If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, the Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is your ticket to delicious satisfaction. This dish brings together tender, slow-simmered beef cubes bathed in a rich, flavorful gravy that is both savory and slightly smoky. Each bite is a perfect balance of robust seasoning and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it ideal for cozy dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the depth and richness of the Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe. From tender beef stew meat to the perfect blend of seasonings, everything combines beautifully to create a luscious, satisfying dish.
- 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat: The heart of the dish, providing tender, juicy chunks of beef after slow simmering.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and enhancing all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used to sear the beef and soften the onions, boosting flavor through caramelization.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a mild bite that balances the rich gravy.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic pungency and depth to the dish.
- 3 cups beef broth: Forms the savory base of the gravy with natural umami.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy complexity and richness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Offers saltiness and depth of flavor that melds perfectly with the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces an earthy herbal note that complements the meat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the gravy.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: The thickening agent that turns the broth into a luscious gravy.
- 1/3 cup cold water: Mixed with cornstarch for a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce evenly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by generously seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step ensures every bite is well-flavored. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then sear half the beef cubes until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. Set them aside, then repeat with the remaining beef and another tablespoon of oil. This caramelization is key for flavor layering.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
After removing the beef, reduce heat to medium and add the final tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about four minutes until translucent and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release those irresistible aromas.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Base
Return the seared beef cubes to the skillet. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, then sprinkle in dried thyme and smoked paprika. Stir everything to combine, making sure the beef is submerged in this rich concoction, which will form the backbone of your gravy.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover the skillet. Allow the beef to simmer slowly for one and a half to two hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the meat fibers, transforming the beef into tender morsels infused with savory goodness.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the simmering beef and sauce mixture. Let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to that perfect, velvety consistency that clings deliciously to the beef.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Adjustments
Give your beef tips and gravy a taste test and add extra salt or pepper if you think the flavors need a little boost. This personal touch ensures every bite is just right before serving.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also brings a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the deep, savory gravy. It’s completely optional but highly recommended for that final touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairing sides. Traditional mashed potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly, while rice or buttered egg noodles offer a neutral canvas that lets the beef shine. For a veggie boost, steamed green beans or roasted carrots add color and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the beef tips over creamy polenta or cauliflower mash for a modern twist. Alternatively, spoon the beef and gravy atop a toasted baguette slice for a hearty open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for casual lunches or snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to revitalize the gravy’s luscious texture. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow simmering, tender cuts like sirloin can work too—just reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the beef.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before simmering?
Searing beef creates those wonderful browned bits that add a deep, savory flavor to the final dish. Skipping this step might save time but will result in a less rich gravy.
Can I make the Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After searing the beef and sautéing onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for tender meat and flavorful gravy.
What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have any?
You can use all-purpose flour as a thickener instead. Mix it with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the gravy. Just be sure to cook it a bit longer to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, with a couple of tweaks. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, which many brands now are. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it remains the perfect thickener.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with contentment. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to friends and family. Give it a try and discover how comforting and downright delicious homemade beef tips and gravy can be.
Print
Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 2h 0m
- Total Time: 2h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef stew meat seared to perfection and slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy made with beef broth, Worcestershire and soy sauces, garlic, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Gravy Thickening
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup cold water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Season the beef stew meat generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides, then remove from the skillet. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining beef, then set all seared beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add the last tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Beef and Liquids: Return all seared beef cubes to the skillet. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Sprinkle dried thyme and smoked paprika over the mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Beef: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this slurry into the simmering beef and gravy mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Final Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beef tips and gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the tender beef tips and luscious gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use beef stew meat that’s well-marbled to ensure tenderness after slow cooking.
- Searing the beef in batches prevents overcrowding and promotes better browning and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch slightly, adding gradually while stirring.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed rice.
- Leftovers reheat well and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
