Beef Tips

Ah, Beef Tips – one of my go-to, comfort-food dinners. With its rich, savory gravy, a touch of thyme, and a splash of red wine, it has a way of bringing folks to the table. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made it, and I’m sure I’ll be makin’ it till I’m 80 because it’s really easy and really flavorful. You only need some pantry staples, stew beef, your trusty Dutch oven, and a bit of patience. Oh, and some butter rice! That’s the finishing touch y’all.

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Beef tips topped with herbs over butter rice on a white plate with a fork

I’ve had my fair share of beef dishes, but boos… There’s something about these tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips simmering away that makes me wanna have ’em every rainy Sunday – especially when paired with bacon. Yep, I threw some bacon in there! I couldn’t resist, everything just tastes better with bacon. Y’know, it’s funny because as much as I enjoy experimenting with complex flavors and unique ingredients, there’s nothing quite like the joy of cooking something simple yet absolutely delicious. That’s my kind of cooking! And that’s why I adore this easy beef tips recipe so much.

The Lowdown Of The Best Easy Beef Tips Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern comfort
Primary Cooking Method: Slow-cooking
Dietary Info: Carnivore’s delight!
Key Flavor: Rich, meaty, savory gravy with a hint of red wine and thyme
Skill Level: Easy y’all!

  • Incredibly Tender: The secret to this dish’s success lies in those slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips. When you bite into ’em, they’re so tender and juicy they practically fall apart. SO good, y’all!
  • Flavorful Gravy: This ain’t just any gravy, boos. It’s rich, deep, and bursting with layers of flavor. It’s the kind of gravy that’ll have you scraping every last bit off your plate – and maybe even sneakin’ a taste straight from the pot.
  • Budget-Friendly: Who says high-quality taste has to come with a hefty price tag? Sirloin tips usually run around 8-9 bucks a pound. A real bang for your buck!
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a special occasion, these beef tips and gravy are a crowd-pleaser. I mean, who can resist savory, juicy meat on top of buttery rice?

Ingredients Needed To Make Beef Tips

Ingredients to make beef tips
  • Olive Oil: Used to sear the beef and give it that beautiful brown crust. If you’re out, you can use good ol vegetable oil.
  • Bacon: The ultimate flavor enhancer! It adds a smoky depth to the beef tips.
  • Lean Stew Beef or Beef Tips: I usually go for tips from tender cuts like sirloin, but if you’re in a pinch, lean stew beef will do just fine. It might be a bit tougher, but with a little extra cook time, it’ll turn out just as tasty.
  • Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo for seasoning. Simple but essential.
  • Onion: Chopped up nice and fine.
  • Minced Garlic: A powerhouse of flavor! You can also use garlic powder.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken up that gravy.
  • Red Wine: It adds a rich flavor and deep color to the dish. If you’re worried about the alcohol content, don’t be boos! It’ll cook off.
  • Unsalted Beef Stock: Keeps things nice and juicy. If you’re using regular beef stock, just go easy on the added salt.
  • Soy Sauce: For that umami punch. Tamari works as a great gluten-free option.
  • Thyme Sprigs: Fresh thyme gives a lovely earthy note, but you can also use dried.
  • Fresh Parsley: For a fresh garnish at the end. No parsley? Fresh chives or green onions can add a nice touch too.
  • Hot Cooked Rice: Beef tips and rice are one of the BEST comfort food combos, y’all. Rice soaks up all the flavorful gravy, so I just had to add it to this recipe.

How to make Beef Tips

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp. Remove it from the pan and let it drain on some paper towels.
  2. Add olive oil to the pot with those delicious bacon drippings. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pot. Sear the beef in batches until it’s browned all over.
  3. Once the beef is seared, remove it from the pot and let it drain on some paper towels.
  4. Next add the chopped onion, stirring until soft. Add garlic, sprinkle in flour, stir together and cook.
  5. Add the red wine to deglaze the pan scraping up all the little browned bits. Pour in the beef stock, and soy sauce then stir and whisk until everything is smooth. Then, add thyme sprigs and bring the braising liquid to a boil.
  6. Once it’s boiling, return the beef tips to the pot. Then, cover it with a lid and pop it in the oven. Let it cook until the beef is so tender it falls apart with a fork and the liquid has thickened into a gravy.
Steps to make beef tips with gravy

Tips for making the best beef tips and gravy in oven

  1. Sear in Batches: Don’t go crowdin’ the pot! Searing the beef in batches ensures each piece gets that beautiful brown crust that locks in all the tasty juices and flavors.
  2. Pick a High-Quality, Lean Cut: Even though this easy beef tips recipe won’t break the bank, the quality of your beef makes a big difference. Go for a fresh, lean cut to keep everything tender and free from excess fat.
  3. Trust the Cooking Time: I know it’s tempting to rush things boos, but patience is your best friend here. Letting the beef cook slowly in the oven means it’ll soak up every single drop of the sauce and get melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  4. Mind the Liquid: As the beef tips simmer away, some of that liquid will evaporate, so keep an eye on it to ensure the beef stays mostly submerged. If it’s cookin’ down too fast, just add a splash more beef stock.
  • Wine Alternatives: If you don’t have red wine on hand, mix up some beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar. It’ll give you that same rich depth and tanginess without missing a beat.
  • Mushrooms: Toss in some sliced cremini or button mushrooms when you’re sautéing the onions. The gravy is pretty good by itself, but the earthiness of mushrooms truly takes it to the next level. Try it, boos!
  • Potatoes: Looking to make these tips even heartier? Throw in some diced potatoes or those cute lil’ baby potatoes before popping them in the oven. They’ll soak up all those delicious beefy juices.
  • Herbs: Thyme’s a classic, but don’t be shy! Experiment with some rosemary or bay leaves.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce works just as well as soy sauce. One time I ran out of soy sauce halfway through cookin’, and Worcestershire sauce saved the day!
A ladle scooping up beef tips from a large pot

