Beef tips and gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish, reminiscent of classic Pioneer Woman recipes, features tender beef sirloin tips smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy. Whether you choose to simmer it on the stove top for a quicker meal or let it slowly tenderize in a Crock Pot, the result is melt-in-your-mouth beef tips and a gravy so flavorful, you’ll want to spoon it over everything. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, or a bed of white rice for a satisfying and heartwarming meal that everyone will love.
What Exactly Are Beef Tips? Understanding Your Cut of Meat
Beef tips are essentially smaller, bite-sized pieces of beef, often cut from larger, more tender sections. Think of them as the delicious offcuts from premium steaks. When we talk about tender and flavorful beef tips, we’re usually referring to cuts like sirloin or tenderloin.
- Sirloin Tip: Derived from the sirloin, a sirloin tip (sometimes called sirloin flap or flap meat) offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness. While not as uniformly tender as a top sirloin steak, it’s excellent when cut into cubes for dishes like beef tips or stews.
- Tenderloin: As the name suggests, tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef. Beef tenderloin tips will be incredibly soft and require less cooking time, making them ideal for a quick stove top version of beef tips and gravy.
For this recipe, especially if you’re opting for the faster stove top method, choosing sirloin or tenderloin is highly recommended. These cuts become beautifully tender without the need for prolonged slow cooking.
Meat Cut Guide for Beef Tips & Gravy:
- Best for Stove Top (Tender & Quick Cooking): Sirloin, Tenderloin, Flank, Ribeye
- Best for Slow Cooker (Tougher Cuts Tenderize): Chuck Roast, Rump Roast, Brisket
It’s important to differentiate beef tips from stew meat. While sometimes labels can be confusing, true beef tips, particularly for stove top cooking, should come from more tender cuts. Stew meat is often a mix of tougher cuts like chuck or rump roast, which require the long, slow cooking of a stew to become tender. For this beef tips and gravy recipe, especially on the stove, aim for sirloin or tenderloin to achieve that perfect tenderness in a shorter time.
Close-up of seared beef tips in a skillet.
Stove Top Beef Tips and Gravy: Step-by-Step Instructions
This stove top method is perfect for when you want comforting beef tips and gravy on the table in under an hour. Here’s how to make it:
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, combine the cubed sirloin tips with the beef seasoning mix (brown sugar, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika). Toss to evenly coat the beef. Sprinkle flour over the seasoned beef and toss again until lightly coated. The flour will help to thicken the gravy later.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 30-45 seconds until nicely browned. Searing adds a depth of flavor and locks in the juices. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking the beef all the way through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the gravy.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour red wine (optional, but highly recommended for flavor) into the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. These bits are flavor bombs and will enrich your gravy. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating its flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add diced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Gravy Base: Pour beef broth into the skillet, add the beef bouillon cube and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the boiling gravy, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Reduce the heat to low.
- Combine Beef and Gravy: Return the seared beef tips and any accumulated juices from the plate to the skillet with the gravy. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer to Tenderize: Partially cover the skillet and let the beef tips simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Serve: For an extra touch of richness and velvety texture, swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter at the very end (Monter au Beurre). Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Adding beef broth and seasonings to wine and onions for beef tips gravy.
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy: Slow Cooked Perfection
For a truly hands-off approach and incredibly tender beef, the Crock Pot method is the way to go. The slow cooking process breaks down the beef fibers, resulting in unbelievably tender beef tips.
- Initial Steps are the Same: Follow steps 1-8 from the stove top method. This means you still season and sear the beef and prepare the gravy base on the stove top up to the point of thickening the gravy with cornstarch.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Instead of simmering on the stove, transfer the seared beef tips and the gravy mixture from the skillet to your Crock Pot.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef tips are fork-tender.
- Thicken Gravy (if needed): If you prefer a thicker gravy after slow cooking, combine cornstarch and cold water as in the stove top method. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot gravy. Turn the heat to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Ladle the beef tips and gravy over your choice of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Beef tips being added to gravy in a skillet.
Elevating Your Brown Gravy: Flavor Enhancing Tips
The gravy is truly the star of beef tips and gravy. Here’s how to make yours exceptionally flavorful:
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is a secret weapon for adding depth and umami to brown gravy. You won’t specifically taste it, but it enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): A touch of soy sauce also adds umami and savory notes. Use low sodium to control the saltiness. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand.
- Combination of Broths: For a richer flavor profile, try using a mix of beef and chicken broth. Chicken broth often has a bit more body and flavor than beef broth alone, creating a more complex gravy.
- Kitchen Bouquet Browning Sauce: For a deeper, richer brown color and subtle flavor enhancement, a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet can work wonders. Find it in the gravy or sauce aisle of most supermarkets.
- Red Wine Deglazing: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with red wine! It adds a layer of complexity and richness that elevates the gravy.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Meal Prep
Beef tips and gravy is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in stages to simplify your cooking day:
- Sear and Gravy Prep: Follow the recipe to sear the beef tips and prepare the gravy base (through step 8 of the stove top method).
- Cool and Combine: Allow the gravy to cool completely. Then, combine the cooled gravy with the seared beef tips and any juices from the beef.
- Store: Store the beef and gravy mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Finish Cooking: When ready to serve, finish cooking either on the stove top (simmer until heated through and beef is tender) or in the Crock Pot according to the instructions.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Comfort Meal
Beef tips and gravy is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some classic and delicious pairings:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the quintessential side for beef tips and gravy. The gravy soaks into the potatoes creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles are another fantastic option for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even creamy risotto all work well as a base for beef tips and gravy.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are perfect for sopping up every last drop of gravy.
- Vegetables: Balance out the richness of the beef and gravy with some roasted vegetables. Roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli are excellent choices. A simple side salad also adds freshness.
Wooden spoon scooping beef tips and gravy in a skillet.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerating: Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove top over medium-low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. Avoid overheating, which can make the beef tough. Microwaving is also an option for individual portions, but stove top reheating is recommended for best results.
Tools You Might Need
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven (for stove top)
- Crock Pot (for slow cooker version)
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Try These Other Comfort Food Recipes
If you love beef tips and gravy, you might also enjoy these comforting recipes:
Creamy Chicken Pasta in a skillet with parsley. Creamy Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooker Short Ribs on mashed potatoes. Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Chicken Corn Chowder in a blue soup pot. Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken Enchiladas in a casserole dish. Chicken Enchiladas
Lasagna Roll Ups on a white plate. Lasagna Roll Ups
Beef Lo Mein in a skillet with vegetables. Beef Lo Mein
Recipe Card: Pioneer Woman Style Beef Tips and Gravy
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Beef Seasoning:
- 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
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 dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions:
- Prepare Beef: Combine beef seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cut sirloin tips into 1-inch cubes. Toss beef with seasoning, then sprinkle with flour and toss again.
- Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 30-45 seconds per side; set aside.
- Deglaze Pan & Sauté Aromatics: Deglaze skillet with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Reduce wine slightly. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and onions; cook until softened (5 mins). Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Make Gravy: Add beef broth, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder to skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Thicken Gravy: Whisk cornstarch and cold water. Gradually whisk into gravy until thickened. Reduce heat to low.
- Combine & Simmer: Add beef and juices to gravy. Simmer partially covered for 10-15 minutes, or until beef is tender.
- Finish & Serve: Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon cold butter for extra richness. Garnish with parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Crock Pot Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-8 of stove top instructions.
- Transfer seared beef and gravy to a Crock Pot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Thicken gravy with cornstarch slurry if desired (mix cornstarch and cold water, stir into Crock Pot on high heat for 15-20 mins).
Notes:
- Red wine is optional.
- Sirloin or tenderloin tips are recommended.
- For richer flavor, use a mix of beef and chicken broth.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting Pioneer Woman inspired beef tips and gravy!
