Beef Tips

Beef tips are a comforting classic that can turn any meal into a hearty, flavorful experience. This recipe uses tender beef chuck roast simmered slowly in a rich and savory gravy with onions, beef broth, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, this dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed or stew meat
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup or condensed onion soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

To Thicken Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ⅓ cup water

Instructions

1. Trim any fat from the beef and toss with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in small batches and transfer to a bowl.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, condensed onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 1½ to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Mix cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water and gradually stir into the beef mixture to thicken the gravy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
8. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced plate.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations

1. Mushroom Beef Tips – Add sliced mushrooms while sautéing onions for earthy flavor.
2. Garlic Herb Beef Tips – Add minced garlic and fresh thyme for aromatic gravy.
3. Red Wine Beef Tips – Replace half the beef broth with red wine for a richer taste.
4. Creamy Beef Tips – Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a creamy gravy.
5. Spicy Beef Tips – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
6. Balsamic Beef Tips – Mix 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth.
7. Slow Cooker Beef Tips – Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
8. Smoky Beef Tips – Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
9. Beef Tips with Carrots – Add chopped carrots during simmering for a hearty touch.
10. Asian-Inspired Beef Tips – Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire and add ginger.
11. Beer-Braised Beef Tips – Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with beer for a rich flavor.
12. Sweet Onion Beef Tips – Add caramelized onions instead of raw for sweetness.
13. Herbed Mustard Beef Tips – Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for tang.
14. Crockpot Beef Tips – Layer ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours.
15. Cheesy Beef Tips – Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving for indulgence.

FAQs

1. What cut of beef is best for beef tips?
   Beef chuck roast or stew meat works best for tenderness.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours until beef is tender.
3. How do I thicken the gravy?
   Use a cornstarch and water slurry or flour for a thicker consistency.
4. Can I use fresh onions instead of canned soup?
   Yes, add extra beef broth and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
5. How long can I store leftover beef tips?
   Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
6. What should I serve with beef tips?
   Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables are perfect.
7. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   Yes, carrots, mushrooms, or peas can be added during simmering.
8. Can I make it spicy?
   Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
9. Can I use a different thickener than cornstarch?
   Yes, flour or arrowroot powder works as well.
10. Is beef tips freezer-friendly?
    Yes, freeze fully cooked beef tips in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Beef tips are a simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights at home. Its versatility allows for countless variations, from creamy and herby to spicy or mushroom-packed, making it a recipe you can customize to your taste. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, this Beef Tips recipe is a must-have for any home cook looking for a hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish.

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