Beef tips with rich gravy served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes is one of the most comforting meals you can prepare. It is warm, savory, and deeply satisfying, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or hearty weekend meals. This dish is known for its tender chunks of beef simmered slowly until they become melt-in-your-mouth soft, coated in a flavorful brown gravy that pairs beautifully with freshly made mashed potatoes. If you love classic home-style cooking, this recipe will easily become a favorite at your table.
Beef tips are often made using stew meat, sirloin tips, or chuck roast cut into small pieces. These cuts benefit from slow cooking, which allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in beef that is incredibly tender. The gravy is usually made from pan drippings, broth, seasonings, and sometimes a touch of cream or flour to give it a smooth, velvety texture. When spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes, every bite is savory, creamy, and rich.
This recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can prepare the beef tips on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. It is also an excellent choice for meal prepping because the flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better the next day. Pair the dish with vegetables like green beans, steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
Below is a full guide on how to prepare beef tips with gravy, along with tips for achieving the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the beef tips
• 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the gravy
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup additional beef broth if needed
For the mashed potatoes
• 6 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup warm milk or cream
• Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them until browned on all sides. Browning adds deep flavor to the dish, so do not rush this step.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté it for a few minutes until it becomes soft. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings throughout the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beef simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender. You can also simmer longer for extra tenderness.
- Prepare the gravy by melting butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook the flour mixture until slightly golden, then slowly whisk in a cup of broth until it becomes a smooth, thick gravy base.
- Pour the gravy mixture into the pot of beef tips. Stir well and allow the stew to simmer for another 10 minutes so the gravy thickens and coats the beef.
- While the beef cooks, place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil until tender. Drain them, then add butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the seasoning with salt.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate and top it with a hearty serving of beef tips and rich gravy.
Serving Ideas
Beef tips with gravy pair wonderfully with:
• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Buttered corn
• Roasted carrots
• Dinner rolls or biscuits
The dish also freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve the texture of the gravy and mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This classic comfort meal is simple to make yet packed with deep, satisfying flavors. Whether you are feeding a large family, preparing a cozy dinner for two, or planning meals ahead of time, beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes always delivers. The tender beef, the rich homemade gravy, and the softness of the mashed potatoes create a complete dish that feels both nostalgic and delicious. It is a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation, especially on days when you crave something warm and hearty.