Beef Tips and Gravy: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic
Introduction
Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Beef Tips and Gravy. Melt-in-your-mouth pieces of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy make this dish an all-time favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Its robust flavors and soothing textures appeal to both traditionalists and new home cooks.
This recipe is beloved because it transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave something deeply comforting.
What Makes Beef Tips and Gravy So Satisfying?
The key to this classic lies in slow-simmered beef and a luxuriously thick gravy. As the beef cooks, it breaks down, becoming tender enough to cut with a fork. The gravy, enriched with beef drippings, onions, and spices, infuses every bite with umami goodness.
Serve it over buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles for a meal sure to soothe the soul and please a hungry crowd.
Essential Prep for the Best Flavor
Starting with well-prepped vegetables and beef is crucial. Chop your onions, garlic, and optional mushrooms evenly for a consistent cook. To save time and ensure precision, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can make quick work of this step.
For perfectly browned beef tips, use a heavy-bottomed pan and don’t overcrowd. A sturdy Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet delivers even heat and that all-important sear.
How to Make Beef Tips Tender and Gravy Rich
Low and slow is the secret! After browning, simmer the beef with onions and broth until it’s meltingly tender. To thicken the gravy, whisk together a flour slurry and add it gradually, stirring constantly. A Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloth comes in handy for wiping up any splatters during the process.
Check the doneness of your beef by using a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to ensure perfectly tender tips.
Serving Beef Tips and Gravy: Crowd-Pleasing Ideas
Pair your beef tips and gravy with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles. For easy, mess-free plating at a party or potluck, protect your surface with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack and keep leftovers fresh in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked pepper for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each portion delivers roughly 400–450 calories, primarily from protein and healthy fats, depending on serving size and your sides. Enjoy as part of a balanced meal rich in flavor and satisfaction.
Beef Tips and Gravy: A Flavorful Comfort Food (Recap)
By slow-cooking savory beef and enriching it with a luscious homemade gravy, you’ll have a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table every time. This recipe’s simple ingredients, crowd-pleasing taste, and unbeatable texture make it a must for your comfort food arsenal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter to the pan. Sauté onion (and mushrooms, if using) until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, another 30 seconds.
- Return beef to the skillet. Sprinkle flour over beef and vegetables, stirring to coat and cook for 1 minute (this helps thicken your gravy).
- Gradually add beef broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and gravy has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash more broth. If too thin, simmer a few more minutes uncovered.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Enjoy this Beef Tips and Gravy recipe whenever you crave a classic comfort food that delivers big on flavor, nostalgia, and satisfaction.