There’s nothing quite like a warm plate of tender beef tips smothered in rich, savory brown gravy.
This stovetop version is the definition of comfort food — hearty, satisfying, and full of deep, homey flavor. The beef is slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gravy is thick, smooth, and bursting with savory goodness.
Whether you serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles, this dish is a family favorite that always earns a spot in the dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍽 Pure Comfort Food: Tender beef tips in a rich, flavorful gravy — classic and satisfying.
- ⏱ Simple Prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time, then let it simmer low and slow to perfection.
- 🥩 Fork-Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- 💡 Versatile: Delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: Cozy, filling, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl or measuring jug (for gravy mixture)
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tips (room temperature — let sit out 30 minutes before cooking)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tablespoons beef Better Than Bouillon (or 2 beef bouillon cubes)
- 2 packets (0.87 oz each) reduced-sodium brown gravy mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
Remove the beef tips from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the meat sear evenly and become extra tender later on. - Season the Meat:
In a large bowl, toss the beef tips with salt and pepper to evenly coat. - Sear the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the beef tips in a single layer. Sear each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if necessary. - Add Aromatics:
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions turn soft and fragrant. - Build the Base:
Pour in 1 cup of the beef broth, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Loosely cover the skillet with a lid to trap in the steam. - Simmer Slowly:
Reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, stirring every so often. The longer it simmers, the more tender the meat becomes. If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash of beef broth as needed to keep the sauce moist. - Prepare the Gravy:
In a separate bowl or measuring jug, whisk the remaining 1 cup of beef broth with the brown gravy packets until smooth and lump-free. - Combine and Thicken:
Once the beef tips are fork-tender, pour the gravy mixture into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and stir continuously. Let it simmer for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your liking. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cook’s Tips & Variations
- 🥩 Use a Tender Cut: Tenderloin or sirloin beef tips yield the softest, most flavorful results.
- 🕒 Don’t Rush the Simmer: Patience is key. A slow cook gives you the juiciest, fall-apart tender beef.
- 🍖 Boost the Flavor: Using both beef bouillon and gravy packets creates a deep, layered beef flavor.
- 🧂 Lower Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth, bouillon, and gravy packets to control salt levels.
- 🍄 Add-Ins: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy twist.
- 🌽 Thicker Gravy Alternative: Skip gravy packets and mix ⅓ cup cornstarch with cold broth, then whisk it in as a homemade thickener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes. Just note that tougher cuts may require the full 2-hour simmering time to become tender.
What if my beef isn’t tender enough?
If the meat isn’t fork-tender after an hour, keep simmering. Add a little extra beef broth and cook until it easily breaks apart.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Beef tips and gravy actually taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve With Beef Tips and Gravy
This dish is hearty and versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- 🥔 Mashed Potatoes: Classic and creamy, perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
- 🍚 Steamed Rice or Parmesan Garlic Rice: Light yet flavorful base.
- 🍜 Egg Noodles: Great for a quick, rustic pairing.
- 🥦 Vegetable Sides: Try with air-fried Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, green beans with bacon, or skillet corn.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is the definition of cozy, down-home cooking.
The slow simmering creates fall-apart tender beef in a rich, luscious gravy that’s perfect over potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Whether for a family dinner or a comforting Sunday meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Category: Dinner | Comfort Food | Beef Dishes
Delicious Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Beef: Remove the beef tips from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the meat sear evenly and become extra tender later on.
- Season the Meat: In a large bowl, toss the beef tips with salt and pepper to evenly coat.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the beef tips in a single layer. Sear each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions turn soft and fragrant.
- Build the Base: Pour in 1 cup of the beef broth, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Loosely cover the skillet with a lid to trap in the steam.
- Simmer Slowly: Reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, stirring every so often. The longer it simmers, the more tender the meat becomes. If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash of beef broth as needed to keep the sauce moist.
- Prepare the Gravy: In a separate bowl or measuring jug, whisk the remaining 1 cup of beef broth with the brown gravy packets until smooth and lump-free.
- Combine and Thicken: Once the beef tips are fork-tender, pour the gravy mixture into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and stir continuously. Let it simmer for about 2 to 4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your liking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.