If you’re craving a warm, cozy meal that feels like a hug on a plate, beef tips with gravy is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef, slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful brown gravy, served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles—this is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, it’s pure comfort food perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth beef – Cooked low and slow for ultimate tenderness.
- Savory, rich gravy – The kind you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients come together for a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
(A quick preview—full list of ingredients is below!)
- Stew beef or sirloin tips
- Onion and garlic
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Flour (for thickening)
- Butter
- Seasonings like black pepper, paprika, and thyme
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and sear the beef tips until browned on all sides. This locks in flavor and gives the meat a great texture. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Return the beef to the skillet, then add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the beef is tender. This can take about 1-2 hours on the stovetop or can be done in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Once the beef is fork-tender, taste and adjust the seasoning. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use a good cut of beef – Chuck roast or sirloin tips work best for tenderness.
- Brown the meat well – This adds depth to the flavor of the gravy.
- For extra richness – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Slow Cooker Method – Sear the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Mushroom Gravy Twist – Add sliced mushrooms while sautéing the onions for extra flavor.
- Red Wine Gravy – Swap some of the beef broth for red wine for a richer taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Beef tips and gravy pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed white rice. For sides, serve with roasted vegetables, sautéed green beans, or a fresh green salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
- What cut of beef is best for beef tips?
Sirloin tips, chuck roast, or stew beef all work well for this recipe. - How do I thicken the gravy?
If your gravy is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. - Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the meat, then pressure cook with broth for about 25 minutes. - Why is my beef tough?
It might need more cooking time—low and slow makes the beef tender.
Conclusion
Beef tips with gravy is one of those classic comfort meals that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, you’re in for a satisfying, delicious meal. Try it out and enjoy every bite!
PrintBeef Tips with Gravy – A Comfort Food Classic
Beef tips with gravy is the ultimate comfort food—tender chunks of beef slow-simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a cozy, satisfying meal. Whether cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (or Slow Cooker/Instant Pot option)
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew beef or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Brown the Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter and sear the beef tips until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic – In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Gravy Base – Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Gradually add beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer to Perfection – Return the beef to the skillet, then add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings. Cover and let it simmer until the beef is tender (about 1-2 hours).
- Adjust and Serve – If needed, adjust the seasoning or add more broth for desired gravy consistency. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- Use chuck roast or sirloin tips for the best texture.
- Browning the beef before simmering enhances the flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg