If you have been hunting for a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that warms both your heart and your kitchen, then look no further because I am about to share The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe with you. This recipe transforms simple stew meat into tender, flavorful morsels bathed in a rich, savory gravy that feels like a warm embrace at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish boasts a perfect balance of deep onion sweetness, herbal notes, and a luscious gravy that makes every forkful truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds a base layer of creamy, smooth yellow mashed potatoes. On top, there is a thick layer of dark brown beef stew with large pieces of tender beef coated in rich gravy. The gravy is glossy and covers the beef and some of the potatoes, pooling slightly on the plate edges. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top of the beef and gravy, adding a touch of color contrast. In the background, there is a blue pot with more brown stew inside, sitting on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby. A fork is placed beside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients which come together beautifully, creating both amazing texture and robust flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the beef to enriching the gravy with wholesome depth.

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the beef to lock in those juicy flavors and create a nice crust.
2 lbs stew meat: Use good quality beef stew meat for tender, hearty bites that soak up all the delicious sauce.
½ cup onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base that complements the beef perfectly.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Aromatic and pungent, garlic infuses the dish with that cozy, familiar warmth.
¼ cup red wine: Deepens the gravy’s flavor profile with a subtle richness and complexity.
10 ½ oz beef broth: A foundational liquid giving the gravy a meaty, savory backbone.
10 ½ oz can condensed French onion soup: This adds incredible onion flavor and thickness for that homey touch.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a mild tang that enhances the beef’s natural taste.
1 bay leaf: Adds an herbal earthiness that gently flavors the gravy as it simmers.
1 sprig fresh thyme: Gives a fresh, aromatic lift to balance the richness of the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning that brings all the flavors into harmonious balance.
2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed with water for thickening the gravy to just the right consistency.
¼ cup water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth, velvety gravy finish.

How to Make The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Allow each piece to brown nicely on all sides—this step is key to developing the deep, savory flavor that makes The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe so special. Set the browned beef aside once done.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions. Let them soften until translucent and lightly caramelized, which will infuse the dish with sweetness. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring constantly to avoid burning, so those fragrant aromas come bursting through.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour the red wine into the pan to deglaze, scrapping up all those brown bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are flavor gold and will enrich your gravy immensely. Let the wine reduce by half, concentrating its flavor and adding a subtle richness to the base of the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Broth, Soup, and Sauces

Return the beef to the skillet and add beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and fresh thyme. Stir everything to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. These ingredients meld perfectly to form the heart of that luscious gravy that The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is known for.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the beef to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until it’s fork-tender. This slow simmer is the true secret to tender beef and thick, flavorful gravy. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into the beef and gravy, increasing the heat slightly to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously until the gravy coats the back of a spoon and thickens to your liking, then remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig.

How to Serve The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

A close-up view of a thick, dark brown stew with chunks of tender meat covered in a rich, glossy sauce. The stew shows small bits of herbs sprinkled evenly across the surface, adding a touch of green color. A bay leaf rests on top for visual interest. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the meat and sauce from the pot, showing the hearty texture of the dish. The pot has a smooth cream-colored inside edge, and the background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing not only adds visual appeal but also introduces extra layers of flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the beef tips before serving to brighten the dish with a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal notes.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides like buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or creamy polenta. These provide a perfect base to soak up every last drop of that heavenly gravy, making each bite indulgently satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just shake things up? Serve The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe over toasted crusty bread for an open-faced sandwich experience or spoon it atop buttered egg noodles garnished with parmesan for a rich, elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef tips and gravy store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers potentially even better than the day they were made.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes well. Place cooled beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the gravy. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much upon cooling.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness and flavor absorption, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks. Just ensure to simmer it long enough to become tender and flavorful.

Is red wine necessary, or can I skip it?

Red wine enhances the depth and complexity of the gravy, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry near the end and thicken the gravy on the stovetop if needed.

How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

To thicken the gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry gradually. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a bit more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

What are some good alternatives to Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari make excellent substitutes if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand. They provide that savory umami kick necessary for the rich flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try The Best Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that really feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s soulful, straightforward, and incredibly rewarding to make. Once you taste how tender the beef becomes and how perfectly rich that onion-laden gravy is, I’m confident this recipe will become a treasured favorite in your home too. Happy cooking!