Hearty & Homestyle Beef Tips with Rich Gravy: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Meal
This incredibly flavorful Beef Tips & Gravy, served generously over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes, is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a cherished meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a hearty meal after a long day.
For many families, including my own, this Beef Tips & Gravy recipe is an absolute favorite. Not only is it unbelievably delicious, but it’s also wonderfully easy to prepare and remarkably cost-effective, making it a staple in our meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate, delivering deep, savory flavors that everyone adores.
What Defines Comfort Food?
How do you truly define comfort food? For some, it might be a decadent, sugary dessert that evokes childhood memories. For others, a steaming, hearty bowl of soup might hit the spot. In my family, the definition of comfort food almost always involves mashed potatoes and a generous helping of rich, savory gravy. This combination brings an unparalleled sense of nostalgia and coziness that few other dishes can rival.
We affectionately refer to such meals as “farm dinners.” My husband grew up on a farm in a quaint small town in Iowa, where substantial, nourishing meals were a way of life. When we visit his family, we can almost guarantee that we’ll be treated to our favorite farm dinner: a succulent roast accompanied by tender potatoes, sweet carrots, cabbage, and, of course, a velvety gravy. It’s more than just food; it’s a meal that inherently feels like home, steeped in tradition and warmth.
For me, growing up, my mom’s pork chops with mushroom gravy held that special place. To this day, it remains one of my most cherished meals, a sentiment echoed by my entire family. Even my boyfriend (now fiancé!) requests those same pork chops and mashed potatoes for his birthday dinner every single year. These are the dishes that create lasting memories and bring families closer together.
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Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef Tips & Gravy:
Crafting the perfect beef tips and gravy requires a careful selection of ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Stew Meat: The star of the dish, providing tender, flavorful chunks of beef.
- Butter: For sautéing and adding a rich foundation to the gravy.
- Onion: Aromatic base, adding depth and sweetness when caramelized.
- Mushrooms (optional): Sliced mushrooms infuse an earthy umami flavor, highly recommended for mushroom lovers.
- Garlic: Essential for its pungent, aromatic kick that complements beef beautifully.
- Flour: Used to dredge the beef and create the roux for a thick, luxurious gravy.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Oil: For browning the beef to create a delicious crust.
- Beef Stock: The liquid base for the gravy, providing rich beef flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle tang and boosts the umami profile of the dish.
- Ketchup: A surprising ingredient that adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness.
- Kitchen Bouquet: A browning and seasoning sauce that deepens the color and flavor of the gravy.
Selecting and Preparing Your Beef
When it comes to the beef, you have a few options. You can conveniently purchase pre-cut beef stew meat from your local grocery store. Alternatively, if you have a roast or round steak on hand, you can easily cut it into 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces yourself. The key is to cut the meat against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. While I personally adore adding sliced mushrooms to this meal for their rich, earthy notes, I understand that not everyone shares my enthusiasm. Feel free to omit them if they’re not to your taste – the dish will still be incredibly delicious.
Understanding Kitchen Bouquet: The Gravy Secret Weapon
I often receive questions about Kitchen Bouquet, an ingredient I use in several of my recipes. This unique browning and seasoning sauce is a fantastic secret weapon for enhancing gravies and other savory dishes. You’ll typically find it in the gravy and seasoning packets aisle of your grocery store.
What Exactly is Kitchen Bouquet?
Kitchen Bouquet is primarily composed of caramel coloring, blended with a medley of vegetable flavorings. It’s been a staple in kitchens for generations, used to deepen the color and enrich the flavor of gravies, soups, and stews since its introduction around 1873. It provides a beautiful, appetizing brown hue and a subtle, savory depth that can elevate a dish from good to exceptional.
If you’re finding it difficult to locate Kitchen Bouquet in your local stores, rest assured, you can easily purchase it online through platforms like Amazon. For those who prefer a homemade alternative, Cooks Info offers a helpful substitution recipe. Don’t let the absence of this ingredient deter you; while it adds a wonderful touch, the recipe is still fantastic without it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Delicious Beef Tips & Gravy
Let’s walk through the process of making these mouth-watering beef tips and gravy, ensuring every step contributes to a rich, tender, and deeply satisfying meal.