What to serve with beef tips and gravy

  • For a classic pairing that’s tried and true, go with Rice. Especially butter rice! The grains soak up that rich gravy, and when cooked with a hint of butter, it creates a silky, flavorful base. For me, this is THE ultimate pairing for beef tips.
  • Although beef tips and rice are a safe bet, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. It’s pure creamy goodness!
  • For a sweet and savory combo that’ll tickle your taste buds, serve your beef tips alongside Roasted Butternut Squash. The caramelized edges and sweetness of the squash play off the savory depth of the tips really well.
  • And last but definitely not least, add some Southern charm with Southern Green Beans! Slow simmered with a bit of turkey necks or ham hock, they’re savory with a capital S.

How to store beef tips

Once your beef tips have cooled down to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Make sure the gravy covers the meat to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

While you can use the microwave, for the best results, reheat your beef tips and gravy on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly. And remember, you can add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage!

How long will Beef Tips last in the fridge?

Properly stored, your beef tips and gravy will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Always give it a quick sniff or check for any visual changes to ensure it’s still good to go.

Can I freeze beef tips and rice?

Absolutely, you can freeze this dish! Place the cooled beef tips in a freezer-safe airtight container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

Beef tips over butter rice on a white plate with green beans in the background

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this recipe in a Crockpot?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for making beef tips and gravy in the oven, you can adapt it for a Crockpot. First, follow the initial steps of the recipe like browning the beef and sautéing the onions in a skillet. Then transfer everything to the Crockpot, including other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.

Is it okay if my gravy looks too thin or too thick?

Yes, gravy consistency can vary. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use other meats instead of beef for this recipe?

While beef is traditional, you can use other meats like pork or lamb. However, keep in mind that different meats may have different cooking times and might alter the overall flavor of the dish.

Beef tips with gravy in a large pot topped with herbs

More Beef Dinner Recipes

*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!

Beef Tips

Tender beef tips simmered in a rich brown gravy – fall apart fork tender! So easy, just toss everything in your Dutch oven and let the oven do the work!
5 from 15 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 slices bacon cut into smaller pieces
  • 2 pounds lean stew beef or beef tips
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup of red wine
  • 2 cups unsalted beef stock
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 thyme sprigs
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Hot cooked rice

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Add bacon to a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat, cook until crisp, remove from pan, drain and set aside. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the pan with bacon drippings. Season the beef with salt and pepper, add to a hot pot and sear in batches until browned all over. Once beef is finished searing, remove from the pot, drain on paper towels, and place to the side.
  • Next add chopped onion, stirring until soft, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add garlic and only cook for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle in flour and stir together and cook for about 2 minutes
  • Add the red wine to deglaze the pan scraping up all the little browned bits.
  • Pour in the beef stock, and soy sauce then stir and whisk until everything is smooth. Add back in bacon if you would like for the additional flavor.
  • Add thyme sprigs then bring the braising liquid to a boil.
  • Once boiling, return beef tips to liquid, cover with top and place in the oven for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until beef tips are completely tender (easily separated with a fork) and the liquid has thickened into a gravy.
  • Serve with hot rice and enjoy.

Notes

  • Sear in Batches: Don’t go crowdin’ the pot! Searing the beef in batches ensures each piece gets that beautiful brown crust that locks in all the tasty juices and flavors.
  • Pick a High-Quality, Lean Cut: Even though this easy beef tips recipe won’t break the bank, the quality of your beef makes a big difference. Go for a fresh, lean cut to keep everything tender and free from excess fat.
  • Trust the Cooking Time: I know it’s tempting to rush things boos, but patience is your best friend here. Letting the beef cook slowly in the oven means it’ll soak up every single drop of the sauce and get melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Mind the Liquid: As the beef tips simmer away, some of that liquid will evaporate, so keep an eye on it to ensure the beef stays mostly submerged. If it’s cookin’ down too fast, just add a splash more beef stock.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 1287mg | Potassium: 1169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 6mg
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Filed Under:  Beef and Lamb, Comfort Food, Dinner, Fall Recipes, Oven, Winter Recipes

Comments

  1. I am not seeing what I do with bacon pieces. Do I add them back in when I put the beef stew back in? Recipe looks great, and I can’t wait to try it!

    1. It says at step 7 to add back in for additional flavor if you would like.

  2. The gravy on this was delicious. I used skirt steak and it was tender and full of flavor. I did add mushrooms, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly.

    1. You can just leave it out. If you have liquid smoke you could add 1/4 tsp in to give a little of that smoky flavor of the bacon.

  3. Delicious, so flavorful and tender! Thank you for a fantastic recipe for a snowy cold day. Will be making this again!!!

  4. Hi! Dumb question *facepalm* – what type of red wine did you use? I like to drink sweet or semi-sweet but I feel like that would alter the taste of this recipe.
    Can’t wait to try it!! I love your recipes!!! I’ll be back with a review 🙂

    1. Not a dumb question at all. I always tell my readers to use what they like to drink. It becomes a preference. It won’t alter it beyond anything that you enjoy. If you prefer a dryer wine with less sweetness, it will be more savory. The sky is the limit here.

5 from 15 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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