Beef Tips and Gravy
Introduction
Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those timeless comfort dishes that feels like a warm hug. Tender chunks of beef slowly simmer in a rich, savory gravy that practically melts into mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that tastes like home, and the beauty of it is how quickly it comes together despite its hearty, slow-cooked flavor.
Description
This comforting dish features beef sirloin tips seared until golden, then gently simmered in a buttery onion-garlic base with flavorful beef broth. The result is fork-tender meat coated in velvety gravy—robust, deeply savory, and satisfying. It’s a flexible recipe too, easily adapted to suit personal tastes and cooking styles.
Ingredients & Quantities
Serves 4
1 ½–2 lbs beef sirloin tips, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
1 tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining butter. Sauté onions until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Gravy Foundation
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to make a roux. Cook 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Liquid
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.
5. Simmer to Tenderize
Return the beef tips to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until beef is very tender and gravy is thickened.
6. Serve
Spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even buttered bread.
Origin
Beef Tips and Gravy is rooted in traditional American home cooking from the mid-20th century. It grew popular as an economical way to turn tougher cuts of beef into tender, satisfying meals. This dish has strong ties to Southern cooking, where slow-simmered gravies and hearty meats have long been a staple.
Cultural Significance
This meal symbolizes comfort, warmth, and family gatherings. Whether served at Sunday dinner, potlucks, or weeknight meals, Beef Tips and Gravy embodies the spirit of American comfort food—simple ingredients elevated through time-honored technique. It’s also a nostalgic dish for many, often passed down through generations.
Optional Additions
Mushrooms – sauté with the onions
Red wine – replace ½ cup of broth for deeper flavor
Thyme or rosemary – herbs that pair beautifully
Cream – swirl in a splash at the end for a silky finish
Peas or carrots – for a heartier stew-like version
Tips for Success
Sear properly: Browning the beef creates rich flavor—don’t skip it.
Low and slow: Even sirloin gets more tender with time; simmer gently.
Use broth, not water: The depth of flavor depends on it.
Thicken gradually: Add more flour or simmer longer for thicker gravy.
Rest before serving: Letting it sit for 5 minutes makes the gravy settle perfectly.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~380
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: varies depending on broth used
(Values vary based on portion size and added ingredients.)
Conclusion
Beef Tips and Gravy is a timeless dish that brings cozy comfort and big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a Sunday feast, this recipe is dependable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.
Recommendation
Serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or warm buttered noodles. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for balance. It also reheats wonderfully, making it great for leftovers and meal prepping.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
At 60 or any age, enjoying comfort food is part of a balanced, joyful life. This dish delivers satisfaction without excess, especially when paired with veggies and prepared with leaner cuts like sirloin. Savoring wholesome, homemade meals is one of the simplest ways to nurture both body and spirit.
If you’d like, I can turn this into a printable format, add photos, or create a low-sodium, low-fat, or slow-cooker version.
