Tender Beef Tips and Gravy

This rich and savory Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. The tender beef chunks bathed in a silky mushroom gravy create a dish that's both elegant and deeply satisfying.

I first made this recipe when my in-laws unexpectedly announced they were coming for dinner. The look on my father-in-law's face as he savored each bite confirmed I'd found a new family favorite. Now it's my go-to when I need something impressive that doesn't keep me in the kitchen all day.

Ingredients

• Beef sirloin or tenderloin chunks ensure tender meat that cooks quickly
• Olive oil helps develop a beautiful crust on the beef
• Diced onion creates the aromatic foundation of the gravy
• Minced garlic adds essential depth of flavor
• Sliced mushrooms provide earthy richness and meaty texture
• Beef broth forms the savory base of the gravy
• All-purpose flour thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency
• Worcestershire sauce adds complexity with its tangy umami notes
• Salt and pepper balance and enhance all other flavors
• Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and fresh flavor

How To Make Beef Tips and Gravy

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and softened around the edges. This usually takes 3-4 minutes. Their sweet aroma will tell you when they're ready.

Add Flavor Builders

Introduce the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Allow them to cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and then develop a golden brown color. This takes patience about 5-6 minutes but builds incredible flavor.

Brown the Beef

Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan creating a clear space in the center. Add your beef chunks and let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes before turning. Continue cooking until all sides develop a rich brown crust about 5-6 minutes total. This caramelization is essential for flavor.

Create the Gravy

Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and vegetables stirring constantly to coat everything. This brief cooking of the flour eliminates any raw taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Finish and Season

Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. The gravy will thicken to a silky consistency and the beef will become incredibly tender. Stir in Worcestershire sauce season carefully with salt and pepper to taste. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Mushrooms are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I learned from my grandmother that allowing mushrooms to properly brown creates a depth of flavor that transforms an ordinary gravy into something extraordinary. She always said patience at the stove pays off tenfold at the table.

Perfect Pairings

The silky gravy in this dish practically begs for something to soak it up. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for classic comfort or buttered egg noodles for a quicker option. For a lighter meal, try serving with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli that can capture the sauce in their florets.

Rice, especially wild rice or a pilaf, makes an excellent base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors. For a complete meal, I recommend adding a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef and gravy.

Storage and Reheating

This beef tips and gravy recipe actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain the gravy's silky texture.

For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add liquid as needed to restore the consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. Chuck roast works well as a more economical alternative to sirloin or tenderloin just increase the simmering time by about 15 minutes to ensure tenderness. For a richer flavor profile, substitute red wine for half of the beef broth.

Button mushrooms work perfectly but cremini or baby portobello mushrooms offer a deeper earthy flavor. Vegetable broth can replace beef broth in a pinch though the color will be lighter. Cornstarch can substitute for flour if you need a glutenfree option just mix it with cold water before adding to create a slurry.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for beef tips and gravy?

Sirloin or tenderloin cuts work best as they become tender quickly while maintaining their flavor. Chuck roast can be used as a more economical option, but would require longer cooking time (45-60 minutes) to become tender. Avoid using stew meat packages which often contain mixed cuts that cook unevenly.

→ Can I make beef tips and gravy in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the flour-coated ingredients and broth, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is fork-tender. The slow cooking process creates an even more flavorful and tender result.

→ What can I serve with beef tips and gravy?

Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice which all soak up the delicious gravy. For sides, consider roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up extra gravy.

→ How can I thicken the gravy if it's too thin?

If your gravy needs additional thickening, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the simmering gravy and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

→ Can beef tips and gravy be made ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats beautifully! Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the gravy. The flavors often develop further after a day, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option.

→ Are mushrooms necessary in this recipe?

While mushrooms add wonderful flavor and texture, they're optional. If omitting them, consider adding extra onions or including other vegetables like carrots or celery to maintain flavor complexity. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the vegetables you choose.