Quick beef tips recipe for weeknight dinners
Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Spice up your weeknights with a delicious and easy-to-make quick beef tips recipe. Imagine coming home to a savory, mouth-watering dish that’s ready in no time.
You can make a flavorful dish using a one-skillet recipe or a slow cooker. Both methods are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are small cuts of beef from larger roasts. They are tender, flavorful, and can be cooked in many ways. This makes them a favorite in many cuisines.
Cuts of Meat Used for Beef Tips
Beef tips can come from different cuts of meat. Sirloin steak or beef stew meat are the most common. Sirloin steak is leaner and firmer, while beef stew meat is fattier and tenderer when slow-cooked.
The choice between these cuts depends on what you like and how you cook. Sirloin steak is quicker, while beef stew meat is better for slow-cooked dishes.
Why Beef Tips Are Perfect for Weeknight Meals
Beef tips are perfect for weeknight meals because they cook fast and are versatile. They can be marinated in many beef tips marinade recipes for different flavors.
Beef tips can be grilled, sautéed, or slow-cooked. This makes them easy to fit into any kitchen. Whether you need a quick beef tips recipe or a more complex dish, beef tips are a great choice.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Beef Tips Recipe
Quality ingredients are key to making tasty beef tips. The best recipe needs top-notch beef, tasty seasonings, and a rich sauce. Whether it’s a simple beef tips and gravy recipe or a more complex dish, the ingredients matter a lot.
Selecting the Right Cut of Beef
The right cut of beef is the base of a great recipe. Sirloin or round cuts are best because they’re tender and flavorful. Choose pieces that are well-marbled for juiciness. You can also use cubed beef or beef strips for ease.
Key Seasonings and Aromatics
Seasonings and aromatics boost the flavor of beef tips. Garlic, onion, and mushrooms add depth. Use herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory touch. Remember to season with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s natural taste.
Sauce Components
The sauce is crucial in a beef tips and gravy recipe. You’ll need beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes red wine for a rich sauce. Thicken it with flour or cornstarch. For extra flavor, add tomato paste or Dijon mustard.
Preparation Techniques for Tender Beef Tips
To get tender beef tips, you need to know a few key steps. The right steps can really improve the tenderness and taste of your beef tips.
Proper Cutting and Trimming
First, make sure your beef tips are cut and trimmed right. Cutting against the grain is key to avoid chewiness. Also, trim off extra fat to stop the beef from getting greasy. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and pick the right size for your recipe.
Marinating Methods for Maximum Flavor
Marinating is a great way to add flavor to beef tips. A good beef tips marinade recipe might include soy sauce, garlic, and herbs. The acid in the marinade, like vinegar or lemon juice, tenderizes the beef. For an easy beef tips recipe, marinate for at least 30 minutes. But, longer times can make it even tastier.
Tenderizing Techniques
There are more ways to tenderize beef tips besides marinating. Pounding the beef gently can help break down fibers. You can also use a tenderizer tool or a meat mallet. Or, slow cooking can tenderize the beef tips over time.
By following these steps – proper cutting, marinating, and tenderizing – you can make tender and tasty beef tips. They’re great for any meal.
Quick Beef Tips Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes
If you’re in a hurry for a tasty meal, this beef tips recipe is perfect. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is great for busy weeknights. You’ll get tender beef in a rich sauce, served with your favorite sides.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need for this quick recipe:
- 1 pound beef tips (sirloin or ribeye work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make your quick beef tips:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef tips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize.
- Add the garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Return the beef to the skillet and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the beef is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using mushrooms, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Recipe Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some ideas:
- Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas.
- Use red wine instead of beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or dried oregano for extra depth.
- Serve the beef tips over rice, noodles, or with crusty bread.
By following these steps and using the ingredients listed, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying beef tips meal in just 30 minutes.
Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
Beef tips smothered in rich, savory gravy are the ultimate comfort food. We’ll show you how to make this beef tips and gravy recipe. It’s a family favorite that will soon become yours too.
Creating the Perfect Gravy
The secret to a great beef tips and gravy recipe is the gravy. Start with a good broth. Use beef stock, flour for thickening, and sautéed onions and mushrooms for flavor. Here’s a simple guide:
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Beef broth | 2 cups | Base of the gravy |
Flour | 2 tbsp | Thickening agent |
Onions, sautéed | 1/2 cup | Adds flavor |
Mushrooms, sautéed | 1 cup | Enhances flavor and texture |
Cooking Process
To cook beef tips perfectly, brown them first. This locks in the juices. Then, slow-cook them in the gravy until they’re tender. Here’s how:
- Brown the beef tips in a skillet.
