Beef Tips are one of those magical dishes that can transform a regular dinner into something truly extraordinary. The tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a robust, rich gravy can make anyone’s mouth water. When I first created this dish, I was looking for something hearty to chase away the chill of a winter night, and I was blown away by how comfortingly delicious it turned out. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Beef Tips
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Beef Tips

What I love most about beef tips is how simple yet impressive they are. With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even for entertaining guests. You’ll feel like a superstar in the kitchen by serving this dish without breaking a sweat. I can assure you; it’s a fantastic choice that’s bound to please even the pickiest eaters. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 2 hours, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels gourmet.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of beef broth and French onion soup adds an unparalleled depth of taste and aroma.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks as good as it tastes, with a glossy gravy coating beautifully browned beef.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, but fancy enough for any special occasion—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Comforting Meal: Ideal for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds beef chuck roast: This cut of beef is highly marbled, ensuring tenderness and flavor when cooked slowly. You can substitute with stew meat, but chuck works best.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor; adjust according to taste.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the rich flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the beef, contributing healthy fat and a delicious crust.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Sweetens the dish and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth: Forms the base of your sauce; makes it rich and savory.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup: Imparts a unique flavor profile and adds to the gravy’s thickness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a touch of complexity.
1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, herbaceous aroma.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For garnish; adds a touch of freshness and color.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy.
⅓ cup water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.

How to Make Beef Tips

Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the 2 pounds of beef chuck roast and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season the beef with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the seasoned beef in small batches, browning it on all sides. Once browned, transfer it to a bowl and set aside. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
Sauté the Onion: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened, around 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the 10.5-ounce can of beef broth, 10.5-ounce can of condensed French onion soup, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Throw in the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer to Perfection: Allow to simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful your dish will become, so don’t rush this step!
Thicken the Gravy: To thicken the gravy, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water in a separate bowl. Gradually pour this slurry into the beef mixture while stirring continuously until the desired consistency is reached.
Final Taste Check: Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Serve: Spoon the beef tips over mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours, but it’s best to refrigerate if you don’t plan to eat them right away. Place in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the beef tips in a container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stove until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce and prevent it from getting too thick. While the flavor remains intact, the texture may slightly change, so keep that in mind.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the beef; this allows for better searing and flavor development.
For a thicker gravy, you can increase the cornstarch amount slightly, but add it gradually to avoid over-thickening.
If you have time, consider marinating the beef in Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before cooking to deepen the flavor.
Always taste the sauce before serving to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking; it might need a little extra salt or pepper.
This dish can easily be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Beef Tips offer a comforting combination of tenderness, flavor, and simplicity that you will adore. The melding of ingredients creates a savory effect that’s hard to resist. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe! Add more vegetables or adjust spices to make it uniquely yours.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly it warms your kitchen and your heart. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones, and make it a new family favorite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor, cuts like sirloin or round steak can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that they may not become as tender as chuck when simmered.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make beef tips gluten-free, substitute the condensed French onion soup with a gluten-free version. Additionally, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten.

Can I add vegetables to the beef tips?

Yes! Carrots, mushrooms, and peas are great additions. If using fresh vegetables, add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep their texture.

How can I thicken the gravy if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as an alternative. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the dish. Just remember to let it cook for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

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Beef Tips

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

These beef tips are hearty and flavorful, making them ideal for a comforting dinner. With tender beef and rich onion soup, this dish is simple to prepare and loved by many.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck roast cubed or stew meat
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion chopped
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed french onion soup or condensed onion soup
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
3 tablespoons cornstarch
⅓ cup water

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Instructions

Trim any fat from the beef and toss it with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the seasoned beef and cook in small batches until browned. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the beef, beef broth, condensed onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
To thicken the gravy, combine cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water. Pour into the beef mixture a little at a time while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Discard bay leaf and serve over mashed potatoes.

Notes

For additional flavor, you can add garlic or mushrooms while sautéing the onions.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it great for meal prep.