Beef Tips and Gravy is the kind of hearty dish that warms your soul. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy until melt-in-your-mouth soft—this meal is the ultimate in comfort food. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy rice, it’s a timeless dinner that satisfies every craving for something cozy and delicious.

What Makes This Dish Special?
This dish shines thanks to its simplicity and deep, rich flavor. Browning the beef develops incredible depth, and the slow simmer transforms tougher cuts into fork-tender bites. The gravy is smooth and savory with just the right amount of seasoning and a touch of onion and garlic. It’s a budget-friendly classic that tastes like a slow-cooked Sunday dinner—even on a weeknight.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove to a plate.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Deglaze and Simmer
Return beef to the skillet. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45–55 minutes, or until beef is tender.
4. Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour into the simmering beef, stirring constantly. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Serve Hot
Serve beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Variations
- Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onion for extra richness.
- Red Wine Boost: Replace ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine for deeper flavor.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Slow Cooker: Combine browned beef, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Thicken with cornstarch slurry before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
My Cooking Experience
Beef Tips and Gravy is a go-to comfort meal for me, especially in colder months. I’ve found that a little browning goes a long way when it comes to flavor. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or even a splash of red wine when I want to elevate it. It’s incredibly versatile, and no matter how I serve it, the plate always comes back clean.
Conclusion
Beef Tips and Gravy delivers serious comfort with simple ingredients. It’s one of those timeless meals that always hits the spot, whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a busy weeknight treat. With tender beef and rich, savory gravy, you really can’t go wrong with this classic.

beef tips and gravy
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Return beef to the skillet. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45–55 minutes, or until beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour into the simmering beef, stirring constantly. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.