Beef Tips & Gravy {Dutch Oven Recipe} - Grandbaby Cakes (2024)

Ah, Beef Tips – the unsung hero of cozy, comfort-food dinners. With its delicious blend of rich gravy, the aromatic allure of thyme, and the zesty undertones from the red wine, this dish has a way of bringing people together. And here’s the best part: it’s budget-friendly! That’s right, you won’t have to buy any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to feed a crowd. You’ll just need pantry staples, stew beef, your trusty Dutch oven, and a lil bit of patience. Oh, and some butter rice! That’s the finishing touch.

Now, I’ve had many beef dishes in my life, but let me tell you, there’s something exceptionally heartwarming about these tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips simmering away — especially when they’re paired with the smokiness of bacon. Yep, I added bacon to this recipe! Because everything tastes better with bacon, right? You know, it’s funny because as much as I like trying dishes that explore complicated flavors and use exotic ingredients, nothing beats the sheer joy of making something simple yet absolutely delicious. That’s what I love to do! And that’s why I love this easy beef tips recipe so much.

Why you’ll love this easy beef tips recipe

• Incredibly Tender: The secret to this dish’s success lies in its slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips. When you bite into them, they’re so tender and juicy that they practically fall apart. SO good!
• Flavorful Gravy: This isn’t just any gravy; it’s rich, deep, and bursting with layers of flavors. It’s the kind of gravy that’ll have you scraping every last bit off your plate – and maybe even sneaking a taste straight from the pot!
• Budget Friendly: High-quality taste doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. These beef tips and gravy are proof that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a special occasion, these beef tips are a crowd-pleaser. There’s something about beef in gravy that brings people together!

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Used to sear the beef and give it that beautiful brown crust.
• Bacon: The ultimate flavor enhancer, bacon adds a smoky depth to the beef tips. Its rich, savory taste really complements the beef.
• Lean Stew Beef or Beef Tips: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking. When made correctly, it’s incredibly tender and soaked with flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To help balance and bring out the best in the tips.
• Onion: When sautéed, it becomes translucent and melds into the sauce, contributing to the dish’s overall depth.
• Minced Garlic: A powerhouse of flavor! It provides a punchy aroma and taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: It acts as a thickening agent, giving our gravy the perfect consistency, ensuring it’s neither too runny nor too thick.
• Red Wine: It adds a rich flavor and deep color to the dish. If you’re worried about the alcohol content, don’t be! It will cook off.
• Unsalted Beef Stock: The base of the sauce! It infuses the beef tips with even more meaty goodness. Opting for unsalted allows you to control the salt content of the dish.
• Soy Sauce: A dash of umami! Soy sauce deepens the color and the flavor profile, adding a salty depth and a touch of savoriness.
• Thyme Sprigs & Fresh Parsley: Thyme brings a subtle earthiness, while fresh parsley, used as a garnish, offers a burst of color and a refreshing taste, contrasting the rich beef and gravy.
• Hot Cooked Rice: The perfect canvas for these beef tips! Rice soaks up all the flavorful gravy and creates a complete, satisfying meal.

How to make Beef Tips

1. Add bacon to a large pot or dutch oven, cook until crisp, remove from pan and drain.
2. Add olive oil to the pan with bacon drippings. Season the beef, add to the pot and sear in batches until browned all over.
3. Once beef is finished searing, remove from the pot, drain on paper towels, and place to the side.
4. Next add chopped onion, stirring until sof. Add garlic, sprinkle in flour, stir together and cook.
5. Add the red wine to deglaze the pan scraping up all the little browned bits. Pour in the beef stock, and soy sauce then stir and whisk until everything is smooth. Then, add thyme sprigs and bring the braising liquid to a boil.
6. Return beef tips to liquid, cover with top and place in the oven until beef tips are completely tender (easily separated with a fork) and the liquid has thickened into a gravy. Serve with hot rice and enjoy!

