If you have been searching for a hearty and deeply flavorful dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, this Savory Beef Tips in Red Wine Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender beef tips simmered slowly in a rich, luscious red wine sauce create a melody of tastes that beautifully balance savory and aromatic notes. Each bite holds the perfect mix of tender meat and a sauce that’s both robust and comforting, perfect for sharing at a family dinner or impressing close friends. This recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, transforming them into a dish that feels elegant yet wonderfully homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a large black pot filled with a dark brown broth containing small, light beige pieces of onion and a sprig of fresh green thyme floating on top. A wooden spoon rests in the pot, partially submerged in the broth, showing its smooth texture and light brown color. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding texture, or contributing a beautiful color contrast to the plate.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in juices and add a subtle richness.
2 pounds lean stew beef or beef tips: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning essentials that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch that melts into the sauce as it cooks.
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic: Gives a fragrant foundation that lifts the entire dish.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it’s perfectly clingy without being heavy.
3/4 cup red wine: The heart of the sauce — bringing acidity, fruitiness, and complexity.
2 cups unsalted beef stock: Provides richness and depth while avoiding overwhelming saltiness.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami and a subtle touch of salt to round out the flavors.
3 thyme sprigs: Infuses the sauce with an earthy, herbaceous aroma that complements the beef beautifully.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright burst of color and freshness before serving.
Hot cooked rice: The perfect bed to soak up every last bit of that incredible red wine sauce.

How to Make Savory Beef Tips in Red Wine Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season your beef tips generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan, making sure not to crowd the meat. Sear the beef on all sides until it develops a rich, caramelized crust. This step is essential because it locks in the beef’s juices and builds the foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables

Remove the browned beef from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently until the onion softens and starts to turn golden, releasing their sweet and savory flavors. Don’t rush this step — those mellowed onions add so much to the final richness of the dish.

Step 3: Creating the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onion and garlic, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture will thicken the sauce, giving it a velvety texture. Next, pour in the red wine slowly, scraping up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits add intense depth and complexity to your sauce.

Step 4: Simmering the Beef

Return the beef tips back to the pan. Add the beef stock, soy sauce, and thyme sprigs. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. During this slow cooking, the flavors meld into a luscious red wine sauce that envelops every piece of beef in rich, savory goodness.

How to Serve Savory Beef Tips in Red Wine Sauce Recipe

A close-up top view of a black-handled white cast iron pot filled with dark brown beef stew, showing several chunks of browned beef coated in a shiny, rich brown sauce, sprinkled lightly with chopped green herbs. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, with a small bunch of fresh parsley visible near the top right and a plate of green beans in the upper left corner. The edge of a bowl holding yellow rice is seen at the bottom right. A woman's hand is holding the pot's handle at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley scattered on top not only makes the presentation pop but also adds a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also enhance the aroma just before serving.

Side Dishes

Hot cooked rice is a classic choice and perfect for absorbing the exquisite sauce, but creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even soft polenta are equally delectable. These sides help balance the robust flavors with their gentle textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful dinner presentation, serve the beef tips over a bed of rice or your chosen side in a shallow bowl, draping the sauce generously over the top. Add a sprig of thyme or a few parsley leaves for elegance. Individual ramekins work wonderfully for a personal touch, especially for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef tips taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the sauce covers the beef to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled beef tips and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the tender texture of the beef.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat the beef tips gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps everything nice and saucy without drying out the meat.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While stew beef or beef tips are ideal for their tenderness and flavor absorption, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just be sure to slow-cook it long enough to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is red wine necessary for this recipe?

The red wine adds a depth of flavor and acidity that really elevates the sauce, but if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar touch of tanginess.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method yields incredibly tender beef that falls apart beautifully.

What type of red wine works best for this recipe?

Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir. These wines complement the beef’s richness without overpowering the sauce with sweetness.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Beef Tips in Red Wine Sauce Recipe is truly a gem worth making again and again. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and cared for, with every bite wrapped in rich, comforting flavors. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite dinner to celebrate simple ingredients done exceptionally well.

Savory Beef Tips in Red Wine Sauce Recipe