Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe features tender, slow-simmered beef coated in a rich, savory, homemade gravy. Comforting and full of deep, beefy flavor, it’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this classic dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds beef tips stew meat, or cubed chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth use real broth if possible
- 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed dried herbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 to 1.5 cups sliced mushrooms optional
Instructions
1. Brown the beef
- Heat a large pan over medium-high. Add a little oil. When the pan feels hot, add the beef in a single layer.
- Let it sit for a minute before you stir. The beef should form a brown crust. This crust adds flavor.
- Cook the beef in batches if the pan feels crowded. Crowded beef steams and won’t brown well.
2. Cook the onion and garlic
- Take the beef out and set it aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same pan. Cook until soft. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- This step builds the base of the gravy.
3. Add flour
- Sprinkle flour over the onions. Stir it in. The flour should coat the onions and absorb the fat.
- This mix forms the roux, which thickens the gravy.
4. Add broth and seasonings
- Pour in beef broth while you stir.
- Add salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you want deeper flavor.
5. Simmer
- Place the beef back into the pan. Bring the liquid to a low simmer.
- Cover the pan and cook for 45 to 60 minutes.
- The beef will soften, and the gravy will thicken.
- If the gravy looks too thick, add a splash of broth.
- If it looks thin, take off the lid and let it simmer to reduce.
6. Taste and adjust
- Taste the gravy. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
- If you want a bit more color, stir in a small knob of butter at the end.
7. Serve
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
- Spoon the gravy on top so every bite stays moist and warm.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use tender stew meat for best results
- Brown beef before simmering to enhance flavor
- Adjust gravy thickness with flour or cornstarch as needed
- Substitute beef broth with low-sodium or homemade broth
- Add mushrooms or onions for extra depth
- Simmer slowly for more tender, flavorful beef
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef