Beef Tips
Beef tips are a warm and inviting dish that instantly evokes cozy family dinners and satisfying nights at home. If you’ve ever craved hearty beef stew but wanted something more streamlined and flavorful, you’ve arrived at the perfect recipe. Tender cubes of beef chuck roast simmer away with a lovely medley of savory seasonings, melding into a rich and luscious gravy that just begs to be scooped over creamy mashed potatoes.
Table of Contents

This dish not only comes together with simple ingredients but also offers a world of taste that far surpasses any takeout option. The combination of beef broth and condensed onion soup deepens the flavor, while the Worcestershire sauce provides that umami kick that makes it simply irresistible. Gather your loved ones and get ready for a meal that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Easily prep this dish in about 15 minutes, letting it simmer effortlessly for a rich flavor.
- Irresistible Flavor: The tender beef combined with a savory gravy makes each bite an explosion of taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve this over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a gorgeous, hearty presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weekday dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using certified gluten-free broth and soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed or stew meat: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful. You can also use a beef brisket if chuck roast isn’t available.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Feel free to adjust based on taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A must for seasoning the meat and adding depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef. A light flavored oil works best, but you can substitute with vegetable oil if desired.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds a sweet aromatic base to the gravy. You can also use a sweet onion for a milder flavor.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth: Essential for creating that rich, beefy flavor. Homemade broth is even better if you have it on hand.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup or condensed onion soup: This brings sweetness and complexity to the equation; opt for low-sodium varieties if watching your salt intake.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor in the dish. You can use soy sauce as a suitable alternative.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with subtle depth. Be sure to remove it before serving!
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional: For a bright, fresh touch and a pop of color.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used for thickening the gravy to your desired consistency.
- ⅓ cup water: To mix with cornstarch for thickening.
How to Make Beef Tips
- Prepare the Beef: Start by trimming any excess fat from the 2 pounds of beef chuck roast. Then, cut it into hearty cubes and toss with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper for optimal flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the seasoned beef in small batches, browning each side until richly colored. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You want them to become translucent and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the 10.5 ounces of beef broth, the 10.5 ounces of condensed French onion soup, and the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Toss in the bay leaf, bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender, stirring occasionally to keep the flavors melding.
- Thicken the Gravy: To thicken the delicious gravy, in a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering beef, a little at a time, until you reach your desired thickness.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary. Don’t forget to discard the bay leaf. Serve your wonderful beef tips over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers of your delicious beef tips, allow them to cool slightly at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the dish in a sturdy, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stove over low heat until heated through. You may notice slight changes in texture, but adding a splash of beef broth or water can help refresh the gravy’s consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Common Mistake: Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the beef; this can cause steaming instead of browning, resulting in less flavor.
- Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your beef is at room temperature before cooking for even browning.
- Timing Strategies: If you’re short on time, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time while still achieving tender beef.
- Texture Troubleshooting: If your beef is not as tender as you’d like, simply give it more time on the stove—it rewards patience!
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine when you simmer the beef.
- Make-Ahead Options: Beef tips are even more flavorful the next day; consider making them a day ahead for a weeknight meal.
There’s a special comfort that comes when you start making beef tips. You’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating a cozy experience that brings people together. The tender chunks of beef, enveloped in that rich, savory gravy, create a wonderful experience that can elevate any dinner table. Plus, it’s slow-cooked love that works whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home.
Go ahead and give this recipe a spin! You’ll likely find yourself coming back to it again and again, not just for its taste but for the stories woven around your dinner table. Enjoy the journey of cooking and, most importantly, enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or even round cuts. Just remember that the cooking times may vary based on the cut.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, look for gluten-free versions of both the beef broth and condensed onion soup. You can easily substitute cornstarch for the thickener, as it’s naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the beef tips?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms during the simmering phase. Just be mindful that some vegetables may alter the cooking time slightly.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
Your beef should easily shred with a fork by the end of the cooking time. If it still feels tough, give it a little more time on the stove—patience rewards you with the perfect texture!
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Beef Ragù
- Healthy Taco Pasta Salad (Meal-Prep Friendly)
- Mongolian Beef So Good You’ll Skip Takeout Forever
- Taco Pasta Salad (Easy Summer Version)
- Baked Meatball Recipe (with The Best Marinara Sauce)
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Beef Tips
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Beef Tips are a must-try for anyone looking for an easy, hearty dish. With tender beef, rich flavors, and simple prep, they’re perfect for a comforting dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cubed or stew meat
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed french onion soup or condensed onion soup
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup water
Instructions
- Trim any fat from the beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the seasoned beef in small batches, cooking until browned. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add the remaining oil, and stir in the chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, condensed onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 1½ to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- To thicken the gravy, mix the cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water and gradually stir it into the beef mixture until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
