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Beef Tips bring home that cozy comfort food feeling with every bite. This recipe makes it surprisingly easy to serve tender beef in a luxurious sauce, perfectly spooned over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Even on busy evenings, you only need about an hour to go from start to finish—no special equipment or rare ingredients required. Expect an effortless experience with truly impressive results.
I first made this after a long workday when I needed a dinner both satisfying and simple. Now it is my go-to dish whenever friends drop in unexpectedly—they always ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: choose a cut with some marbling for best flavor and tenderness cube it yourself or ask the butcher to do it
- Medium onion: this builds the savory base chop it as fine as you like so it melts into the sauce look for firm heavy onions with papery skins
- Garlic: fresh garlic cloves are essential for the deep aroma crush or mince them just before using
- Low sodium beef broth: gives richness without overpowering saltiness look at labels and pick one with the fewest additives
- Soy sauce: adds a savory punch to the sauce go for naturally brewed if possible
- Cornstarch: mixed with water thickens the sauce and makes it glossy always whisk until smooth before pouring in
- Worcestershire sauce: brings subtle tang and savoriness for complexity grab a bottle that lists anchovies among ingredients for real depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Season the Beef:
- Pat beef cubes dry with a paper towel to help with browning and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides
- Sauté the Onions:
- Add a splash of oil to your skillet and drop in the chopped onions Cook them on medium heat for a full five minutes stirring often until they turn translucent and soften without browning This coaxes out their mellow sweetness and sets up the flavor base
- Brown the Beef:
- Scatter the seasoned beef cubes in the pan in a single layer Sear for about eight minutes turning each piece so all sides caramelize evenly Resist the urge to stir constantly the deep brown crust builds umami
- Add Garlic and Deglaze:
- Stir in your freshly minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about one minute Immediately pour in the beef broth scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom These bits dissolve into the sauce adding body
- Simmer with Sauces:
- Pour in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce Stir well and bring the mixture to a steady simmer Lower the heat and let everything cook together so the beef soaks up those good flavors
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch with a splash of water until no lumps remain Then gradually whisk this slurry into the pan Let it cook for two or three minutes stirring as it turns satiny and coats the beef
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon hot beef tips and sauce over rice or mashed potatoes Make sure to drizzle extra sauce for that luscious finish
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Worcestershire sauce is my secret star here Its tangy deep flavor brings everything together My family always lights up when they smell it cooking in the sauce Family holiday meals are not complete without someone asking for these beef tips
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The flavors continue to meld and taste even richer as they sit To reheat add a splash of broth or water before microwaving so the sauce stays silky and beef moist You can also freeze cooled portions for up to two months making this an excellent make-ahead meal
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use stew beef or sirloin instead of chuck roast if needed Mushrooms add heartiness for a budget friendly twist Tamari works well in place of soy sauce for a gluten free option Chicken broth can fill in for beef broth in a pinch though the flavor will be lighter
Serving Suggestions
These beef tips are perfect over classic mashed potatoes or a bowl of steamed white rice Buttered egg noodles work too For a green side you cannot go wrong with roasted broccoli or a crisp salad A sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onion adds color and freshness right before serving
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Cultural and Historical Context
Beef tips have deep roots in hearty home cooking across the US This dish sprang up in kitchens looking to make the most of economical beef cuts by simmering them gently until meltingly tender Each family puts its own spin on the sauce Some add mushrooms or bell peppers some use wine instead of broth What stays the same is how beef tips represent comforting midweek dinners and holiday meals alike
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes, is ideal due to its tenderness after simmering.
- → Can I use a different sauce base?
Yes, you can swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth, though flavor will vary accordingly.
- → How do I thicken the sauce?
Gradually whisk in a cornstarch and water mixture, simmering until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.
- → What sides pair best?
Serve these beef tips over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to enjoy the savory sauce.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.