Quick and Delicious Beef Tips in Savory Gravy

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef Stew Meat: This is the star of the dish! Look for chuck roast or round steak, as they become tender and flavorful with cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try sirloin, though it may cook faster.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. You can use any cream soup as a substitute, like cream of chicken or even a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms and heavy cream for a fresher taste.

Beef Broth: While beef broth enhances the rich flavor, vegetable broth works as a great substitute, especially for a lighter version. Just be mindful if you’re adjusting the seasoning to suit it.

Onion Soup Mix: This gives a quick boost of flavor. If you’re out of it, you can mix onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs instead – it’s an easy homemade alternative!

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch – just use less, as they are stronger in flavor.

How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Beef?

Browning the beef properly is key for great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:

• Heat the skillet before adding oil; it should be hot enough that the beef sizzles when added.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Let the beef sear without stirring for a few minutes, then flip to get a nice golden crust. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.

With this approach, your beef will be flavorful and tender, making your dish even more hearty and inviting!

How to Make Easy Beef Tips and Gravy

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Beef Tips:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

For Serving:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared for serving)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty meal without a lot of fuss!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Browning the Beef:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef stew meat. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides. Browning adds great flavor!

2. Mixing the Gravy Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This tasty mixture will create a delicious gravy.

3. Combining Beef with Gravy:

Once your beef is nicely browned, pour the soup mixture over the beef in the skillet. Use a spoon to stir gently, ensuring that all the meat is coated with the gravy mixture.

4. Simmering to Perfection:

Now, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer for about 30 minutes. This will make the beef tender and let the gravy thicken. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Time for the Mashed Potatoes:

If your mashed potatoes aren’t ready yet, now’s the perfect time to prepare them! You can make them from scratch or use store-bought to save time.

6. Serving It Up:

Once the beef tips and gravy are ready and your mashed potatoes are warm, it’s time to serve! Place the mashed potatoes on each plate and ladle the delicious beef tips and gravy right on top. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the dish for a nice touch. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! While beef stew meat is perfect for this dish, you could also use chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed; tougher cuts may take a bit longer to become tender while leaner cuts will cook faster.

Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?

Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. For a healthier option, consider using a homemade version made from sautéed mushrooms blended with broth and cream!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy gets too thick.

What Can I Serve with Easy Beef Tips and Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even a bed of steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, add a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy!