Beef tips and gravy is a classic comfort food dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With tender beef tips cooked to perfection in a rich gravy, it’s a dish that will leave you wanting more.
To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. This recipe calls for beef tenderloin tips, which are small cuts of beef that are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Other key ingredients include onions, garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients work together to create a savory gravy that complements the beef perfectly.
The first step in preparing the beef tips is to brown them in a hot skillet. This will give them a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the dish. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and lightly browned. This will help to further develop the flavors.
Next, return the beef to the skillet and add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. Finally, thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry to achieve the perfect consistency.
When the beef tips and gravy are ready, serve them over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal. The creamy, buttery texture of the potatoes or noodles pairs perfectly with the rich and savory gravy. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added touch of flavor.
Now that you know how to cook beef tips and gravy, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime you’re in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You Should Try Cooking Beef Tips and Gravy at Home
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to make, you should definitely try cooking beef tips and gravy at home. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also a great way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
Saves Money
One of the biggest advantages of cooking beef tips and gravy at home is that it saves you money. Going out to a restaurant to enjoy this dish can be quite costly, especially if you’re feeding a large group. By making it yourself, you can save a significant amount of money while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.
Control Over Ingredients
When you cook beef tips and gravy at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into the dish. This means you can tailor the flavors and seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences. You can also choose to use quality cuts of beef and fresh ingredients, ensuring that your dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious.
Additionally, cooking at home allows you to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies that you or your guests may have. Whether you prefer a gluten-free gravy or need to avoid certain allergens, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your needs.
Family-Friendly Meal
Beef tips and gravy is a family-friendly meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The tender bites of beef covered in rich and flavorful gravy are a hit with kids and adults alike. By cooking this dish at home, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family to enjoy a homemade meal together.
Easy and Versatile Recipe
Another reason to try cooking beef tips and gravy at home is that it’s an easy and versatile recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time. You can also customize the recipe by adding vegetables, mushrooms, or other ingredients to make it even more flavorful.
Overall, cooking beef tips and gravy at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal while saving money and taking control over the ingredients. So why not give it a try and savor the flavors of homemade beef tips and gravy?
Prep and Season the Beef Tips
To start preparing beef tips and gravy, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients: beef tips, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and flour.
First, ensure that the beef tips are trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces. This will help the meat cook evenly and ensure a tender texture.
Next, season the beef tips generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure to coat all sides of the meat, as this will help enhance the flavor of the dish.
After seasoning, dust the beef tips with flour. This will help create a crust when searing the meat, and thicken the gravy later on.
Once the beef tips are seasoned and dusted with flour, they are ready to be cooked. This step is crucial in creating tender, flavorful beef tips and gravy.
Sear the Beef Tips for Flavor
Before cooking the beef tips and gravy, it’s important to sear the beef to enhance its flavor. This step is crucial in developing a rich and savory taste in the dish.
To begin, gather your ingredients: beef tips, salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two.
Meanwhile, season the beef tips generously with salt and pepper. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help form a delicious crust on the surface of the meat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef tips in the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you want enough space for the meat to brown evenly. If needed, sear the beef in batches.
Sear the beef tips for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a deep brown crust. This browning process will add depth and complexity to the overall taste of the dish.
Once seared, transfer the beef tips to a plate and set them aside. The goal of this step is to lock in the flavor and keep the meat juicy and tender while it cooks further in the gravy.
With the beef tips seared, you are now ready to move on to the next step of making the delicious beef tips and gravy.
Saute the Onions and Garlic
To start cooking your beef tips and gravy, you need to saute the onions and garlic. This step will add a rich flavor to your dish.
Here’s how to saute the onions and garlic:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add diced onions to the skillet and cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and slightly browned.
- Next, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Once the onions and garlic are nicely sauteed, you can proceed to the next step of making the beef tips and gravy.
Remember to keep stirring the onions and garlic while sauteing them to ensure even cooking and avoid any burning. Sauteing the onions and garlic will bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of your beef tips and gravy.
Simmer and Thicken the Gravy
Once the beef tips are tender and cooked to your liking, it’s time to prepare the gravy. Follow these steps to simmer and thicken the gravy for a delicious finishing touch:
- Remove the beef tips from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
- Cook the flour and butter mixture, known as a roux, for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of beef broth while continuing to whisk the mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any additional desired seasonings, such as Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder.
- Add the cooked beef tips back into the pan and stir to coat them with the gravy.
- Allow the beef tips to simmer in the gravy for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld together.
Once the gravy has thickened and the beef tips have absorbed the flavors, your beef tips and gravy are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Serve Your Beef Tips and Gravy
Once your beef tips and gravy are fully cooked and tender, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy. Here are a few tips on how to present your dish:
- Start by ladling a generous portion of the beef tips and gravy onto a plate or into a bowl.
- Consider serving the dish with a side of mashed potatoes or egg noodles. The creamy textures of these sides will complement the rich flavors of the beef and gravy.
- If desired, garnish the dish with some fresh parsley or chopped green onions. These herbs will add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
- For extra flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the beef tips and gravy.
- Don’t forget to serve the dish with a spoon or fork for easy eating.
Once you have plated the beef tips and gravy, it’s time to sit down and savor the delicious flavors. This hearty dish is perfect for cold winter nights or any time you’re in the mood for a comforting meal.
Tips for a Delicious Beef Tips and Gravy Dish
Preparing a mouthwatering beef tips and gravy dish requires attention to detail and the right technique. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly:
1. Choose the right cut of beef:
Using tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, will result in tender and juicy beef tips. Avoid tougher cuts, as they may require longer cooking times.
2. Marinate the beef:
Marinating the beef in a mixture of your choice will add depth of flavor and tenderize the meat. Consider using a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs.
3. Sear the beef:
Before cooking the beef tips in the gravy, sear them in a hot pan with some oil. This will help lock in the juices and develop a rich, caramelized flavor on the outside.
4. Use homemade beef stock:
Making your own beef stock will enhance the flavor of the gravy. Simmering beef bones, vegetables, and herbs for several hours will create a rich and flavorful base.
5. Slow cook the beef:
Cooking the beef tips in a slow cooker or on low heat in the oven will ensure they become tender and flavorful. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
6. Thicken the gravy:
To achieve a rich and velvety gravy, use a combination of flour and water or cornstarch and water to thicken it. Mix the thickening agent with cold water before adding it to the hot gravy to prevent lumps.
Follow these tips and techniques to create a beef tips and gravy dish that will impress your family and friends. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal!
Q&A
What are beef tips and gravy?
Beef tips and gravy is a classic comfort food dish made from bite-sized pieces of beef cooked in a rich and savory gravy.
How do I cook beef tips and gravy?
To cook beef tips and gravy, start by browning the beef tips in a skillet. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they are softened and fragrant. Next, add flour to the skillet to create a roux, and cook it for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce until the gravy thickens. Finally, return the beef tips to the skillet and simmer everything together until the beef is tender.
What can I serve beef tips and gravy with?
Beef tips and gravy can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some popular choices include mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to complete the meal.
Can I make beef tips and gravy in a slow cooker?
Yes, beef tips and gravy can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience. Simply brown the beef tips in a skillet as usual, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Follow the same steps for sautéing the onions and garlic, creating the gravy, and adding it to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours, or on high heat for about 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender. This method allows the flavors to meld together slowly and results in a tender and flavorful dish.