You want to know what one of my kitchen staples has been for the past couple months? This Pioneer Woman’s Beef Tips And Gravy recipe! It’s such rich, soul-satisfying comfort food.
I’ve been experimenting with a few ways to enhance, change around & improve this ole classic, and have found a few cool tips. And thought I’d share it ALL with y’all! Join me as I create this dish that is sure to gather a bunch of smiles around your table!
What is Beef Tips And Gravy?
Pioneer Woman Beef Tips and Gravy is a dish inspired by Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman, a popular TV personality and food writer. The recipe typically involves tender pieces of beef, such as sirloin or stew meat, cooked until browned and then simmered in a rich gravy made from beef broth, seasonings, and often thickened with flour or cornstarch. It’s known for its hearty, comforting flavor and is usually served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy
Enjoy making this simple yet exquisite copycat Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out the flavors.
- Onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
- Cubed chuck or stew meat: The star of the dish, providing a hearty and tender component.
- Beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and forms the base of the gravy.
- French onion soup: Adds depth and richness to the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Imparts a tangy, umami flavor.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle, herbal aroma.
- Salt & pepper to taste: For seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Water: Used to dissolve cornstarch for the gravy.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper and brown it in small batches to ensure a deep, caramelized flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Cook the Onion: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the chopped onion until it’s softened and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Make The Gravy: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The beef should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the pot, allowing the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember to remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the beef tips and gravy over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes2
hours440
kcalSavor the richness of home with this classic Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy, a perfect blend of tender beef and savory gravy.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons 2 olive oil
1 1 onion, chopped
2 pounds 2 cubed chuck or stew meat
10 10 ½ ounces beef broth
10 10 ½ ounces condensed French onion soup
1 tablespoon 1 Worcestershire sauce
1 1 bay leaf
Salt & pepper to taste
3 tablespoons 3 cornstarch
⅓ cup water
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper and brown it in small batches. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the chopped onion until it’s softened and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the beef broth, condensed French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with ⅓ cup of cold water to create a slurry.
- Gradually stir the cornstarch slurry into the pot, allowing the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the beef tips and gravy over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta noodles.
Like this recipe?
Follow us @recipefairy on Pinterest
Tips & Tricks
Browning is Key: My years in the kitchen have taught me the importance of properly browning the beef. It’s not just about changing the color; it’s about creating a foundation of flavor. Make sure your pan is hot enough so that the beef sizzles as it hits the surface. This caramelization is crucial for a deep, rich flavor in the gravy.
Quality of Meat Matters: Choose the right cut of beef. I prefer chuck or stew meat for its balance of fat and lean. This cut breaks down beautifully over slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. Investing in good quality meat makes a noticeable difference in the dish.
Patience with Simmering: Low and slow is the mantra here. Rushing the simmering process can result in tough meat. Allow the beef to gently cook until it’s fork-tender. This slow process allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become succulently tender.
Balancing the Gravy: Achieving the perfect gravy consistency is an art. The cornstarch slurry is your best friend, but add it gradually. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Stir continuously while adding to avoid lumps and achieve that silky, velvety gravy.
Seasoning at Different Stages: Season the meat before browning, but also taste and adjust the seasoning after the dish is cooked. The flavors develop and change during cooking, so a final adjustment is crucial. This ensures a well-rounded flavor profile in every bite.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Tips And Gravy
To reheat leftover Beef Tips and Gravy, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Both methods should ensure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Can You Freeze Beef Tips And Gravy
Yes, you can freeze Beef Tips and Gravy. To do so, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label them with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing preserves the flavor and quality, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
Enjoy These Recipes
Pioneer Woman Protein Balls
Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: EasyWhip up these no-fuss, delicious Pioneer Woman Protein Balls for a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat – perfect for a quick energy boost or a tasty treat on the go.
Pioneer Woman Swiss Steak
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: EasyEnjoy the rich flavors of Pioneer Woman’s Swiss Steak, a classic dish that combines tenderized beef with a savory tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls
Cooks in 148 minutesDifficulty: EasyWhen I make my Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball, I ensure it’s irresistibly creamy and packed with the perfect blend of crispy bacon and tangy ranch, making it the star of any gathering.
Conclusion
But in true Pioneer Woman form, this dish is an experience, not just a meal. It brings everything we love about home cooking right to the table. Every step is a paint stroke, from browning the beef, to perfecting the gravy. As you savor every tender bite, keep in mind, cooking is the precise expression of love and creativity.
Try it out for yourself and be sure to let us know how it went! Leave us your thoughts in the comments. Tell us how it turned out, share any of your own tips and twists, or even just give a shout out to your favorite flavor in the world of home cookin’.
