Ultimate Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Beef tips and gravy. The very name conjures images of cozy evenings, hearty meals, and pure, unadulterated comfort food. This dish, a staple in households across the country, is surprisingly versatile. It can be served over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, egg noodles, rice, or even toast. The tender, flavorful beef, simmered in a rich, savory gravy, is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

This article is your ultimate guide to creating the perfect beef tips and gravy. We’ll delve into everything from selecting the right cut of beef to perfecting the gravy’s consistency and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find the tips and tricks you need to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own home.

## What are Beef Tips?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what exactly beef tips are. Beef tips are typically smaller, irregularly shaped pieces of beef, often cut from the sirloin or tenderloin. They can also be trimmings from other cuts like the round or chuck. Due to their size and sometimes irregular shape, they’re perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying or braising, making them ideal for dishes like beef tips and gravy.

While you can often find pre-cut beef tips at the grocery store, you can also easily cut your own from a larger cut of beef. This allows you to control the quality and size of the pieces. If you’re cutting your own, aim for pieces that are roughly 1-inch to 1.5-inches in size.

## Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The key to tender and flavorful beef tips and gravy lies in selecting the right cut of beef. While pre-cut beef tips are convenient, knowing the origin of the meat ensures optimal results. Here are a few excellent choices:

* **Sirloin:** Sirloin is a lean but flavorful cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. It’s a great all-around option that offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
* **Tenderloin:** As the name suggests, tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef. It’s also the most expensive, so it’s a good choice for special occasions. Tenderloin tips will cook quickly and remain incredibly succulent.
* **Chuck:** Chuck roast, while a tougher cut, is packed with flavor. It requires a longer cooking time to break down the connective tissue, but the result is incredibly tender and flavorful beef. Chuck is a more budget-friendly option.
* **Round:** Round steak is another budget-friendly option that’s leaner than chuck. It also benefits from slow cooking to tenderize the meat.

When choosing your beef, look for meat that is a bright red color with good marbling (flecks of fat running through the meat). Marbling adds flavor and helps to keep the beef moist during cooking.

## Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the recipe! This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and adaptable to your own preferences. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking.

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 2-3 hours (depending on the cut of beef)

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds beef tips (sirloin, tenderloin, chuck, or round)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups beef broth
* 1 cup red wine (optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)
* 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening gravy)

**Equipment:**

* Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Beef:**

* Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown properly.
* Season the beef tips generously with salt and pepper.

**2. Sear the Beef:**

* Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the beef tips to the pot in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. If necessary, sear the beef in batches. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of searing it, resulting in less flavorful meat.
* Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
* Remove the beef tips from the pot and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* If using mushrooms, add them to the pot and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.

**4. Make the Gravy:**

* Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned. This will help to thicken the gravy.
* Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor.
* If using, add the red wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.

**5. Simmer the Beef:**

* Return the beef tips to the pot.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the cut of beef you use. Chuck roast and round steak will require longer cooking times than sirloin or tenderloin.
* Check the beef periodically and add more beef broth if needed to keep the beef submerged in the gravy.

**6. Finish the Gravy:**

* Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
* Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs to your liking.
* If desired, stir in the butter for extra richness.
* If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the gravy, stirring constantly. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a minute or two, until thickened.

**7. Serve:**

* Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, egg noodles, rice, or toast. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy

* **Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the beef.** Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pot and steam the beef instead of searing it. Sear the beef in batches if necessary.
* **Deglaze the pot.** After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot when you add the beef broth. These browned bits are packed with flavor.
* **Use a good quality beef broth.** The beef broth is the base of the gravy, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. You can also use homemade beef broth for even better flavor.
* **Don’t skip the red wine.** The red wine adds depth and complexity to the gravy. If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with more beef broth or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
* **Simmer low and slow.** Simmering the beef low and slow will allow the connective tissue to break down, resulting in tender and flavorful beef.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking.** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create a flavor profile that you love. Some other herbs that pair well with beef include marjoram, sage, and oregano.
* **Make it ahead of time.** Beef tips and gravy is a great dish to make ahead of time. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits, making it even more delicious. Simply reheat the beef tips and gravy before serving.
* **Add vegetables.** Feel free to add other vegetables to the pot along with the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Carrots, celery, and parsnips are all great additions.
* **Use a slow cooker.** This recipe can also be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Simply sear the beef, sauté the vegetables, and then add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Serving Suggestions

Beef tips and gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Mashed potatoes:** This is the classic pairing for beef tips and gravy. The creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich and savory gravy perfectly.
* **Creamy polenta:** Polenta is another great option for soaking up the gravy. Choose a creamy polenta for the best results.
* **Egg noodles:** Egg noodles are a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with beef tips and gravy.
* **Rice:** Rice is a simple and versatile side dish that can be used to soak up the gravy.
* **Toast:** Serve the beef tips and gravy over toast for a quick and easy meal.
* **Yorkshire pudding:** For a truly decadent meal, serve the beef tips and gravy with Yorkshire pudding.

## Variations

* **Mushroom Beef Tips:** Increase the amount of mushrooms to 1 pound for a mushroom-forward dish. Use a variety of mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
* **Spicy Beef Tips:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Beef Tips:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy and tangy twist.
* **Beef Tips Stroganoff:** Add a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy at the end for a Beef Stroganoff variation.
* **Beef Tips with Beer Gravy:** Substitute some of the beef broth with a dark beer like stout or porter for a richer, more complex flavor.

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* For longer storage, freeze the beef tips and gravy in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Reheating:**

* Reheat the beef tips and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little more beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
* Alternatively, you can reheat the beef tips and gravy in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

## Conclusion

Beef tips and gravy is a timeless comfort food classic that is sure to please. With a little bit of effort and the right ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own home. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

Enjoy your homemade beef tips and gravy! Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!