Savory Beef Tips with Rice and Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, flavorful brown gravy and served over fluffy white rice. This classic meal is satisfying, warm, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or Sunday supper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, deep flavor: The beef is seared for flavor and simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender in a thick, savory gravy.
Comfort food favorite: This is a timeless dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite.
Perfect over rice: The flavorful gravy soaks into fluffy rice, making each forkful hearty and delicious.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef like chuck or stew meat, which become tender through slow cooking.
Versatile: Can also be served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or biscuits.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
Olive oil or butter
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Beef broth or stock
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce (optional for umami)
All-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
White rice, cooked separately

directions

Sear the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add to the pan in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Deglaze and simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce if using. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Cover and cook: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beef is very tender. Stir occasionally.
Thicken the gravy: In a small bowl, mix flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.
Serve over rice: Spoon the beef and gravy generously over a bed of warm cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours

Variations

Slow cooker version: Transfer seared beef and all ingredients (except thickener) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Thicken at the end.
Mushroom gravy: Add sliced mushrooms for extra depth and earthiness.
Red wine twist: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding broth.
Creamy gravy: Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Beef and gravy freeze well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for beef tips?

Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin tips all work well. Chuck becomes very tender when slow cooked.

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, though traditional long-grain or jasmine rice gives better texture and flavor.

How do I make the gravy darker and richer?

Use a dark beef broth and allow the beef to brown deeply before adding liquid. A small splash of soy sauce helps deepen color and flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Carrots, mushrooms, or peas can be added during the last 30 minutes of simmering.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes. Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken and ensure all sauces used are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes, though the flavor may slightly differ.

Should I cover the pot while simmering?

Yes, to keep the beef tender and prevent too much liquid from evaporating. Remove lid near the end to thicken.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Sear beef on sauté mode, then cook on high pressure for 30–35 minutes. Use sauté mode again to thicken the gravy.

What sides go well with beef tips and rice?

Green beans, roasted vegetables, salad, or cornbread are excellent complements.

Is this dish spicy?

No. It’s savory and rich. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Conclusion

Savory Beef Tips with Rice and Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s a timeless classic that’s simple to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for both everyday dinners and special family meals. With its robust flavors and comforting appeal, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.