Instructions
Step 1: Season the Beef
Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss beef cubes in the seasoned flour until evenly coated, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear beef cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Don’t move them too much – let them develop a nice crust. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pot. Add sliced onions and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize. Add mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
Step 5: Build the Gravy Base
Pour in beef broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits. This adds incredible depth to the gravy.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, beef bouillon, thyme, onion powder, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
Step 7: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and practically falls apart. The low, slow cooking is the secret to tender beef.
Step 8: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water to create a smooth slurry with no lumps. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering beef mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for 5-10 minutes until gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 9: Final Adjustments
Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. The gravy should be rich, savory, and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Serve beef tips and gravy over hot cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra black pepper. Ladle plenty of that gorgeous gravy over everything.
Secrets to Perfect Beef Tips
Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin tips, chuck roast, or stew meat work best. Avoid lean cuts that will dry out.
Sear in Batches: Overcrowding prevents browning. Brown beef in small batches for maximum flavor development.
Low and Slow: The long, gentle simmer is essential for tender beef. Don’t rush this step.
Scrape Those Bits: The browned bits on the bottom of the pot (fond) are pure flavor gold.
Flour Slurry: This method prevents lumps better than adding flour directly to hot liquid.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking so flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This beef tips and gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Serve over buttered egg noodles for classic presentation, or try it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or even polenta. Add a side of green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
For a complete Southern-style dinner, pair with cornbread, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The rich gravy is perfect for soaking up with any starchy side.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Variations
Slow Cooker Version: After searing beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Thicken gravy at the end.
Instant Pot: Sear beef using sauté function, add remaining ingredients, and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with natural release.
Wine Addition: Add 1/2 cup red wine after sautéing vegetables for deeper flavor
Creamy Style: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream just before serving
Cajun Spiced: Add Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
Mushroom Lover’s: Double the mushrooms and use beef and mushroom broth
Peppered Beef Tips: Add 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper and finish with cream
Garlic Butter: Stir in 2 tablespoons garlic butter at the end for extra richness
Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, increase soy sauce, and serve over rice
Italian Style: Add Italian herbs, diced tomatoes, and serve over pasta
These beef tips and gravy deliver restaurant-quality comfort food right in your own kitchen!
