Beef Tips and Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

• Deep, savory flavor: Thanks to wine deglazing and classic seasoning.

• Tender beef: Simmered until melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

• Versatile pairing: Goes with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

• Comfort food classic: Great for cozy family dinners.

• Customizable: Easy to adapt for the slow cooker or dietary needs.

• Quick prep: Only 15 minutes of hands-on time.

• Freezer-friendly: Great for make-ahead meals.

• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

• Restaurant-style finish: The optional cold butter swirl adds a velvety touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin tips

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Beef Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

Gravy

• ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 beef bouillon cube

• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 tablespoons corn starch + 1/4 cup cold water

Directions

1. Combine the beef seasoning mix and set aside. Measure out all gravy ingredients in advance.

2. Cut the sirloin tips into 1-inch cubes, trimming excess fat.

3. Toss the meat with the beef seasoning, then sprinkle with flour and toss again to coat evenly.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, browning each side for 30–45 seconds. Do not overcrowd. Transfer browned meat to a plate.

5. Add red wine to the pan and deglaze using a silicone spatula to scrape up the browned bits (fond). Let the wine bubble and reduce by half.

6. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and onions; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

7. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

8. Add beef broth, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil.

9. Mix corn starch with cold water. Slowly whisk into the gravy until thickened to your preference.

10. Return the beef and its juices to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.

11. Optional: For a velvety finish, swirl in 1 tablespoon of cold butter before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef, deglaze the pan, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

• No Wine: Omit the wine and use an extra ¼ cup of beef broth for deglazing.

• Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onions.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.

• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or steamed greens.

• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer gravy.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for enhanced flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour and cornstarch alternative.

• Dairy-Free: Skip the butter or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

• Protein Swap: Use stew meat or even ground beef in a pinch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooled beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy.

FAQs

What are beef tips?

Beef tips are typically smaller cuts of tender meat from the sirloin or tenderloin, perfect for simmering in sauces or gravies.

Can I use stew meat instead of sirloin tips?

Yes, though stew meat is tougher and will require longer cooking time to become tender—ideal for slow cooker versions.

What can I use instead of red wine?

You can replace red wine with beef broth, grape juice, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Whisk in additional cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer until thickened.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats well and the flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

What sides go well with beef tips and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread work great to soak up the delicious gravy.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild and flavorful. You can reduce spices if needed to suit younger palates.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, carrots, peas, or mushrooms can be added to the gravy for extra texture and flavor.

How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?

Beef tips should be tender and no longer pink inside. Simmering them in the gravy ensures full doneness.

What does “Monter au Beurre” mean?

It’s a French cooking technique where cold butter is swirled into sauce at the end for a glossy, velvety texture.

Conclusion

Beef Tips and Gravy is a timeless, comforting dish perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. With tender sirloin, rich homemade gravy, and plenty of options for customization, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, it delivers hearty flavor in every bite.

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