Tender beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy, this Pioneer Woman-inspired dish is the epitome of comfort food. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to please the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of beef broth, French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a deeply savory gravy.
- Tender Beef: Slow-simmering ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 pounds cubed chuck or stew meat
- 10 ½ ounces beef broth
- 10 ½ ounces condensed French onion soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup water
Directions
Brown the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then cook in small batches until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Onion
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Gravy
- Return the browned beef to the skillet with the cooked onions.
- Stir in the beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water until smooth.
- Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering pot, stirring constantly, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Final Touch
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
Serve
Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the simmering beef for added flavor and nutrition.
- Wine-Infused Gravy: Replace ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine for a deeper flavor profile.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy for an aromatic touch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check that your broth is gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, stew meat or sirloin tips work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the cut.
2. What can I use instead of French onion soup?
Substitute with caramelized onions and additional beef broth if you don’t have condensed soup.
3. How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Simmer the beef slowly over low heat for the full cooking time to break down connective tissue.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the cornstarch mixture in the last 30 minutes.
5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Beef tips and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
7. Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes, mix flour with water or broth to make a slurry for thickening.
8. What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables are perfect pairings.
9. How can I add more flavor to the gravy?
Add a splash of soy sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.
10. What’s the best way to serve this?
Serve hot with plenty of gravy poured over your chosen side, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, delivering tender beef in a rich and savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of hearty, delicious flavors. Give it a try and savor the classic taste of home-cooked goodness!
PrintPioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. This comforting classic is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 pounds cubed chuck or stew meat
- 10 1/2 ounces beef broth
- 10 1/2 ounces condensed French onion soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Cook in small batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Onion:
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes.
Make the Gravy:
- Return the beef to the skillet.
- Add beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and the bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Gravy:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water until smooth.
- Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Final Touch:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Serve:
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta noodles.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté mushrooms along with the onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it a complete meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 448 kcal per serving
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