acidic ingredients (like vinegar) that can help break down proteins and make the meat more tender.
Feel free to omit it if you wish, but note the benefits you may lose if you do. You can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as well.
Nutrition
Serving: 6oz | Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g