Classic Comforting Beef Tips & Rice
This recipe delivers tender beef tips smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy, served over perfectly fluffy rice. It's a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours (depending on beef tenderness)
For the Beef Tips & Gravy:
1.5 - 2 lbs Beef Sirloin Tips, Chuck Roast, or Stew Meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for coating beef)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
2 tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (divided)
1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
3-4 cups Beef Broth (low sodium recommended)
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp Soy Sauce (optional, for deeper umami)
1 sprig Fresh Thyme (optional)
1-2 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 2-3 tbsp cold water (slurry, for thickening if needed)
Salt and Pepper to taste (for final gravy adjustment)
For the Fluffy White Rice:
1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice
3 cups Water (or follow package directions)
2-3 Green Onions, thinly sliced
Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a lid
Medium saucepan with a lid (for rice)
1. Prepare the Beef:* Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels (this helps with searing).
* In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
* Add the beef cubes and toss until evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture.
2. Sear the Beef:* Heat 1 tbsp of oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, sear the beef cubes on all sides until deeply browned. Don't cook them through, just get a good crust.
* Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside on a plate. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil if the pot looks dry.
3. Sauté Aromatics:* Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden (about 5-7 minutes).
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Build the Gravy & Simmer:* Pour in about 1/2 cup of the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond) – this adds lots of flavor!
* Return the seared beef (and any accumulated juices) to the pot.
* Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), bay leaf, and thyme sprig. Stir everything together.
* Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook Until Tender:* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with the lid.
* Let the beef tips simmer gently for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Check occasionally and add a splash more broth if the liquid reduces too much.
6. Cook the Rice:* About 20-25 minutes before the beef is expected to be done, prepare the rice.
* Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
* In the medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, butter (if using), and salt (if using).
* Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to package directions) until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
* Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
7. Finish the Gravy:* Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig (if used).
* Taste the gravy. If it's not thick enough for your liking, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry while the gravy is simmering gently. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until thickened to your desired consistency.
* Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:* Spoon a generous amount of fluffy white rice onto plates or into shallow bowls.
* Ladle the tender beef tips and rich gravy over the rice.
* Garnish generously with sliced green onions.
Enjoy your comforting, homemade Beef Tips & Rice!
