Beef Tips are the perfect cozy meal option for any dinner table, offering a combination of tender chunks of beef simmered in savory broth and rich French onion flavors. This dish elevates the humble stew into a comforting experience, reminding me of family gatherings where everyone gathers around the table, eagerly anticipating each scoop. The beef becomes fork-tender, infused with the umami goodness of the broth and onions, while the warm, fragrant aroma wafts through the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that speaks of home.

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

Cooking beef tips is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about relishing in hearty flavors that bring everyone together. When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had found a treasure that would warm the hearts of friends and family alike. You’ll be grateful for how easily you can whip up this dish – it’s easy, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, dust off those favorite plates, gather the ones you love, and dive into an incredible bowl of beef tips!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and about two hours of cooking time, you can have a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of beef, beef broth, and French onion soup creates a depth of umami that will have you going back for seconds.
Hearty and Filling: Perfect when served over mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy beef tips for a family dinner, potluck, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
Comfort Food: This dish encapsulates the heartwarming essence of American cuisine that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat: This cut is ideal for slow cooking, making it tender and flavorful.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the meat’s flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides seasoning and a hint of heat.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the beef and onions, contributing to the overall flavor.
1 yellow onion: Added to the dish for sweetness and depth.
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth: Serves as the base for the savory sauce.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup: Packed with flavor, this ingredient adds richness and complexity.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy depth to the gravy.
1 bay leaf: Infuses the stew with herbal notes.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh touch that brightens the dish.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
⅓ cup water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.

How to Make Beef Tips

Season the Beef: Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Toss the beef chunks with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in small batches, browning it on all sides. Once browned, transfer the meat to a bowl and set it aside.
Sauté the Onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until it softens, about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf. Stir it all together, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for 1½ to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is fork-tender.
Thicken the Sauce: To give your gravy that perfect, luxurious consistency, mix the cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water. Gradually pour this slurry into the beef mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens to your liking.
Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to discard the bay leaf before serving. This dish is wonderful served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the delicious gravy to soak in.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers of beef tips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, place the cooled beef tips into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the beef tips in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to refresh the gravy if needed. Heat for around 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and still deliciously tender.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcrowd the pot when browning the beef; this ensures a nice sear instead of steaming.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions before adding the remaining ingredients.
If your beef tips end up too thick, simply add a splash of beef broth or water during reheating to reach the desired consistency.
Don’t skip the bay leaf; it harmonizes with the other flavors beautifully.
This dish benefits from being made ahead of time, as the flavors deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

When you savor your first bite of this delightful meal, you’ll understand why Beef Tips hold a special place in my heart. The rich, savory sauce blankets tender beef pieces perfectly, making each mouthful a cozy embrace. Don’t hesitate to try your own variations! Perhaps you’ll add your favorite herbs or make it spicier with red pepper flakes; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy this comforting dish and share it with those you love!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal, you can use other cuts like sirloin or brisket. Just remember that different cuts may alter the tenderness and cooking time.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Simply follow the recipe as directed, then allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. This will align with gluten-free dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Consider adding carrots, potatoes, or peas to the pot after the beef is seared. Just note that this may slightly alter the cooking time. Enjoy experimenting!

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Beef Tips

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the rich flavor of Beef Tips featuring tender cubed beef chuck, savory onion soup, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. This dish is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or a comforting night in, simple enough for any home cook.

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 season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook the beef in small batches until browned, then transfer it to a bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Return the beef to the pot with beef broth, condensed onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, cover, and then simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water, then stir this mixture into the beef slowly until the desired thickness is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and serve over mashed potatoes.

Notes

The beef chuck roast can be substituted with stew meat if preferred.
For added flavor, serve with fresh herbs like parsley on top.
Make it a complete meal by pairing it with vegetables or a side salad.