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Easy Beef Tips and Gravy

This easy beef tips and gravy recipe features tender beef simmered in a rich homemade brown gravy made with beef broth, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef
  • 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Gravy
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Additions
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method
 

Season the Beef
  1. Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Sear the Beef
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
  2. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until the beef is nicely browned on the outside. The beef does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Make the Gravy
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for about 1 minute.
  2. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen the browned bits.
Simmer the Beef
  1. Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pan. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  2. Cover and cook gently until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened. Cooking time will vary depending on the cut and size of the beef pieces.
Finish the Gravy
  1. Stir in the butter until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
  2. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serve
  1. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Pat the beef dry before searing to encourage better browning.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; sear the beef in batches if necessary.
  • Keep the gravy at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil.
  • Cooking time depends on the beef cut used.
  • Tougher cuts such as stew meat or chuck benefit from longer, slower cooking.
  • Sirloin tips generally require less cooking time.
  • Add mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • If the gravy becomes too thick, loosen it with a small amount of beef broth.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, green beans, carrots, or broccoli.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh finishing flavor.