Name: Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs. sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes, fat trimmed; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 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 dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons corn starch; ¼ cup cold water; Optional: 1 Tablespoon cold butter for finishing

Jump to Recipe·4 from 3 reviews

If you are craving a comforting and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is just what you need. With tender sirloin tips bathed in a rich, savory gravy made from a blend of spices, garlic, onions, and a touch of red wine, every bite delivers a perfect balance of hearty and delicious. This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is straightforward enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want pure satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white enamel pans placed side by side on a white marbled surface. The left pan is filled with many small, brown, seared chunks of cooked meat, each piece having a rough, slightly crispy texture. The right pan contains finely chopped red onions being lightly cooked, showing a mix of translucent and purple pieces spread evenly across the pan's surface, with some small bits of garlic mixed in. Both pans have a simple, clean look with slight browning on the food indicating a cooking process. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples that come together beautifully to create a deeply satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building flavor, tenderizing the beef, or thickening the luscious gravy to just the right consistency.

1 ½ lbs. sirloin tips: Choose fresh, good-quality sirloin for tender, juicy beef bites that soak up all the gravy.
3 tablespoons flour: Used to lightly coat the beef for a golden sear and to help thicken the gravy as it cooks.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the beef and sautéeing the aromatics.
1 teaspoon brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances out the savory spices and savory elements.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that lingers softly throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon each salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika: This blend creates a deep, complex seasoning that makes the beef irresistibly flavorful.
¼ cup dry red wine (optional): Adds a touch of acidity that brightens the gravy and enhances the richness of the beef.
2 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the onions and finish the sauce with a silky, velvety touch.
1 small yellow onion (diced): Builds a sweet and savory base for the gravy.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the gravy with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
2 cups beef broth: The heart of the gravy, delivering a rich beefy flavor.
1 beef bouillon cube: Packs an extra punch of savory umami to intensify the gravy.
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly fermented complexity that rounds out the sauce.
¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, dried rosemary: Herbal notes that bring freshness and earthiness.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic undertone for a well-balanced gravy.
3 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water: A quick slurry to thicken the gravy to rich perfection.

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by combining the beef seasoning mix in a bowl so all the spices blend evenly. Cut your sirloin tips into 1-inch cubes, trimming off any large chunks of fat to ensure every bite is tender and flavorful. Sprinkle the seasoning over the beef, toss to coat, then add the flour and toss again to create a light, even dusting. This flour coating will help give the beef a perfect sear and a slightly thickened texture once simmered in the gravy.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning. Sear each piece for 30 to 45 seconds on each side until a golden crust forms. Don’t cook the meat all the way through now; just get that beautiful browning that will add incredible flavor. Remove the beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces, adding more oil if needed.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the optional red wine, and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial because you’re loosening all the browned bits — called the fond — that pack a ton of flavor into the base of your gravy. Let the wine bubble gently and reduce by half for a concentrated, rich base.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter and diced onions. Cook the onions until they become soft and translucent, about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, releasing its fragrant goodness without burning.

Step 5: Build the Gravy

Stir in the beef broth, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Bring everything to a boil, allowing the spices and herbs to mingle and the flavors to deepen. This step creates a robust backdrop that perfectly complements the beef.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk this into the simmering gravy a little at a time, stirring continuously. Keep adding until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness — silky and smooth, clinging beautifully to the beef tips.

Step 7: Finish Cooking the Beef in the Gravy

Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the browned beef and its juices to the skillet. Cover partially and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the beef is cooked through and wonderfully tender, soaking up all those rich, savory flavors.

Step 8: Optional Butter Finish

For an extra luxurious touch, swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter right at the end. This classic French technique, monter au beurre, enriches the gravy making it smooth and velvety, elevating this Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe from delicious to extraordinary.

How to Serve Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a large white pot filled with dark brown stew. The stew contains many chunky pieces of tender meat, each coated in a rich, glossy sauce that looks thick and smooth. Small bits of translucent onions and tiny green herb sprinkles are scattered throughout the stew, adding texture and color contrast. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is lifting a spoonful of the stew from the pot, showing the hearty pieces and sauce clearly. The background is a white marbled surface that highlights the warm tones of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous note, perfectly balancing the rich gravy. You could also grate a little sharp cheddar or sprinkle crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe shines served over classic mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Don’t hesitate to serve it with buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice – both make excellent vehicles that carry the bold, meaty flavors beautifully to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy twist, serve the beef tips and gravy atop toasted crusty bread for a rustic open-faced sandwich. Alternatively, pile it over a baked sweet potato to introduce a subtle sweetness that plays against the savory gravy. You can even use it as a hearty filling for savory crepes or a pot pie for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for batch cooking and busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the beef from toughening. Stir frequently and add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck steak or round steak cut into cubes. Just keep in mind those cuts may need a bit longer cooking time to become tender.

Do I have to use red wine in the gravy?

The red wine really enhances the flavor and adds acidity that balances the richness, but it’s completely optional. If you prefer, you can substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.

How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

Adjust the amount of the cornstarch slurry you add. For thicker gravy, add the slurry slowly and keep stirring until you reach the desired consistency. For a thinner gravy, reduce the cornstarch and add more broth if needed.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the liquids and seasonings, then cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the beef is tender. Thicken the gravy at the end with the cornstarch slurry on the stovetop if needed.

What are the best side dishes to pair with Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and rice are classic choices. Roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad also complement the richness well, adding freshness and variety to the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its rich flavors, tender beef, and velvety gravy have made it a personal favorite that I love sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your home as well – once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved!