If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty meal that will quickly become a family favorite, then this Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly tender beef cubes simmered in a luscious, savory gravy create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a satisfying dinner after a busy day, these beef tips are bursting with flavor and come together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Get ready to impress yourself—and everyone you serve—with this timeless classic that feels indulgent but is so easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients are the culinary superheroes that deliver the best taste and texture. Each component in this dish plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the beef to creating that perfectly rich and velvety gravy that clings to every bite.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, juicy tips that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: This neutral oil helps to brown the beef and soften the onions without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the gravy as it softens and caramelizes.
- 2 cups water: Essential for simmering the beef and creating a rich broth base.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings a savory umami punch and balances the sweetness of the onions.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Delivers tangy complexity and a deep, meaty aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and a hint of garlicky goodness without fresh garlic’s intensity.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: The secret to that iconic, smooth gravy texture and rich flavor.
How to Make Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions to Golden Perfection
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they turn translucent and ever so slightly golden. This step unlocks their natural sweetness, which gives the gravy a lovely depth and caramelized undertone you’ll absolutely adore.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Cubes
Next, add the beef stew meat to the skillet with the onions. Let the cubes brown on all sides without disturbing them too much. This browning step is crucial—it locks in the juices and adds a savory crust that builds a flavorful foundation for the gravy.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Pour in the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the garlic powder directly over the beef. Stir everything together thoroughly so the flavors marry, and the beef starts to absorb the seasoning. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to taste for a balanced seasoning.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it bubble gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking melts the connective tissue and softens the beef into irresistibly tender morsels swimming in a fragrant broth.
Step 5: Create the Signature Gravy
While the beef finishes simmering, whisk the brown gravy mix with one cup of water in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this into the skillet with the beef and stir well. Watch as the gravy thickens beautifully, coating the beef in a rich, luscious sauce that makes this recipe the Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe.
Step 6: Time to Serve!
Spoon the tender beef tips and velvety gravy over your favorite starch. Mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles all soak up the sauce perfectly, turning this hearty dish into a crowd-pleasing feast.
How to Serve Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. For a creamy twist, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese can elevate your serving even further. These simple touches turn a comforting classic into something a little more special.
Side Dishes
This dish begs for soft, pillowy sides that love soaking up that delicious gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed white rice are ideal. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp garden salad can bring balance and a fresh crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or family with presentation? Serve the beef tips in hollowed-out bread bowls or over creamy polenta for a rustic, yet elegant feel. You can even transform leftovers into savory hand pies or pot pies, letting the gravy shine in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture nicely for up to three days, making for an easy, delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Place beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Perfect for meal prepping or saving comfort food for another day.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef tips and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much. Heat until steaming hot to enjoy the same tender texture and rich flavor as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While stew meat works great, you can also use chuck roast or sirloin tips. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized cubes and allow enough simmering time to get them tender.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Choose a gluten-free brown gravy mix and verify that your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free brands. This way, you can enjoy the Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe without worry.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Definitely! Substitute one or two minced garlic cloves for the garlic powder added in step 3. Just sauté the fresh garlic with the onions in step 1 to mellow out its sharpness.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the beef nicely but still pourable. If it gets too thick, simply stir in a little more water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
What’s the best way to brown beef evenly?
Avoid overcrowding the pan so the meat browns instead of steams. Brown the beef in batches if needed, giving each piece plenty of contact with the hot surface for a caramelized crust.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe truly lives up to its name. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare but bursting with deep, rich flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the homemade warmth and juicy tenderness that only a well-made beef tip and gravy can offer. So grab your skillet and ingredients, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic!
Print
Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy (Easy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Beef Tips & Gravy recipe is a comforting classic featuring tender cubed beef simmered slowly in a savory soy and Worcestershire sauce-based gravy. Perfectly sautéed onions and a rich brown gravy mix combine to create a flavorful and hearty dish ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. This easy-to-make recipe yields a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Mixes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness and aroma into the oil.
- Brown Beef: Add the cubed beef stew meat to the skillet with the onions. Brown the beef on all sides, which helps to seal in the juices and develop rich flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and then sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine and coat the beef evenly with the seasonings.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmering will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors beautifully.
- Prepare and Add Gravy: In a bowl, mix the brown gravy packet with one cup of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet and cook until the gravy thickens, coating the beef tips lavishly.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and rich gravy over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the beef in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for 1 hour before cooking.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven for even cooking and better heat retention.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, mix an additional brown gravy packet with water and add gradually.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well.
