Name: Double French Onion Beef Tips and Gravy: A Hearty Comfort Meal You’ll Crave
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds beef tips (or stew meat); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening); 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

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If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef, then you’re going to absolutely love this Double French Onion Beef Tips and Gravy. The tender beef tips are cooked in a flavorful French onion sauce that’s twice as good, thanks to the addition of both fresh onions and French onion soup. It’s a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day and is perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish is everything you want in a comfort meal: tender beef, rich gravy, and that signature French onion flavor. It’s easy to make, especially when you use both fresh onions and French onion soup to layer the flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious gravy, and you’ll have a meal that the whole family will rave about.

Ingredients (Full list below)

1.5 pounds beef tips (or stew meat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

Full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef Tips

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips to the pan in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook them for about 8-10 minutes until they’re softened and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Soup and Broth

Once the onions are cooked, add the French onion soup and beef broth to the pan. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and black pepper.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Simmer

Add the browned beef tips back into the pan, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour it into the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If you like an extra rich flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter for a silky finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Browning the Beef: Be sure to brown the beef in batches. This ensures that the meat gets a good sear and prevents it from stewing in its own juices.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for a smoother texture.
Flavor Boost: For extra depth, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce while simmering. It adds a rich, tangy layer of flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Meat: If you don’t have beef tips, you can use stew meat or even chicken thighs for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Herbs: Fresh thyme works wonderfully in this dish, but you can also use rosemary for a more earthy flavor. If you prefer a milder herb, try using parsley.
Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding mushrooms or carrots when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, as the creamy gravy will soak into whatever starch you choose. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, such as green beans or carrots, for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier touch, serve it alongside a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last bit of gravy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the beef tips and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it’s too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

4 FAQs

Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef tips and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes! If you prefer a more affordable cut, try using chuck roast or even flank steak. Just make sure to cook it long enough to break down the fibers and become tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store the leftovers in the fridge, and it will taste just as delicious when reheated.
How do I make the gravy even richer?
If you want a richer gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream toward the end of cooking. It’ll give the sauce a creamy, velvety texture.

Conclusion

Double French Onion Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend meal that’ll impress everyone at the table. With tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory gravy, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a bowl and savor every bite. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Double French Onion Beef Tips and Gravy: A Hearty Comfort Meal You’ll Crave

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A hearty dish featuring tender beef tips in a rich French onion gravy made with both fresh onions and French onion soup. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners, served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Brown the Beef Tips: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef tips in batches for 4-5 minutes on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, sauté sliced onions for 8-10 minutes until softened and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add Soup and Broth: Stir in French onion soup and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and pepper, scraping up any browned bits.
Return Beef and Simmer: Add beef tips back into the pan. Simmer on medium-low for 1-1.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
Thicken the Gravy: Make a slurry by mixing flour with cold water, and add it to the sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Stir in butter if desired for extra richness.