If you’re searching for the ultimate beef tips with gravy recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This comforting classic features bite-sized pieces of tender beef slowly simmered in a rich, savory gravy packed with garlic, onions, herbs, and beef broth. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it the perfect meal for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of simplicity and incredible flavor. By browning the beef first and allowing it to simmer gently, the meat becomes exceptionally tender while the gravy develops deep, rich flavors. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, egg noodles, or buttery biscuits, this hearty dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Not only is this recipe beginner-friendly, but it also uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create restaurant-quality beef tips with gravy right in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
- Rich homemade gravy
- Tender beef every time
- One-pan meal
- Easy ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Family-friendly
- Freezer-friendly
- Budget-conscious
- Perfect for Sunday dinner
- Delicious leftovers
The slow simmer transforms inexpensive cuts of beef into juicy, flavorful bites coated in silky brown gravy.
For more heartly Beef meals try our Sticky Beef Fried Rice, High Protein Beef Burrito Bowls with Rice, Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry, our Beef Barley Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Beef tips | Main protein |
| Olive oil | Browning the beef |
| Butter | Rich flavor |
| Onion | Sweetness |
| Garlic | Aromatic flavor |
| Flour | Thickens gravy |
| Beef broth | Base of gravy |
| Worcestershire sauce | Deep umami |
| Soy sauce | Extra savory flavor |
| Bay leaf | Herbal aroma |
| Fresh thyme | Earthy taste |
| Parsley | Fresh garnish |
| Salt | Seasoning |
| Black pepper | Mild heat |
Choosing the Best Beef
For the best beef tips with gravy, choose one of these cuts:
- Sirloin tips
- Chuck roast
- Top round
- Bottom round
- Stew meat (budget option)
Chuck roast provides the richest flavor after slow cooking because of its fat content.
How to Make Beef Tips with Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Pat the beef dry using paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Dry beef browns better, creating flavorful caramelization.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, brown the beef for about 3 minutes per side.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or Dutch Oven, as this causes steaming instead of browning.
- Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
- Reduce the heat slightly.
- Add butter followed by chopped onion.
- Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the onions.
Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes.
Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking.
Stir in:
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Bay leaf
- Thyme
Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Slow Simmer
- Cover and cook over low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- The beef becomes incredibly tender while the gravy thickens naturally.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Delicious Variations
Mushroom Beef Tips
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Instant Pot Beef Tips with Gravy
Pressure cook for 35 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Creamy Beef Tips
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.
Best Side Dishes
Pair beef tips with gravy with these comforting favorites:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Biscuits
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating
- Warm gently over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan
- Skipping the browning step
- Cooking too quickly
- Adding too much flour
- Not tasting before serving
- Boiling instead of simmering
Avoiding these mistakes ensures rich, flavorful beef tips with gravy every time.
Best Beef Tips with Gravy
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Large skillet (if not using Dutch oven)
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tips cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels and season with the salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef tips in batches and brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pot.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Let the beef rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Protein: 37 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 118 mg
- Sodium: 645 mg
- Potassium: 785 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Vitamin A: 220 IU
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Calcium: 48 mg
- Iron: 4.5 mg
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for beef tips with gravy?
Chuck roast and sirloin tips are excellent choices because they become tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Can I make beef tips with gravy ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavors become even better the next day.
Why is my gravy too thin?
Allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or whisk together a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
What vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, carrots, celery, and peas all pair beautifully with this beef tips with gravy.
This beef tips with gravy recipe delivers everything you could want in a comforting homemade dinner, tender beef, a rich and savory gravy, and simple ingredients that come together in one pan. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family meal or a cozy Sunday supper, this timeless recipe is sure to impress.
Serve it over mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or steamed rice, and don’t forget a side of warm bread to soak up every drop of the delicious gravy. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite comfort food classics.
