The Ultimate Beef Tips Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

"Beef tips" can mean slightly different things depending on the recipe or region, but generally, it refers to bite-sized pieces of beef simmered until tender, often in a rich, flavorful gravy or sauce. The meat can come from various cuts, including sirloin, tenderloin, or even tougher cuts like chuck or round when cooked low and slow.

Beef tips are commonly associated with comfort food and are a staple in Southern and Midwestern kitchens. They're also popular in diners and homestyle restaurants where slow-cooked meats shine.

Best Cuts for Beef Tips

Your choice of beef will largely affect the texture and flavor of the final dish. Here are some of the most commonly used cuts:

1. Sirloin Tips

• Lean, flavorful, and fairly tender.
• Great for quicker cooking methods.
• A popular choice for stir-fries or gravied beef tips.

2. Stew Meat (Chuck or Round)

• It is less expensive and more challenging but full of connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during long, slow cooking.
• Ideal for crock pot or braised beef tips.

3. Tenderloin or Ribeye Ends

• They are very tender and more expensive.
• Great for high-end, ultra-tender beef tips.
• If you're looking for maximum flavor on a budget, opt for chuck roast cut into chunks. 
• If you're short on time, cook a quicker dish with sirloin tips.

Ingredients for Classic Beef Tips Recipe

Let’s get into the meat of it—literally. This classic beef tips recipe features seared beef, savory gravy, and a cooking method that results in fork-tender bites.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef sirloin or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Instructions: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sear the Beef

• Pat the beef dry with paper towels to help it brown better.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Sear the beef in batches, browning all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures a good sear instead of steaming.
• Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

• Lower the heat to medium.
• Add more oil to the same pan and sauté onions until translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
• Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

• Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, and thyme.
• Add mushrooms here if using.
• Cook for 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste caramelize slightly—it deepens the flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

• Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Return beef to the pan.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours or until beef is fork-tender. If using sirloin, 45 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

• Mix flour with softened butter in a small bowl to form a paste (a beurre manié).
• Stir into the simmering beef tips a spoonful until the desired thickness is reached.
• Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.

Serving Sides

Beef tips are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few popular options:

1. Mashed Potatoes

   Nothing screams comfort like beef tips over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks in perfectly.

2. Rice

   It's an excellent option for soaking up that savory sauce. For variety, use white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice.

3. Egg Noodles

   Rustic and hearty, egg noodles pair beautifully with tender beef and gravy for beef tenderloin tips recipe. This combo feels like a warm hug.

4. Polenta or Grits

   Spoon beef tips over cheesy grits or creamy polenta for a Southern twist. Add a side of green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.

Crock Pot Beef Tips Variation

• Want to make it even easier? The slow cooker version is just as flavorful and hands-off.

Crock Pot Instructions:

1. Sear beef first if desired (for deeper flavor).
2. Add all ingredients except the thickening agent to the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
4. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the flour-butter paste to thicken.

Tips for Success

1. Don't skip the sear: Browning the meat adds layers of flavor you can't replicate with just simmering.
2. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level better, especially with soy sauce and Worcestershire.
3. Make ahead: Beef tips taste even better as the flavors meld the next day. Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Optional Flavor Twists

Feeling creative? Try some of these upgrades:

1. Herbs: Add rosemary, bay leaves, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar.
2. Creamy version: Stir in a heavy or sour cream splash at the end for a stroganoff-style twist.

Storing and Reheating

1. Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
2. Freeze: Beef tips freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
3. Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

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