Simple, nourishing comfort food, perfect for family dinners: Beef Tips and Gravy
With teen sons to feed, I am always looking for filling meals that won’t break the bank. Both boys love salmon and steak filets and would not complain if we had them each twice a week! However, that kind of eating is not in our budget, so I am left looking for alternatives. Beef tips and gravy was not a recipe I ever made before I had hungry, growing teens. But my boys and husband love the hearty, fork-tender beef tips in the silky gravy – and my boys are not usually gravy fans. This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when they come in hungry from swim practice and need fuel but something comforting and delicious as well.
So what exactly are beef tips? Simply put, they are the smaller ends (or “tips”) of the finer cuts of beef – often the tenderloin or sirloin. The meat itself is easy to cook and usually turns out super tender. This is in contrast to stew beef, which needs a long, slow simmer to tenderize it. On some menus or websites, you will see them called “steak tips.” That’s the same thing – just beef tips dressed up.
You will love beef tips and gravy whether you are feeding hungry teens or a party of one. This dish is super tender and easy to make. The whole cooking process is done on the stovetop and in the same skillet, so there are few pots and pans to wash up. Even though the ingredient list is a little on the long side, most of the ingredients are pantry staples. The tender cut of the beef means you don’t have to cook the meat very long, and the finishing step in the gravy creates bites of meat that just melt in your mouth.
Browning Basics
In Steps 1 and 2, you are browning the cubes of beef. What does that actually mean? You’re using relatively high, concentrated heat to seal in the moisture and flavor of the sirloin tips. The flour that you sprinkle onto the sirloin tips before putting them in the hot oil is part of that process – the flour helps create a bit of a crust on the outside of the meat to help seal it. When browning the meat, don’t crowd your skillet. You want to have a little bit of space around each piece of meat and may need to brown it in batches to avoid overcrowding.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Beef tips and gravy can easily be made in advance. Simply prepare as directed and let cool. Place the beef and the gravy in the same airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 or 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and gravy in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Leftovers can be stored and reheated the same way.
Serving Suggestions
My family loves beef tips and gravy with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes. The beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes all work together to make the perfect plate. Instead of potatoes, this dish is also delicious with Orzo Pasta. What to serve on the side? A simple green salad or Honey Glazed Carrots are both great choices. Crusty bread is a must, whether it’s slices or rolls. Try Easy Garlic Butter on your bread or rolls for that finishing touch.
Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin tips cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Beef Seasoning:
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika powder
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 1/8 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the seasoning mix and sprinkle it over the beef. Toss to coat then sprinkle the flour over the meat.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat then add the meat. Brown the meat for 2 minutes then transfer to a plate.
- In a small bowl combine the cornstarch with the cold water. Mix well and set aside.
- In the same skillet add the butter and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add the wine and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and simmer the gravy sauce for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add the cooked beef to the gravy and simmer with the lid covered for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve the beef tips with gravy.
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