Tender Beef Tips: A Comfort Food Classic with Rich Gravy Perfection

Savory Slow-Simmered Beef Tips with Rich Gravy

These tender beef tips simmered in a savory soy-Worcestershire gravy will quickly become your family’s new comfort food favorite. This hearty dish transforms humble stew meat into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Tips Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of beef tips slowly simmering on the stove. The meat becomes fork-tender while developing deep, complex flavors that can only come from proper slow-cooking. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory umami notes from soy and Worcestershire sauce, creating a crave-worthy gravy that coats each morsel of beef.

Whether served over buttery egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or creamy mashed potatoes, these beef tips are pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients for Perfect Beef Tips

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Cooked egg noodles or white rice for serving

How to Make the Juiciest Beef Tips

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until almost translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the beef stew meat to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes. Tip: Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper browning.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is flavor gold!).
6. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and black pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender enough to easily break apart with a fork.
8. When the beef is tender, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
9. Serve hot over egg noodles or white rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Beef Tips

Choose the right cut: While this recipe calls for stew meat, you can elevate it by using chuck roast or sirloin cut into cubes. These cuts offer excellent marbling that breaks down during slow cooking.

Brown properly: Don’t rush the browning process! This crucial step creates the deep flavor foundation for your dish.

Low and slow: The secret to tender beef tips is patience. Let them simmer gently until the meat practically falls apart.

Make ahead: Like many stewed meat dishes, beef tips taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Variations to Try with Your Beef Tips

• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms when browning the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
• Red Wine Upgrade: Replace half the beef broth with dry red wine for a more complex flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: After browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
• Instant Pot Express: Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for 35 minutes with natural release.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tips

What’s the difference between beef tips and stew meat?

Technically, beef tips traditionally come from the tenderloin or sirloin, while stew meat can be from various tougher cuts. However, in modern recipes like this one, stew meat works perfectly as it becomes tender during the slow cooking process.

Can I freeze leftover beef tips?

Absolutely! These beef tips freeze beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What can I serve with beef tips besides noodles or rice?

Beef tips pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, polenta, cauliflower mash (for a low-carb option), or even thick slices of buttered sourdough bread.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Beef Tips

This classic recipe for beef tips brings together simple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow-simmering process transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth morsels swimming in rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, these beef tips are sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes