If you’re searching for a meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, this Beef Tips and Rice Recipe is absolutely worth a spot on your dinner table. Tender, juicy beef tips slow-simmered in a savory brown gravy, paired perfectly with fluffy white rice, create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s incredibly straightforward to make but delivers a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe stands out as a tried-and-true favorite that celebrates the beauty of simple, hearty ingredients done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic behind this Beef Tips and Rice Recipe. Each element plays a key role in bringing out the rich flavors, tender textures, and classic homey feel that define this dish.
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choose good-quality beef cut into bite-sized pieces for tenderness and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the beef and building that delicious browned crust.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a fragrant kick that complements the meat.
- 2 cups beef broth: The savory base of the gravy, enriching the beef’s natural taste.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a tangy umami layer that makes the sauce irresistibly flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the color and adds a savory nuance.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends an earthy herbal note that blends beautifully with the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For mild spice and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the gravy to the perfect luscious consistency.
- 3 cups cooked white rice: The fluffy, neutral bed that lets the beef and gravy shine.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the dish.
How to Make Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in a single layer, but don’t overcrowd the pan—you can do this in batches if needed. Let the beef brown on all sides without stirring too much; this step forms that amazing crust that locks in flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside so you can focus on developing the base of your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
With the beef removed, lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onion. Let it cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and starts to become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more to release that fragrant aroma without burning it. This foundation will elevate the flavor of your gravy significantly.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Simmer
Return the seared beef tips to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, giving everything a good mix. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to season. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef cook slowly for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
In the final minutes, stir in your cornstarch slurry and keep the mixture simmering for another 3 to 5 minutes. This will thicken the liquid into a rich, savory gravy that perfectly coats each beef tip, making every bite so satisfying.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
Dish out your steaming white rice onto plates or bowls and ladle the tender beef and luscious gravy on top. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness, but it’s totally optional if you prefer to keep it classic.
How to Serve Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh green herbs not only adds a burst of color but also brightens the rich flavors of the beef tips and gravy. For a little extra flair, you can also grate some sharp Parmesan or add a dollop of sour cream to create a lovely, creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, think simple and fresh. Steamed green beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted root vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast and bring more colors to your plate. Crisp salads also work beautifully, balancing the heavy richness of the beef tips and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make dinner a little fancier, serve the beef tips over a bed of wild rice or creamy mashed potatoes instead of white rice. You could also plate this dish family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet for a warm, inviting presentation that gets everyone digging in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Beef Tips and Rice Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Simply store the beef and the rice separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and you’ll have a ready-made meal waiting for you.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the beef tips and gravy completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. Rice freezes well too, but for best texture, freeze separately and thaw both parts overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Frozen beef tips and rice will keep for about 2 to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the beef tips gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Warm the rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop with a sprinkle of water to revive its fluffy texture. This way, the dish tastes as fresh as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use another type of rice with this Beef Tips and Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While white rice is classic, brown rice, jasmine, or even wild rice can work beautifully. Just keep in mind the cooking times and textures might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely slow-cook the beef tips. Brown the meat first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the other ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender. Add the cornstarch slurry near the end and cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken the gravy.
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?
Flour is a great alternative if you don’t have cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to form a paste and stir it in just like the slurry, allowing a few minutes to thicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, this dish remains gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be sure.
How do I know when the beef tips are fully cooked?
You’ll know the beef is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. This usually takes 45 to 60 minutes of simmering at low heat. Taste a piece if you’re unsure!
Final Thoughts
This Beef Tips and Rice Recipe truly feels like home on a plate. The way those tender beef pieces soak up the rich, savory gravy and pair with fluffy rice is pure comfort food magic. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something reliably delicious and satisfying. I promise, it’ll quickly become a favorite you reach for time and time again.
Print
Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef tips and rice is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender beef simmered in a savory brown gravy and served over fluffy white rice. It’s a family favorite that’s simple to prepare and packed with rich, meaty flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy Sunday meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Thickening and Serving
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Gravy: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the beef mixture and simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to a smooth, rich consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and gravy over warm cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine or a pat of butter at the end of cooking.
- Serve with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
