Beef Tips with Gravy

This Beef Tips with Gravy recipe is one of those comfort foods that never fails to impress, whether you prepare it in the oven or slow cooker. The tender beef tips are bathed in a rich, flavorful gravy, making it an ideal dish for a cozy dinner. Whether you’re using the oven or slow cooker version, both methods yield a delicious result, and the dish is incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

2 lbs of stew meat, cubed: This cuts into small, bite-sized pieces of beef that are perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy.

1 packet of brown gravy mix: Adds rich, savory flavor to the sauce and helps thicken it.

1 can of cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the gravy.

1 packet of onion soup mix: This enhances the savory flavor with a touch of onion and seasoning.

Water (as required): Used to help create the gravy base, adjusting the consistency to your preference.

Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped: A simple, fresh garnish to add color and a hint of brightness to the rich dish.

Oven Version:

This version results in a slightly caramelized, slow-cooked beef with a deep flavor, thanks to the even, consistent heat from the oven. Here’s how to make it:

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 300°F (150°C). A low and slow bake will tenderize the beef and create a rich, flavorful gravy.

Prepare the Gravy Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and 1 cup of water. Stir until you achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture. This will serve as the rich gravy base for the beef.

Assemble the Dish: Place the beef tips in a casserole dish. Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coated and submerged in the liquid. This helps the beef cook in the gravy, making it tender and flavorful.

Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture. Bake for 3 hours without opening the oven door. This allows the beef to become fork-tender and soak up all the delicious flavors of the gravy.

Serve: After the beef is cooked, remove from the oven and serve the tender beef tips over mashed potatoes or rice. Drizzle with the rich gravy and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful, fresh finishing touch.

Slow Cooker Version:

For an even easier and hands-off approach, the slow cooker version allows you to set it and forget it. You’ll get the same melt-in-your-mouth beef, but with the added benefit of doing less work while the slow cooker does all the magic.

Instructions:

Prepare the Gravy: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and 1 cup of water. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.

Layer the Ingredients: Place the beef tips at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring that all the pieces are coated in the sauce.

Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours. The beef will become fork-tender as it slowly absorbs the flavors of the gravy and becomes perfectly tender.

Serve: Once the beef is done, serve it over mashed potatoes or rice. Spoon the flavorful gravy over the beef and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Mashed Potatoes: A classic side for this dish, the mashed potatoes act as the perfect base to soak up the rich gravy.

Rice: For a lighter option, serve the beef tips over white or brown rice, which also pairs wonderfully with the gravy.

Steamed Vegetables: To balance the richness of the beef and gravy, steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas make a great accompaniment.

Helpful Tips:

Beef Tips: For this dish, stew meat or beef tips are ideal because they have enough marbling to stay tender during long cooking times. However, you could also use chuck roast, cut into cubes.

Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add more water (1/4 cup at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it.

Adding More Flavor: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the slow cooker or casserole dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Versatility: Whether you prefer using the oven or slow cooker, this recipe is flexible and can suit your schedule and preferences.

Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are pantry staples, so you likely already have most of them on hand. The combination of onion soup mix, gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup creates a comforting, familiar flavor that everyone will love.

Tender, Flavorful Beef: The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the gravy, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender beef tips. The rich gravy is the perfect accompaniment to the beef and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.

One-Pot Meal: Whether you’re using the oven or slow cooker, this is a minimal-effort, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on the serving size and sides)

Protein: 30-35g

Fat: 25-30g

Carbohydrates: 10-15g (excluding sides)

Fiber: 1-2g

Final Thoughts:

This Beef Tips with Gravy recipe is a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare in either the oven or slow cooker. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s the perfect dish to prepare when you’re craving something savory, tender, and filling. The rich gravy and melt-in-your-mouth beef will leave everyone asking for seconds, making it a great choice for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. So go ahead, grab some stew meat, and enjoy this delicious, no-fuss recipe!

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