Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed dish, Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy is the perfect recipe to try. This dish features tender, slow-cooked beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy infused with garlic, onions, and seasonings. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion.

Beef tips and gravy are a Southern classic often served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even fluffy biscuits. The Pioneer Woman’s take on this dish involves slow simmering to develop deep flavors while keeping the meat incredibly tender. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re using a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, ingredient variations, cooking techniques, and expert tips to ensure your beef tips turn out flavorful and fall-apart tender every time. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth beef – Slow cooking ensures the beef is incredibly tender.
• Rich, flavorful gravy – Made from beef drippings, broth, and seasonings.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or holidays.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Versatile serving options – Delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours (or 8 hours in a slow cooker)
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup of beef tips with gravy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips:

• 2 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for a creamy gravy)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef Tips

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add half the beef tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Repeat with the remaining beef, adding more oil if needed. Browning the meat locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the gravy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

• Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
• Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Beef Tips

• Return the seared beef tips to the pan.
• Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and let cook for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare the Gravy

• In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
• Slowly pour in 1 cup beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, and heavy cream (if using). Simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Stir the gravy into the beef mixture and let cook for another 10 minutes.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Ingredient Background

• Beef Tips – Sirloin or stew meat works best for slow cooking.
• Beef Broth – Forms the base of the rich, savory gravy.
• Worcestershire & Soy Sauce – Add umami depth and richness.
• Flour & Butter – Create a classic roux for thickening the gravy.

Technique Tips

• For Extra Tender Beef – Cook low and slow for 2 hours.
• For a Thicker Gravy – Simmer longer or add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water.
• For More Flavor – Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Serve in Bread Bowls – Hollow out crusty rolls and fill with beef tips.
• With Roasted Potatoes – Instead of mashed potatoes, serve over crispy roasted potatoes.
• Over Grits – Southern-style comfort food at its finest.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use a Slow Cooker – Cook on low for 6–8 hours for an effortless meal.
• Make it Spicy – Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a heat boost.
• Double the Batch – Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Beef Tips – Add ½ cup sour cream for a stroganoff-like dish.
• Mushroom Beef Tips – Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Herb-Infused – Add rosemary and bay leaves for a rustic touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on stovetop over low heat, adding broth if needed.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Leaner Beef – Swap with sirloin or ground turkey.
• Reduce Butter – Use olive oil for a lighter version.
• Low-Sodium – Use low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinners – Serve with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
• Holiday Gatherings – Pair with creamed spinach and dinner rolls.
• Meal Prep – Portion into meal containers with steamed rice.

Special Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker
• Heavy-Bottomed Skillet
• Whisk for Gravy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While sirloin tips are commonly used, other cuts of beef can work well depending on the cooking method and how tender you want the beef to be. Here are some excellent alternatives:

• Chuck Roast – A budget-friendly choice that becomes fork-tender when slow-cooked.
• Stew Meat – Pre-cut pieces of beef, usually from chuck or round, are convenient and flavorful.
• Beef Brisket – Adds a deep, beefy flavor but requires a longer cooking time.
• Short Ribs – Ideal for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture but best suited for slow cooking.
• Top Sirloin – Leaner than chuck but still tender when simmered properly.

If you’re in a rush, ground beef can be used as a quick substitute, though the texture will be different from traditional beef tips.

2. How do I prevent tough beef?

The key to tender, juicy beef tips lies in low and slow cooking. Here are a few tips to avoid tough meat:

• Cook for at least 1.5–2 hours on low heat for stovetop or oven methods.
• Use a slow cooker and let the beef braise for 6–8 hours on low.
• Don’t rush searing – Browning the beef properly enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Add acidity – Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of lemon juice helps break down tough muscle fibers.
• Slice against the grain – Cutting the beef opposite to the muscle fibers ensures a more tender bite.

If you find your beef too chewy, let it simmer longer until it softens. Over time, the connective tissues break down, making the meat fall apart easily.

3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! An Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while still delivering tender beef tips and flavorful gravy. Follow these steps:

• Sear the beef tips using the Sauté function with a little oil.
• Remove the beef and sauté onions and garlic until softened.
• Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.
• Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
• Allow natural pressure release for 10–15 minutes before opening.
• Switch back to Sauté mode and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken the gravy.

This method makes the dish quick, hands-free, and perfect for busy nights.

4. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce adds depth, umami, and a slight tang to the gravy. If you don’t have it, try one of these substitutes:

• Soy Sauce + Balsamic Vinegar – Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce with ½ tsp balsamic vinegar for a similar depth.
• A1 Steak Sauce – Adds a similar tangy and savory note.
• Oyster Sauce – Provides a rich umami flavor, though slightly sweeter.
• Fish Sauce + Brown Sugar – A teaspoon of fish sauce with a pinch of sugar mimics Worcestershire’s complex taste.

If you prefer a completely homemade version, combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of garlic powder, and molasses for a DIY Worcestershire sauce substitute.

5. How do I thicken the gravy without flour?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative or simply don’t want to use flour, cornstarch is an excellent thickening agent. Follow these methods:

• Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering gravy. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
• Arrowroot Powder: Use ½ tablespoon arrowroot powder mixed with cold water for a similar effect.
• Mashed Potatoes: Stir in a small amount of mashed potatoes for a naturally thickened, creamy gravy.
• Blended Vegetables: Puréed onions, mushrooms, or carrots can be added to the gravy for thickness and extra flavor.

Avoid adding cornstarch directly to hot liquid, as it can clump. Always mix it with cold water first to ensure a smooth consistency.

6. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze without the cornstarch slurry—add it after reheating for a fresh consistency.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little beef broth if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1 hour for a hands-free method.

7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! This dish is naturally dairy-free except for the butter and optional heavy cream in the gravy. To make it completely dairy-free:

• Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Omit heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy texture.
• Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is dairy-free, as some brands contain anchovies.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables makes this dish even heartier and more nutritious. Some great options include:

• Mushrooms – Add a deep umami flavor that complements the beef.
• Carrots – Sweetness balances the savory flavors.
• Peas or Green Beans – Stir them in towards the end for a pop of color and texture.
• Bell Peppers – Sauté with the onions for added sweetness.

For best results, add firm vegetables (like carrots) during the simmering stage, and softer vegetables (like peas) in the last 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

9. What are the best side dishes to serve with beef tips and gravy?

This dish pairs well with classic comfort food sides. Some popular serving options include:

• Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture soaks up the flavorful gravy.
• White or Brown Rice – A simple, hearty base.
• Egg Noodles – Adds a soft, buttery bite to the dish.
• Garlic Bread or Biscuits – Perfect for sopping up the rich gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables – A healthy, flavorful side that complements the dish.

10. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! Slow cooking is one of the best ways to ensure fork-tender beef tips. Here’s how:

• Sear the beef tips in a skillet for extra flavor.
• Transfer to a slow cooker and add onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
• Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until tender.
• Mix cornstarch slurry and stir into the slow cooker 20 minutes before serving to thicken the gravy.

This method is foolproof and hassle-free, making it perfect for busy days or meal prepping.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a luscious gravy. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Try it today for a hearty and satisfying meal!

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