Stewed Beef (Beef Tips) with Gravy (2024)

A tried-and-true family recipe for stew beef or beef tips slow-cooked until tender with a rich gravy served over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. JUMP TO THE RECIPE
2. SIX TIPS FOR MAKING IT THE BEST
3. HOW TO SERVE STEWED BEEF WITH GRAVY
4. MORE SLOW-COOKED COUNTRY FAVORITES

Stewed Beef is something I grew up eating. Nanny cooked it and Mama cooked it but I never ran into anyone else that knew what it was.

When I’d refer to "Stewed Beef" people would look at me funny and ask if I meant “Beef Stew”. So I just figured it was a family thing.

It makes the most amazing gravy which we always served over rice. This, with field peas or black-eyed peas, fresh sliced tomatoes, cat head biscuits and potato salad is on of my all-time favorite meals! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

When I posted a picture on the Facebook page and asked if anyone was familiar with it, the entire internet responded with a resounding, Duh, heifer, where you been??

Ah-haaaa... I call it something different than y'all. It looks like many MANY folks call this Beef Tips and some just Stew Beef (no "ed" at the end).

Whatever you call it, I'm just glad y'all love it as much as I do! I was starting to get concerned that the world did not know the goodness of slow-cooked beef with gravy!

ALL YOU NEED TO MAKE STEWED BEEF TIPS WITH GRAVY

I hope you're not expecting anything fancy because this is pretty basic stuff. We are some Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix loving people in my family. It's never occurred to me to try to make it any other way because I think this recipe is perfect.

• Beef stew meat
• Beef broth
• Beefy Onion Soup Mix (such as Lipton)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cornstarch
• Oil, water, salt & pepper

HOW TO COOK STEWED BEEF TIPS WITH GRAVY

Again, nothing fancy or complicated here BUT there is one thing you absolutely must do. Or maybe I should say, absolutely must NOT do but I wrote it into the recipe card and the notes and in the Tips section below.

1. Season beef with salt and pepper then sear in a hot pan
2. Deglaze pan with broth, beefy onion soup mix, worcestershire and water
3. Add beef back to pan then cook low and slow
4. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy
5. That’s it!

SIX TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST STEWED BEEF TIPS

1 – Sear the meat over very hot heat in batches. If the pan isn't hot enough or is too crowded, the meat will just boil in its rendered juices which may make it tough.

2 – Bring the pot to a simmer slowly over low heat.

3 – DO NOT let the pot come to a full rolling boil. If the pot begins boiling hard even over the lowest heat setting, remove the lid to allow for a slower simmer.

4 – If you have time, the meat is even more tender and the gravy thicker if you can let everything rest, off the heat (30 minutes uncovered or 1 hour covered) before serving.

5 – If you can't find "stew meat" in the store or what you find doesn't look amazing, buy a chuck or rump roast then cut into 1-inch cubes. If you really want to win the blue ribbon, render the fat from any trimmings to use to sear the meat (major flavor points if you can!).

6 – You can substitute 2 beef bullion cubes and 1 teaspoon onion powder for the Beefy Onion Soup mix if needed.

HOW TO SERVE STEWED BEEF WITH GRAVY

• I know this may start a riot, but I think this is BEST over white rice.
• I also know y'all are going to eat it how you want to eat it and, depending on where you're from, that is likely over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
• I know a Canadian or two who will eat this over toast.
• 10-year old me would trade dessert for a second helping of this over a piece of white bread.

MORE SLOW-COOKED COUNTRY FAVORITES

– Cabbage and fork-tender pork pieces cooked down in a light tomato broth with caramelized and crispy bits on top.

NANNY'S STICKY CHICKEN – An old-school Southern recipe for fall-off-the-bone tender chicken pieces braised low and slow in a cast iron skillet in a slightly sweet, tangy sauce.

SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS – Fork-tender pork chops smothered in gravy that thickens as the chops bake and tenderizes them low and slow in the oven.

Recipe for How to Stewed Beef (Beef Tips) with Gravy