Description
This classic Beef Tips and Gravy recipe features tender sirloin beef tips seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy made with beef broth, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Perfectly thickened with a cornstarch slurry, this hearty dish is great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal that comes together in under an hour. A crock pot option is included for easy slow cooking if preferred.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 1½ lbs sirloin tips
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Cooking and Gravy
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the sirloin into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix together all the beef seasoning ingredients including brown sugar, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika. Toss the beef cubes with this seasoning mixture until evenly coated. Then, toss the seasoned beef in flour to coat all pieces evenly.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side for 30 to 45 seconds until nicely browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once seared, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Deglaze and Cook Onions: Pour beef broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the broth to reduce by half, which will concentrate the flavor. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add butter and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: To the skillet, add the remaining beef broth, beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the boiling pan to thicken the gravy, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer Beef in Gravy: Return the seared beef along with any collected juices from the plate back into the skillet. Reduce heat to low, partially cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the beef is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the gravy.
- Crock Pot Option: If preferred, after searing the beef and preparing the gravy base, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Towards the end of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. This method yields very tender beef and hands-off cooking.
Notes
- Patting the beef dry before seasoning helps create a better sear and richer flavor.
- Tossing the beef in flour not only helps brown the meat but also aids in thickening the gravy later.
- Use low to medium heat when cooking onions and garlic to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to taste; you can add more salt or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
- The crock pot option is great for meal prep and makes the beef extra tender.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
