Beef Tips and Rice

A Cozy and Flavorful Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal at the end of a long day, and beef tips and rice is the perfect dish for that. It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite that never disappoints.

Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked in a delicious brown gravy and then served over a bed of fluffy rice. Every bite is comforting, filling, and oh-so-satisfying.

One of the best things about this dish is its easy preparation. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—even if you’re short on time.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for something cozy for a weekend meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a great option for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.

I love this recipe because it’s a no-fuss, one-pot wonder that delivers big on flavor. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks, and the savory gravy is perfect for spooning over rice. It’s also a meal that brings people together—there’s something so comforting about sitting down to a bowl of beef tips and rice, especially when it’s homemade with love.

Whether you’re craving something warm and filling during colder months or need a reliable, easy meal to add to your rotation, beef tips and rice is a fantastic choice. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the dinner table. Stay tuned for the full recipe, cooking tips, and variations to make it your own!

About Beef Tips and Rice

Beef tips and rice is a classic comfort food that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich and flavorful gravy, all served over perfectly cooked rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that has been a staple in many households for generations.

What sets beef tips and rice apart from similar dishes like beef stew or stroganoff is its simplicity. Unlike beef stew, which includes vegetables like carrots and potatoes, this dish focuses primarily on the beef and gravy, allowing the flavors to shine.

Compared to beef stroganoff, which has a creamy sauce, beef tips and rice has a deep, savory brown gravy that pairs perfectly with the rice. It’s a no-frills, deeply satisfying meal that lets the beef take center stage.

Why You’ll Love It

1. Super Comforting – There’s something about a warm bowl of beef tips and rice that just feels like a hug in food form. The rich gravy and tender beef make it a perfect meal for cozy nights.
2. Easy to Make – Whether you’re using a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare. Just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort can create an amazing meal.
3. Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable cuts of beef and pantry staples, this meal is easy on the wallet while still being filling and delicious.
4. Great for Meal Prep – This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
5. Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re serving it to picky eaters or feeding a hungry family, beef tips and rice is always a hit. It’s simple enough for kids to love but flavorful enough to impress adults.

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips and Gravy

• 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or ½ tsp fresh thyme)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Rice

• 1 ½ cups white rice (or brown rice, if preferred)
• 3 cups water or beef broth for extra flavor
• ½ tsp salt

Ingredient Notes

• Best Cuts of Beef – I love using sirloin tips because they stay tender, but stew meat or chuck roast also works well. Just be sure to cook it long enough to break down the tougher cuts.
• Worcestershire Sauce Magic – This adds a rich umami depth to the gravy—don’t skip it! If you don’t have it, a splash of balsamic vinegar can work as a substitute.
• Thickening the Gravy – A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is my go-to for making the gravy silky and just the right consistency. If you prefer, you can use flour instead.
• Rice Tip – Cooking the rice in beef broth instead of water gives it extra flavor and makes the whole dish even more delicious!

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Large Skillet or Dutch Oven – Perfect for browning the beef and simmering the gravy. A cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan works best for even cooking.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Great for stirring and scraping up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – You’ll need these to chop the beef and onions easily. A good chef’s knife makes the job much smoother.
4. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Essential for getting the right balance of seasonings and liquids.
5. Small Bowl for Cornstarch Slurry – Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the gravy prevents clumps.
6. Rice Cooker (Optional) – If you make rice often, a rice cooker is a game changer! It cooks rice perfectly with no guesswork. I love using the Zojirushi Rice Cooker—it’s reliable and keeps the rice warm for hours.
7. Tongs – Helps with flipping and handling the beef pieces without losing too much juice.

Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier, and if you invest in a few good-quality ones, they’ll last you for years!

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef (5-7 minutes)

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef tips in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This locks in flavor!
3. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Let it develop a nice brown crust—that’s where the flavor comes from!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (3 minutes)

4. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
5. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it! Stirring constantly will prevent it from getting bitter.

