Beef Tips and Gravy: A Comforting Recipe for a Hearty Meal
Beef tips and gravy is a classic comfort food that can be made on the stove top or in a crock pot.
This dish features tender sirloin tips smothered in a rich brown gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make this delectable dish, including tips on choosing the right cut of meat, flavoring the gravy, and serving suggestions.
The Beauty of Beef Tips and Gravy
Making beef tips and gravy from scratch is simpler than you might think! This dish has become a family favorite for its savory flavors and hearty nature.
Whether you prefer the convenience of the crock pot or the speed of the stove top, you will love how easy it is to prepare.
Why Choose Beef Tips?
Beef tips are smaller cuts derived from larger, more tender sections of meat, such as top sirloin.
While not as tender as their larger counterparts, they offer great flavor and are perfect for stews and sauces.
The right seasoning can elevate these tips to new heights, making this dish a must-try.
Cooking Methods: Stove Top vs. Crock Pot
- Stove Top: Ideal for those looking to cook in less time. This method allows for a quick sear of the meat, followed by simmering in the flavorful gravy.
- Crock Pot: Perfect for meal prep! You can assemble everything the night before and let it cook while you go about your day, returning to a delicious meal.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When making beef tips and gravy, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial. Opt for sirloin or tenderloin cuts for the best results. These cuts are tender enough for quick cooking without losing flavor.
Comparison of Cuts
- Tender Cuts: Sirloin, Flank, Ribeye, Tenderloin
- Tougher Cuts: Chuck Roast, Rump Roast, Brisket (better suited for slow cooking)
For more information on the various cuts of beef and their characteristics, check out this helpful guide.
Beef Tips vs. Stew Meat
It’s essential to distinguish between beef tips and stew meat. While they are often confused, they are not the same.
Stew meat usually consists of tougher cuts like chuck or rump roast, best for slow cooking to tenderize. For beef tips and gravy, always choose sirloin or tenderloin to achieve optimal tenderness and flavor.
How to Prepare Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you will need:
- 1 ½ lbs. sirloin tips
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Beef Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika
- Gravy:
- ¼ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon each: dried thyme, dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the sirloin tips into 1-inch cubes. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Season the Meat: Mix the beef seasoning ingredients and sprinkle them over the meat. Toss to coat, then sprinkle with flour and toss again.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 30-45 seconds on each side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: If using, pour the red wine into the skillet and use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add butter and onions to the skillet, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Thicken the Gravy: Combine cornstarch and cold water in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Gradually add to the sauce, stirring until desired thickness is achieved.
- Finish Cooking: Return the seared beef and juices to the skillet, cover partially, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For a silky finish, swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter before serving.
Crock Pot Method
If you prefer the crock pot method:
- Season and Sear the Beef: Follow steps 1-8 as above, but instead of simmering on the stove, transfer everything to the crock pot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crock pot to low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken Before Serving: Near the end of cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water and stir into the gravy over high heat to thicken.
Enhancing the Flavor of Brown Gravy
To make your brown gravy even more flavorful, consider these options:
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth without being detectable. Use 1.5 teaspoons in the recipe.
- Soy Sauce: An alternative to Worcestershire that adds umami flavor.
- Broth Combination: Use a mix of chicken and beef broth for added richness.
- Browning Sauce: A few drops of Kitchen Bouquet can deepen the color and flavor of your gravy.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to save time, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Sear the meat and prepare the gravy as instructed. Allow it to cool completely.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Finish cooking on the stove top or in the crock pot when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Beef tips and gravy pair beautifully with various sides. Consider these options:
- Buttermilk Biscuits
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Green Beans
- Corn Casserole
Storage Instructions
To keep your leftovers fresh:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Tools for This Recipe
Here are some essential kitchen tools for making beef tips and gravy:
- Kitchen Tongs: Perfect for handling meat while searing.
- Kitchen Scale: Useful for weighing meat accurately.
- Deep Skillet: A sturdy skillet is a must for this recipe.
- Crock Pot: Look for one that can sear meat directly on the stove.
Additional Recipe Ideas
If you’re looking for more delicious meals, try these:
- Pork Stew: A comforting option packed with flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Pasta: Perfect for a quick dinner.
- Chicken Corn Chowder: Great for chilly evenings.
- Chicken Enchiladas: A family favorite.
- Lasagna Roll-Ups: A fun twist on a classic dish.
Conclusion
Making beef tips and gravy is a rewarding experience. With the right cut of meat, simple ingredients, and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate.
Whether you opt for the stove top or crock pot method, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.
FAQs
What kind of meat is best for beef tips?
Sirloin or tenderloin cuts are best for making beef tips due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I make beef tips and gravy in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef tips and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What can I serve with beef tips and gravy?
Popular options include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and roasted vegetables.
Is it better to cook beef tips in the stove top or crock pot?
Both methods yield delicious results, but the crock pot allows for more hands-off cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
References