1. Sautéing the Aromatics
Begin by melting a generous knob of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add your chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté these aromatics for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, the garlic is fragrant, and the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown. This crucial step builds a foundational layer of flavor for your gravy. Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
2. Dredging and Browning the Beef
Now it’s time to prepare your beef tips. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Take your beef stew meat pieces and dredge them thoroughly in this flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This flour coating not only helps in browning the meat beautifully but also acts as a natural thickener for your gravy.
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the flour-coated beef tips to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to do this in batches. Brown the beef tips on all sides until they develop a rich, deep brown crust. This browning process is essential as it creates a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pan, which will contribute immensely to the depth of your gravy.
3. Building the Gravy and Simmering for Tenderness
Once the beef is browned, pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Kitchen Bouquet into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are packed with flavor! As the liquids heat, the flour from the beef will begin to thicken the gravy, creating a wonderfully smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer you allow it to simmer, the more tender and succulent your beef tips will become. For truly melt-in-your-mouth beef, an hour or even more can make a significant difference.
After the initial simmering, add the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic back into the pan. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. If you find your gravy isn’t as thick as you prefer, you can easily thicken it further by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and a small amount of cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Be sure to cook for a minute or two after adding the slurry to ensure the cornstarch is fully activated and no raw starch taste remains.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Potatoes!
The classic and most beloved way to serve these tender beef tips and their luscious gravy is, of course, over a generous pile of fluffy mashed potatoes! Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? They are the ultimate canvas for soaking up every drop of that rich gravy. There are countless ways to prepare them, whether you prefer them quickly made in your Instant Pot, slowly cooked to perfection in your Slow Cooker, or the traditional Stovetop Mashed Potatoes. For a different texture, try some Rustic Mashed Potatoes with their skins on.
To truly elevate your mashed potato game, consider making Loaded Mashed Potatoes with cheese and bacon, or these irresistible Sour Cream, Bacon and Scallion Mashed Potatoes. Another fantastic option is this yummy Mashed Potato Bake, topped with crispy french fried onions and more cheese. If you’re looking to lower your carb intake, a creamy and flavorful Cauliflower Mash makes an excellent and healthy alternative!
Beyond Mashed Potatoes: Creative Serving Ideas
While mashed potatoes are king, beef tips and gravy are incredibly versatile. Consider serving them over:
- Egg Noodles: The broad, flat noodles are perfect for catching all that delicious gravy.
- White or Brown Rice: A classic pairing, especially for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Creamy Polenta: For a touch of Italian-inspired comfort, soft polenta provides a delightful base.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget the bread to mop up any remaining gravy.
For a complete and hearty meal, serve alongside a simple green vegetable like sweet corn (as we often do) or steamed green beans. And here’s a fantastic idea for a good old-fashioned hot beef sandwich: layer a slice of bread on the bottom of your plate, top it with mashed potatoes, then spoon over the beef tips and gravy. It’s an incredibly satisfying way to enjoy this meal!
If this photo brought you here, you’re looking at an image from my original post, dating back several years. We’ve been savoring this recipe for a long time, and its appeal only grows. Have you made it already? I would absolutely love to hear what you think and how it turned out for your family!
The next time you’re craving a meal that embodies true comfort and brings a smile to everyone’s face, give this Beef Tips & Gravy a try. It’s a recipe that transcends simple ingredients, becoming a memorable experience with every bite.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed recipe for this comforting Beef Tips & Gravy, perfectly served over those irresistible mashed potatoes. You’re just a few steps away from a truly satisfying home-cooked meal.
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Print Recipe
Beef Tips with Gravy
Equipment
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Large skillet or Dutch oven
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce 4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces)
- 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 32 ounces beef stock (low sodium preferred)
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color and flavor depth)
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, optional for extra thickening)
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned. Remove the sautéed vegetables from the pan and set aside.
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Prepare Beef Tips: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the beef stew meat in this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This will help create a nice crust and thicken the gravy.
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Brown the Meat: Add oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the flour-coated beef tips in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear until a rich, golden-brown crust forms on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
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Simmer the Gravy: Pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Kitchen Bouquet (if using) into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir well, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The gravy will start to thicken as it heats. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 45-60 minutes, or even longer, until the beef is incredibly tender.
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Combine & Thicken: Add the sautéed mushrooms, onion, and garlic back into the skillet. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld. If you prefer a thicker gravy, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the hearty Beef Tips & Gravy generously over a pile of warm, fluffy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.