- Add the beef broth, flour mixture, sautéed onions, and mushrooms to the skillet.
- Simmer until the gravy thickens and the beef tips are tender.
Serving Suggestions
Beef tips and gravy go well with many sides. Try them over:
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- Rice
Pick your favorite to make this best beef tips recipe a full meal.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Make your weeknights easier with a slow cooker beef tips recipe. It’s easy and tastes great. You can cook a meal that cooks itself while you do other things. The beef tips are tender and the sauce is rich, perfect with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Prep-Ahead Tips
To make your slow cooker beef tips even easier, prep ahead. Here’s how:
- Cut and trim the beef: Cut the beef into small pieces and remove any extra fat.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the onions, garlic, and any other veggies you’re using.
- Mix the sauce ingredients: Mix the broth, tomato paste, and other sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Method
To cook the beef tips, follow these steps:
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides.
- Add the beef, veggies, and sauce to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
How to Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, try one of these methods:
- Cornstarch slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce.
- Flour: Mix flour with a little water to make a slurry, then add to the sauce.
- Reduce the sauce: Remove the lid from the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes to reduce the sauce.
Follow these simple steps for a delicious slow cooker beef tips recipe perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender beef and a rich, savory sauce.
Beef Tips Stir Fry Recipe – A 20-Minute Meal Solution
This beef tips stir fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s ready in 20 minutes or less. You can make a tasty and fulfilling meal with the right ingredients and techniques.
Stir Fry Sauce Secrets
The sauce is the heart of a great stir fry. You can make a tasty sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), and hoisin sauce. Adding cornstarch makes the sauce thick, covering your beef tips and veggies perfectly.
- Soy sauce for a salty, umami flavor
- Oyster sauce for added depth (optional)
- Hoisin sauce for sweetness
- Cornstarch to thicken the sauce
Vegetable Pairings
Choosing the right veggies can make your beef tips stir fry better. Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are great choices. They add color, texture, and cook fast, perfect for a quick meal.
Some great vegetable options:
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Snap peas
Quick Cooking Technique
Cooking your beef tips stir fry quickly is key. High heat makes your beef tender and veggies crunchy. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add beef tips and cook until browned.
- Add your chosen vegetables and stir fry until they’re tender-crisp.
- Pour in your prepared sauce and stir everything together.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
By following these tips, you can make a tasty beef tips stir fry in just 20 minutes. Try different veggies and sauce ingredients to make it your own.
Troubleshooting Common Beef Tips Cooking Problems
Even with a simple beef tips recipe, problems like tough meat or bland flavors can occur if not cooked properly. Fortunately, many common issues can be easily resolved with a few troubleshooting tips.
Fixing Tough Beef Tips
Tough beef tips are often a result of inadequate tenderization or incorrect cooking methods. To fix tough beef tips, you can try simmering them in liquid for a longer period or using a tenderizer. Another method is to slice the beef tips thinly against the grain, making them less chewy.
Method | Description |
---|---|
Simmering | Cooking the beef tips in liquid on low heat for an extended period. |
Tenderizer | Using a meat tenderizer to break down the fibers. |
Slicing Thinly | Slicing the beef tips against the grain to reduce chewiness. |
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
The sauce is a crucial component of beef tips, and achieving the right consistency can be challenging. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of broth or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmering it for a few minutes can help thicken it to your liking.

Balancing Flavors
Balancing the flavors in your beef tips recipe is essential for a delicious dish. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, herbs, or spices according to your taste. Additionally, a splash of acidity like vinegar or lemon juice can help brighten the flavors.
By addressing these common cooking problems, you can elevate your beef tips dish from good to great. Whether it’s tenderizing the meat, adjusting the sauce, or balancing the flavors, these troubleshooting tips will help you achieve a mouth-watering meal.
Conclusion: Mastering Quick Beef Tips for Weeknight Success
Now you have the skills to make weeknight dinners easy. Whether you choose a simple recipe or a more complex one, the secret is in the beef and cooking skills.
With the tips and recipes shared, you can make tasty beef tips dishes. You can try slow cooker or stir-fry recipes. Beef tips are so versatile, you’ll always have a great meal option.
Keep trying new beef tips recipes. Soon, you’ll see how fast you can make a delicious meal. So, try these recipes and enjoy a tasty beef tips dish every weeknight.