Beef Tips and Gravy!

Beef Tips and Gravy

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

Beef

• 2 lb beef sirloin tips, stew meat, or chuck (cut into bite-size pieces)

• Salt & black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Gravy

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, depth)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Optional: sliced mushrooms

Instructions

1. Season & sear the beef
   Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
   Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   Sear beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics
   Lower heat to medium.
   Add butter, onion, and mushrooms (if using).
   Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
   Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Build the gravy
   Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
   Slowly whisk in beef broth and water.
   Add Worcestershire, soy sauce, and seasonings.

4. Simmer until tender
   Return beef to pot.
   Bring to a gentle simmer.
   Cover and cook 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.

5. Finish & serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning.
   Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Q & A (Gravy Wisdom)

Q: What cut of beef works best?

A:

• Sirloin tips = lean, quicker

• Chuck = more tender, richer (best flavor)

• Avoid very lean cuts or they’ll be chewy.

Q: Why sear first?

A: Flavor. Deep, brown flavor. Don’t rush this step.

Q: My gravy is too thin—help?

A:

• Simmer uncovered a bit longer

• Or whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in

Q: My beef is tough—what happened?

A: It needs more time, not less. Tough beef means the connective tissue hasn’t broken down yet.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes.

• Sear beef first

• Add everything to slow cooker

• Cook 8 hours low or 4–5 hours high

Q: Can I freeze beef tips and gravy?

A: Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Q: Can I add wine?

A: Definitely. Replace ½ cup broth with red wine for deeper flavor.

Q: Best sides?

A:

• Mashed potatoes (classic)

• Buttered egg noodles

• Rice

• Green beans or peas