Beef tips and gravy has been a staple meal in my home for many years now. It’s delicious, full of protein, and can be made very inexpensively (depending on the cut of meat used). I usually have all the ingredients to make this dish on hand so it can be made in a pinch when groceries are low. Not to mention, it’s just one of those meals that everyone in my large family (uh..there’s eight of us folks!) enjoys.

Beef tips and rice is made by stewing chunks of beef in a flavorful brown gravy until tender, then served over steamed white rice. This delicious gravy can also be served over other starches besides rice, for more ideas, keep reading.

As previously mentioned, this is a staple in our home. I’ve cultivated the recipe over the years to fit my family’s dietary needs and pantry stock. Many recipes call for packaged gravy which I do not use. Over the years I have noticed an MSG sensitivity which most of those packets are full of. Not to mention, I just rarely ever bought them, therefore I’d have to go to the store for this ingredient. On the other hand, my version is made with its own gravy and just a bit of flour (which of course, I almost always have).

Ingredients

Oil

Beef Meat (See below for ideas on the cut)

Seasonings

Beef Broth (optional but it’s sure tasty!)

Soy Sauce

Worcestershire sauce

Flour

Tools you may need:

Whisk

Heavy bottom pot or Dutch Oven

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy

Start by bringing meat to room temperature. If you’re using already chopped stew meat, go to the next step, otherwise, cube your been in 1-2 inch pieces.

In a large bowl, add meat and seasonings. I use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Mix well and even massage seasoning into meat.

Sprinkle flour on top of beef and seasonings then mix again. I like to do this step with my hands.  Adding the flour at this step will help develop the gravy later. Set aside.

Add light-tasting oil such as coconut or canola to a skillet or Dutch oven. You’ll want to use something with a higher smoke point.

Over medium-high heat, sear meat for 5-7 minutes or until brown. You may need to work in batches as not to steam the meat.

Pour broth into pot and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. We want to prevent these bits from burning while cooking but also to further develop the flavor.

Add in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then stir again while still scraping the bottom.

Bring beef mixture to a low boil, then add lid.

Reduce heat and allow to cook over medium to low heat stirring periodically to prevent the gravy from sticking.

Cook for 1-1/2 hours or until tender

FAQs

What cut of meat is used for beef tips

Beef tips can be made from any cut of meat however, you may want to select the cut of meat depending on the cooking method.  Tougher cuts such as chuck roast or rump roast can be used if you’re cooking low and slow. Since the beef will be cooked over a long period of time, it allows these cuts to become tender. No need to get a trip tip or sirloin here, although you definitely could, and it would be delicious! The more tender cuts don’t require as much cooking time. I usually use stew meat for beef tips. The meat here is already cut to size and I often stock up during a sale. But I have also cubed a chuck roast to make ‘beef tips’ as well.

How do you tenderize beef tips fast?

Having tender beef tips cooked quickly starts with beef cut selection. Tender meat cuts such as sirloin, tenderloin, and ribeye could be cooked in far less time than tougher cuts of meat. If you want to prepare this dish without cooking it for long periods over the stove or in the slow cooker, pressure cooking the beef tips can be done in a fraction of the time and still render tender meat.

How do you make beef tips tender?

Allow the beef tips to cook over a longer period of time at a lower temperature. Depending on the cut of meat used this can be 1-2 hours over the stove.

What goes with beef tips?

Beef tips and gravy is most often served on top of plain white rice but can also be served over egg noodles or even a baked potato. Starchy dishes accompany this dish well to soak up that flavorful gravy. I have perfected a plain white rice recipe that I use for this dish time and time again.

What sides go with beef tips and rice?

Cornbread

Sweet Peas

Purple Hull Peas

Macaroni and Cheese

Squash Casserole

Green Beans

Candied Yams