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Delicious Beef Tips and Gravy

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Season the Meat: In a large bowl, toss the beef tips with salt and pepper to evenly coat.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

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.