If you’re craving tender, juicy beef tips cooked to perfection, the oven is your best friend. Cooking beef tips in the oven is easy, flavorful, and results in melt-in-your-mouth bites that are perfect for a comforting meal. Whether you want a quick roast or a slow-cooked, fork-tender dish, this guide will walk you through how to cook beef tips in the oven with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are small pieces of beef, often cut from sirloin or stew meat, that are perfect for quick cooking or slow braising. They absorb flavors well and become tender when cooked properly, making them ideal for oven recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef tips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, fresh herbs (thyme or parsley)
How to Cook Beef Tips in the Oven: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting beef tips evenly without drying them out.
2. Prepare the Beef Tips
Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Then, drizzle olive oil over the beef and toss to coat evenly.
3. Season the Meat
Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this spice rub over the beef tips, making sure every piece is well-seasoned. Gently massage the spices into the meat for maximum flavor.
4. Use a Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the seasoned beef tips in the dish in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Cover and Cook
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture, helping the beef tips cook evenly and stay juicy.
6. Roast in the Oven
Place the covered dish in the oven and roast for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The exact time depends on the size of your beef tips and how tender you want them.
7. Check for Doneness
After the cooking time, remove the foil and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C); for medium, 145°F (63°C). If you want them more well-done, continue cooking uncovered for a few more minutes.
8. Let the Meat Rest
Remove the beef tips from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your oven-cooked beef tips with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a rich gravy for extra indulgence.
Optional: Make a Delicious Gravy with Your Beef Tips
For a comforting twist, you can make a savory gravy right in the oven:
– After browning the beef tips in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, remove the meat.
– Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot.
– Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
– Deglaze with red wine or beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
– Add beef broth, soy sauce, and fresh herbs like thyme.
– Return beef tips to the pot, cover, and bake at 375°F for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
– The liquid will thicken into a rich gravy to serve over the beef tips.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Cooked Beef Tips
– Searing first: For extra flavor, sear beef tips in a hot pan before placing them in the oven.
– Low and slow: For fork-tender results, cook at a lower temperature (around 250°F) for several hours.
– Use a meat thermometer: This ensures you hit the perfect doneness without overcooking.
– Add bacon or herbs: These add layers of flavor to your beef tips.
– Cover tightly: Prevents drying out and keeps the beef juicy.
Variations to Try
– Beef Tips with Onion Soup Mix: Mix beef tips with Lipton Onion Soup Mix, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth, then bake low and slow at 250°F for about 6 hours until tender.
– Spicy BBQ Beef Tips: Add chili powder and your favorite BBQ sauce to the seasoning for a smoky kick.
– Red Wine Beef Tips: Use red wine in the braising liquid for a rich, deep flavor.
Cooking beef tips in the oven is a versatile method that lets you tailor the dish to your taste and schedule. Whether you want a quick roast or a slow braise, the oven delivers tender, flavorful beef every time.
Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked beef tips with your favorite sides and sauces!
Tender, juicy beef tips made in the oven are a simple, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.