If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, beef tips and rice is a perfect choice. This classic dish features tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory gravy with vegetables, served over fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, beef tips and rice delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish step-by-step.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are small cubes of beef, often cut from tender cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. They are ideal for slow cooking or simmering because they become incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in a sauce or gravy. This makes beef tips perfect for dishes like stews, stroganoff, or our star recipe—beef tips and rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make a classic beef tips and rice dish:
– 3 pounds top sirloin or stew meat, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or baby portobello)
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
– 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Optional: For extra depth, substitute 1 cup of beef broth with red wine.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Tips and Rice
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef tips generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cumin. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef tips on all sides until they develop a rich, caramelized crust. This step locks in flavor and texture.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
3. Simmer the Beef Tips
Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker gravy, take a small amount of the cooking liquid and mix it with a bit of flour or cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this back into the pot and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve Over Rice
Spoon the tender beef tips and savory gravy over a bed of hot cooked rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
Tips for Perfect Beef Tips and Rice
– Choosing the right beef: Top sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat all work well. The key is to cook the beef slowly to break down connective tissues and achieve tenderness.
– One-pot convenience: Using a Dutch oven or slow cooker means fewer dishes and a richer flavor as everything cooks together.
– Customize your veggies: Feel free to add carrots, celery, or different peppers to suit your taste.
– Make it in a slow cooker: Combine all ingredients except rice in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for an effortless meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s easy and requires simple ingredients you probably already have.
– The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
– The savory gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for soaking into rice.
– It’s a comforting, satisfying meal ideal for any day of the week.
– Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Beef tips and rice is a timeless dish that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. With just a few simple steps, you can create a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!