How to Cook the Best Beef Tips Perfectly
Discover how to make the Best Beef Tips with our detailed, easy-to-follow guide that guarantees juicy, tender, and flavorful beef every single time. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to elevate your beef tips into a deliciously hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unexpected tenderness: The slow cooking method breaks down the beef fibers, delivering melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rich, savory flavor: Simple seasoning and aromatics infuse the beef with deep, satisfying taste.
- Quick and approachable: Minimal prep and common ingredients make it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Highly versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from creamy mashed potatoes to buttered noodles.
- Family-friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to perfect Best Beef Tips. Each one plays an important role—from enhancing flavor to achieving the right texture and color. The great news is most are pantry staples, making this a fuss-free recipe.
- Beef tips: Choose well-marbled sirloin or chuck tips for tender, juicy results.
- Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps develop a beautiful sear on the beef.
- Garlic and onion: Aromatics that build depth and savory undertones to the sauce.
- Beef broth: The liquid base that keeps the beef moist and infuses it with flavor during cooking.
- Worcestershire sauce: A small amount packs umami and enhances the meat’s natural taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the beef.
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme): Optional but adds a fresh, fragrant note.
- Flour or cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a luscious consistency.
Variations for Best Beef Tips
Feel free to customize the Best Beef Tips recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. It’s a wonderfully adaptable dish that you can easily tweak without losing that comforting taste.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Mushroom medley: Sauté mushrooms and include them for earthiness and chewy texture.
- Slow cooker version: Use a slow cooker for even more tender beef with no hands-on time.
- Gluten-free option: Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce safely.
- Red wine infusion: Substitute part of the broth for red wine to deepen the flavor profile.
How to Make Best Beef Tips
Step 1: Prepare Your Beef Tips
Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and season generously with salt and pepper. Dry meat browns better, giving that rich, caramelized flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil or butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in a single layer, searing on all sides until beautifully browned. Remove and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—they carry huge flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to release those tasty browned bits. Bring it to a simmer to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Return Beef and Simmer
Transfer the beef tips back to the pan, add fresh herbs if using, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix flour or cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove herbs before serving and enjoy your perfectly cooked Best Beef Tips!
Pro Tips for Making Best Beef Tips
- Room temperature beef: Let your beef sit out for 20 minutes before cooking for even searing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Low and slow simmer: Follow a gentle simmer to breakdown collagen and create that signature tenderness.
- Use a heavy skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel works best for even heat distribution and a perfect sear.
- Rest before cutting: Let cooked beef tips sit for a few minutes to seal in juices.
How to Serve Best Beef Tips
Garnishes
Finish your dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Best Beef Tips pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables—choose your favorite comfort food companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower or inside warm puff pastry shells for an elegant appetizer or dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Best Beef Tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Freeze the beef tips in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce and keep the beef moist and tender.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for beef tips?
Sirloin or chuck tips are ideal for Best Beef Tips due to their balance of tenderness and flavor when cooked correctly.
Can I use frozen beef tips?
Yes, but thaw them fully before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
How long should I cook Best Beef Tips?
Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes or until the beef is tender and sauce is flavorful and thickened.
Can I cook beef tips in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cooking for 6-8 hours on low results in exceptionally tender and flavorful beef.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water, stirring it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Beef Tips at home is easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding. With simple ingredients and a few key techniques, you’ll create a cozy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your go-to favorites!
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Best Beef Tips
Discover the best recipe for tender, juicy, and flavorful Best Beef Tips. This easy-to-follow guide uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to deliver melt-in-your-mouth beef with a rich savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and versatile enough to pair with various sides, this comforting dish will quickly become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken)
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds beef tips (sirloin or chuck), well-marbled
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Thickening Agents
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1–2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Beef Tips: Pat the beef tips dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a good sear.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides. Remove beef from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to build flavor.
- Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to loosen browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate flavors.
- Return Beef and Simmer: Add the seared beef tips back into the pan. Include fresh herbs if using. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a silky, velvety consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove herb sprigs before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Best Beef Tips!
Notes
- Let beef rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even searing.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Maintain a gentle simmer to break down collagen and achieve tender beef.
- Use a heavy skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel for even heat and a perfect sear.
- Let cooked beef tips rest for a few minutes before cutting or serving to seal in juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef tips, tender beef recipe, slow cooked beef, family dinner, hearty beef dish, gluten free beef tips