Step 3: Make the Gravy (15-20 minutes)

6. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds incredible flavor!).
7. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
8. Return the seared beef to the pan, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: If using a tougher cut like stew meat, let it simmer for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender. Add more broth if needed.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (3 minutes)

9. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
10. Stir the slurry into the beef mixture and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.

The gravy should be silky and coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry.

Step 5: Cook the Rice (While the Beef is Simmering)

11. Rinse 1 ½ cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
12. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water or beef broth and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil.
13. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes (or follow the rice package instructions).
14. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Pro Tip: Cooking the rice in beef broth instead of water gives it extra flavor and makes it more delicious!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

15. Spoon the beef tips and gravy over the cooked rice.
16. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color (optional but makes it look fancy!).
17. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal!

This dish pairs perfectly with a side of roasted veggies, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. Now, dig in and enjoy every bite!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor – Don’t skip browning the beef! This step creates a deep, rich flavor that takes the dish to the next level. If you toss the beef straight into the broth, you’ll miss out on that delicious caramelized taste.
• Low and Slow for Tender Meat – If using a tougher cut like stew meat or chuck roast, let it simmer longer (up to an hour). The longer it cooks, the more tender and melt-in-your-mouth it becomes.
• Adjust the Gravy Thickness to Your Liking – Love extra-thick gravy? Add a little more cornstarch slurry. Prefer a thinner sauce? Stir in more broth. This dish is super forgiving, so tweak it to your preference.
• Use Beef Broth for the Rice – Cooking the rice in beef broth instead of water makes it extra flavorful and ties everything together beautifully. Try it once, and you may never go back to plain water!
• Make It Ahead of Time – This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Ingredient Swaps

• Beef Cuts – Instead of sirloin tips, try chuck roast, stew meat, or even ribeye for a more luxurious version.
• Cornstarch Substitute – No cornstarch? Use 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with a little water to thicken the gravy instead.
• Worcestershire Sauce Alternative – A splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can add that rich depth of flavor if you’re out of Worcestershire sauce.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Beef Tips – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Mushroom Lovers’ Version – Toss in sliced mushrooms while sautéing the onions for extra depth and an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Butter Twist – Stir in a tablespoon of garlic butter at the end for a rich, buttery finish.
• Slow Cooker Method – Brown the beef, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This makes the beef ultra-tender!

This recipe is flexible and easy to customize, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Southern Style – Serve with buttery cornbread and a side of collard greens for the ultimate comfort meal. The sweet and savory combo is unbeatable!
• Veggie-Packed Plate – Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or steamed broccoli to add a fresh, healthy touch to your plate.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes Alternative – Not in the mood for rice? Try serving the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent twist.
• Egg Noodles Swap – If you love beef stroganoff, swap the rice for buttered egg noodles for a different take on this dish.
• Side Salad for Balance – A simple crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the gravy and makes the meal feel a little lighter.

Personal Favorite: I love serving beef tips and rice with a side of honey-glazed carrots—it adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Keep the rice in a separate container to prevent it from getting soggy. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop (Best Method): Warm the beef tips and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave (Quick Option): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add a spoonful of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much.
• Rice Reheating Tip: If the rice has dried out, sprinkle a little water over it before microwaving to bring back its fluffy texture.

When reheating, I like to add a small pat of butter to the rice—it makes it taste freshly cooked and extra delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs. Just reduce the cooking time since chicken cooks faster—about 15-20 minutes should do the trick.

What’s the best way to make this in a slow cooker?

Brown the beef first (for extra flavor), then add everything except the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?

Absolutely! Instant rice is a great time-saver. Just prepare it separately according to the package instructions and serve with the beef and gravy.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is mostly gluten-free already! Just make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (or substitute with tamari). Also, double-check that your beef broth doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

What can I do if my gravy is too thin?

No worries! Just mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the gravy. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens. If it gets too thick, add a little more broth.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make great additions. Just toss them in when sautéing the onions, and they’ll cook perfectly with the beef.

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I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Did you try any fun variations? Let me know in the comments below. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends or tag me on social media—I always enjoy seeing your creations! Happy cooking!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!