Listen boos, beef tips are legit 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 all my folks to the table. Those flavors just hit! You only need some pantry staples, stew beef, your trusty Dutch oven, and a bit of patience to make super flavorful beef tips so let’s get at it!
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They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:
“I used sirloin. The meat was fork tender with beautiful gravy. A great Sunday dinner. Thank you!”
—DONNA
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 This Beef Tips Recipe
Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort
Primary Cooking Method: Slow-cooking
Dietary Info: Carnivores are getting good eating right here! Can be made gluten-free with ingredient swap.
Key Flavor: Rich, meaty, savory gravy with a hint of red wine and thyme
Skill Level: Easy y’all (No Sweat Fam!)
Incredibly Tender and Flavorful
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. And that gravy? It’s beyond rich, deep and full of layers of flavor.
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
- 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
What to serve with beef tips and gravy
- Classic Vibes with Rice: For a classic pairing that’s tried and true, go with rice. Whether you go with a classic white or brown or jazz it up with Mexican rice, rice and peas or jollof rice, you will have some good eatin!
- Potatoes Galore: Although beef tips and rice are a safe bet, you can’t go wrong with garlic mashed potatoes or slow cooker mashed potatoes. It’s pure creamy goodness!
- Squash it Up: 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.
- Veggies: And last but definitely not least, add some Southern charm with Southern green beans or turnip greens! Slow simmered with a bit of turkey necks or ham hock, they’re savory with a capital S.
Tips for making the best beef tips and gravy in oven
- 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.
Popular substitutions & additions
- 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!
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
More Beef Dinner Recipes
- Southern Rice And Gravy Recipe
- Slow Cooker Italian Beef
- Smothered Steak
- Hamburger Steak
- Delicious Beef Stew Recipe (How To Make Beef Stew)
- Skirt Steak Marinade With Chimichurri Recipe
Beef Tips
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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.
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Had some pieces of tri tip and sirloin in the freezer….gathered 2 pounds and cut them into chunks for this recipe. It was super easy, and came out great. One of those great recipes for “freezer cleaning”.
YES! Fantastic. So glad you enjoyed this.
This was amazing! So much flavor! We’ll definitely be making this again. Thanks for such a great recipe.
Thank you so so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Delicious and teenager-approved! I didn’t see a reference to adding the bacon back in so threw it in before popping the dish into the oven.
OMG fantastic! So happy you enjoyed it.
Do you put the cooked bacon back in the dish or leave it out?
Totally up to you. I sometimes add back in the pot for additional flavor or even sprinkle bacon bits on the top as a garnish.
delicious, easy, super savory everyone loved it.
Enjoyed this for dinner tonight and it was a savory success! Turned out perfectly tender, juicy and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Okay this was so delish! Everyone loved this!
These beef tips are so tender and the flavor is unreal. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
My sister loves beef tips and she will be drooling over this one!
These beef tips are bursting with so much flavor and are perfect for a Sunday dinner at my house. I can’t wait to make them.