If you’ve ever wondered how to cook beef tips so they turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place! Beef tips are small, bite-sized pieces of beef that come from various parts of the cow, often trimmed from larger cuts. They’re perfect for quick meals or slow-cooked dishes with rich gravy. Whether you want to make a comforting stew, a savory gravy dish, or a quick skillet meal, cooking beef tips is easier than you think. Let’s dive into the best ways to prepare this delicious cut.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are essentially cubed pieces of beef, often from tougher cuts like chuck or round, but sometimes from more tender parts. They have a rich, beefy flavor and can be cooked in many ways-from slow braising to quick searing. Because they come from various parts of the cow, their texture can range from tender to slightly chewy, depending on how you cook them.
Preparing Your Beef Tips
Before cooking, it’s important to season and sometimes brown your beef tips. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps you get a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optionally some flour or spices to add flavor and help thicken your gravy later.
Cooking Methods for Beef Tips
1. Stove-Top Braising (Classic Beef Tips and Gravy)
This is a popular method that yields tender beef in a rich, savory gravy.
– Brown the beef: Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add seasoned beef tips and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
– Cook aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly.
– Add liquids and simmer: Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings like paprika, bay leaves, and thyme. Return the beef to the pot.
– Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.
– Thicken gravy: Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, stir into the pot, and cook until the gravy thickens. Remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.
This method is hands-on but produces melt-in-your-mouth beef tips perfect over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
2. Slow Cooker Method
For a set-it-and-forget-it approach:
– Brown the beef tips in a skillet first for extra flavor.
– Transfer to a slow cooker with onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.
– Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
– Stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken the gravy.
This method is great for busy days and results in tender beef with minimal effort.
3. Oven-Braised Beef Tips
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Brown beef tips in a pan, then transfer to a roasting pan or Dutch oven.
– Add onions, garlic, herbs, and beef broth.
– Cover and roast for 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
– The slow oven heat tenderizes the beef and develops deep flavors.
4. Quick Sear and Stir-Fry
If you’re short on time, sear beef tips quickly in a hot pan with oil, then toss with your favorite sauce or spices. This works well for Asian-inspired dishes with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste or for a quick beef stroganoff.
Tips for Perfect Beef Tips Every Time
– Pat dry before seasoning: This ensures better browning.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown in batches to get a good sear.
– Use flavorful liquids: Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and even a splash of red wine add depth.
– Low and slow for tenderness: Tougher cuts benefit from slow cooking to break down connective tissue.
– Thicken the gravy last: Use a cornstarch slurry to get the perfect consistency.
– Season at the end: Adjust salt and pepper after cooking to avoid over-seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Beef tips are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
– Over creamy mashed potatoes
– With buttered egg noodles
– On top of steamed rice
– Alongside roasted vegetables
– In a warm sandwich with gravy-soaked bread
Flavor Variations to Try
– Add smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky twist.
– Use red wine instead of broth for a richer sauce.
– Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
– For an Asian flair, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of chili paste.
Cooking beef tips is a rewarding way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that feels special but is simple to prepare.
Tender, juicy beef tips cooked in a savory gravy are a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s easy to master with these methods. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving styles!