Introduction
In this step-by-step tutorial you’ll learn how to make beef tips and gravy with fork-tender meat and a velvety pan sauce — without a 3-hour braise. The trick is sear, roux, simmer.
Ingredients List
- 1.5 lbs sirloin tip, 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp flour, divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire
- 1 tsp Dijon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 tbsp butter
Timing
Prep 10 min. Cook 35 min. Total 45 min. About 75% faster than a traditional braise.
Step 1 — Dry and Season
Pat beef bone-dry. Salt, pepper, and dust with 2 tbsp flour. Rest 5 minutes.
Step 2 — Sear in Batches
Hot oil + 90 seconds per side until deeply browned. Two batches.
Step 3 — Caramelize Aromatics
Same pan: onions + mushrooms 6–7 min. Garlic at the end.
Step 4 — Build the Roux
Sprinkle 1 tbsp flour. Stir 60 seconds.
Step 5 — Deglaze and Simmer
Add broth, Worcestershire, Dijon, paprika, thyme. Scrape fond. Return beef. Cover, simmer 20–25 minutes.
Step 6 — Finish
Whisk in cold butter. Adjust seasoning.
Nutritional Information
- Calories 385 | Protein 32g | Fat 22g | Carbs 11g | Sodium 540mg
Healthier Alternatives
Cornstarch for GF. Half mushrooms for lower-fat. Coconut cream for dairy-free. Coconut aminos to swap Worcestershire.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, polenta, cauliflower mash. Add green beans or Brussels sprouts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wet beef = no sear
- Crowding the pan
- Skipping flour cook-out
- Hard boil = tough beef
- Cold broth shock
Storing Tips
Fridge 4 days. Freezer 3 months. Reheat with broth splash.
Conclusion
That’s how to make beef tips and gravy that taste slow-cooked in 45 minutes. Drop a comment, share a photo, and subscribe for more comfort tutorials.
FAQs
Best cut? Sirloin tip — chuck needs +15 min.
Slow cooker? Yes — sear, then 4 hr low.
Thicken? 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water.
Make-ahead? Yes, flavors deepen.
Wine pairing? Merlot or Côtes du Rhône.
Freeze? 3 months.
Recipe Card: Beef Tips and Gravy
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 45 min | Serves: 4 | Calories: 385/serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin tip, cubed
- 3 tbsp flour, divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion + 8 oz mushrooms + 3 garlic cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp Dijon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 sprig thyme
- 2 tbsp butter, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Pat beef dry, season, dust with flour. Rest 5 min.
- Sear in two batches, 90 sec per side. Reserve.
- Cook onion + mushrooms 6–7 min. Add garlic.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp flour, stir 60 sec.
- Add broth + Worcestershire + Dijon + paprika + thyme. Return beef. Cover, simmer 20–25 min.
- Whisk in butter. Adjust seasoning.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 385 | Protein 32g | Fat 22g | Carbs 11g | Sodium 540mg