Tips for making the best beef tips and gravy in oven

1. Sear in Batches: Resist the urge to crowd the pot! Searing the beef in batches ensures that each piece gets a beautiful brown crust. This process locks in the juices and flavors.
2. Use a High-Quality, Lean Cut of Beef: Although this recipe is budget-friendly, the quality of your beef will directly influence the taste and tenderness of your final dish. Opt for a fresh, lean cut to make sure that the beef tips are soft and free from excessive fat.
3. Trust the Cooking Time: While it might be tempting to shorten the oven time, patience is key here. Allowing the beef to cook slowly ensures it absorbs all the flavors and becomes incredibly tender.
4. Keep an Eye on the Liquid: As the beef tips simmer, some of the liquid will naturally evaporate. Check occasionally to ensure the beef remains mostly submerged in the braising liquid. If it’s reducing too quickly, you can add a bit more beef stock.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Wine Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of red wine or simply don’t have it on hand, you can use beef broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar. This combo will still give you the depth and tanginess of red wine!
• Mushrooms: Add sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the pot when you sauté the onions. They add a wonderful earthy flavor to the gravy that’s completely irresistible.
• Potatoes: For an even heartier meal, add some diced potatoes or small baby potatoes to the pot before placing it in the oven. They’ll soak up all the juices and the flavorful gravy.
• Herbs: While thyme is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves.
• Worcestershire Sauce: If you’re out of soy sauce or want a more tangy, umami-rich undertone in the dish, Worcestershire sauce can be a great alternative. It’s equally deep and savory!

What to serve with beef tips and gravy

• For a classic pairing that’s tried and true, go with Rice. Especially butter rice! The grains soak up that rich gravy, and when cooked with a hint of butter, it creates a silky, flavorful base. For me, this is THE ultimate pairing for beef tips.
• Although beef tips and rice is a safe bet, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. It’s pure creamy goodness! The velvety, smooth texture of the potatoes is perfect for soaking up all the meaty flavors of the gravy.
• For a sweet and savory pairing that’s bound to tickle your taste buds, serve your Beef Tips alongside Roasted Butternut Squash. The caramelized edges and sweetness of the squash play off the savory depth of the tips really well.
• And last but definitely not least, add some southern charm with Southern Green Beans! Slow simmered with a bit of turkey necks or ham hock, these beans are savory with just the right amount of bite.

How to store & reheat

Once your beef tips have cooled down to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Make sure the gravy covers the meat to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

While you can use the microwave, for the best results, reheat your beef tips and gravy on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly. And remember, you can add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage!

How long will Beef Tips last in the fridge?

Properly stored, your beef tips and gravy will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Always give it a quick sniff or check for any visual changes to ensure it’s still good to go.

Can I freeze beef tips and rice?

Absolutely, you can freeze this dish! Place the cooled beef tips in a freezer-safe airtight container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

See Also

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Frequently asked questions

Can I make this recipe in a Crockpot?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for making beef tips and gravy in the oven, you can adapt it for a Crockpot. First, follow the initial steps of the recipe like browning the beef and sautéing the onions in a skillet. Then transfer everything to the Crockpot, including other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.

Is it okay if my gravy looks too thin or too thick?
Yes, gravy consistency can vary. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use other meats instead of beef for this recipe?
While beef is traditional, you can use other meats like pork or lamb. However, keep in mind that different meats may have different cooking times and might alter the overall flavor of the dish.

And there you have it! Budget-friendly yet decadent, Beef Tips has a signature ability to bring people together. It’s more than just a meal—it’s pure comfort in a pot. So the next time you’re looking for that perfect simple-yet-delicious beef dish to share, you know just what to whip up!

More Beef Dinner Recipes

• Southern Rice And Gravy Recipe
• Slow Cooker Italian Beef
• Smothered Steak
• Delicious Beef Stew Recipe (How To Make Beef Stew)
• Skirt Steak Marinade With Chimichurri Recipe

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