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Tender Beef Tips with Rich Gravy

115 min 4 servings Medium
Beef tips are a classic comfort food, often found in Canadian households. These bite-sized pieces of beef, simmered in a rich and velvety gravy, are perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Our version of this beloved dish focuses on achieving tender beef and a deeply flavoured sauce by carefully selecting ingredients and following precise cooking techniques. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure your beef tips come out perfectly every time. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll be serving up a meal that everyone will love.

Instructions

1

Prepare the beef

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Dry beef before searing for better browning.

2

Brown the beef

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.

Pro tip: Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.

3

Sauté the aromatics

In the same pan, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Pro tip: Scrape up browned bits from the pan for extra flavour.

4

Create the roux

Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Pro tip: Cook the flour until it turns a light golden colour to avoid a raw taste.

5

Simmer with broth

Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a simmer.

Pro tip: Control the consistency by adjusting the amount of broth.

6

Cook the beef

Return the beef to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Pro tip: Check tenderness by piercing with a fork; it should slide in easily.

7

Rest and serve

Remove from heat and let the beef rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy beef tips.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking.
  • Let the beef rest before serving for tender results.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste towards the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for beef tips?

Beef chuck roast is ideal for beef tips due to its marbling, which ensures tenderness.

How do you make beef tips tender?

Simmering the beef slowly over low heat allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender beef.

Can beef tips be made ahead?

Yes, you can make beef tips ahead. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

How many calories are in beef tips?

A serving of beef tips with gravy contains approximately 550 calories.

What can I serve with beef tips?

Beef tips pair well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice and a side of steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these beef tips over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to add a touch of brightness to the plate. These beef tips can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to maintain their tender texture.

Nutrition per serving

550

Calories

45g

Protein

38g

Fat

10g

Carbs