If you’re searching for a hearty, soul-warming meal that comes together easily and tastes like pure comfort, this Beef Tips and Rice recipe deserves a spot at the top of your dinner rotation. Tender bites of beef are simmered in a savory, rich gravy, then served over a bed of fluffy white rice for the ultimate home-cooked classic. Every bite is perfectly balanced—juicy beef, velvety sauce, and just the right pop of fresh herbs. It’s a recipe that brings people together and always earns second helpings!

Beef Tips and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Beef Tips and Rice is chosen with purpose: to build layers of savory flavor, deliver satisfying textures, and create that signature deep, glossy gravy. With everyday staples and just a few key seasonings, you’ll turn humble ingredients into something truly memorable.

Beef sirloin tips or stew meat: Choose bite-sized pieces—the marbling and connective tissue will turn meltingly tender after simmering.
Vegetable oil: Use it for browning the beef and vegetables, giving everything a beautiful caramelized edge.
Onion: Diced onion builds a flavorful base and touches the gravy with sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth that makes the whole kitchen smell inviting.
Beef broth: This creates the deeply savory backbone of the gravy—low sodium is fine if you prefer to control seasoning.
Water: Just enough to balance the broth and yield a luscious sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Offers that hit of umami and a slightly tangy zip.
Soy sauce: Adds complexity and total savory satisfaction—don’t skip it!
Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that just makes the beef “sing.”
Salt: Enhances all the flavors (and you can adjust to taste at the end).
Black pepper: Lends a gentle heat and background complexity.
Cornstarch (mixed with water): The magic thickener for that classic, glossy beef gravy.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy, neutral rice is the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of delicious sauce.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Just a sprinkle wakes up the plate with freshness and color.

How to Make Beef Tips and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the beef tips in a single layer. Let them brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then flip so each side gets deeply caramelized. Don’t crowd the pan; this browning step lays the foundation for all that rich, meaty flavor. Once seared, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan—don’t wipe it out!—add your diced onion and cook for about three minutes, stirring frequently until softened and translucent. This will help you scoop up all those lovely browned bits from the beef. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. No one can resist that sizzle-and-sniff moment.

Step 3: Simmer with Liquids and Spices

Return the seared beef and any juices to the pan, then pour in the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, scraping any last flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer away for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally—you want the beef to become tender and the sauce to develop profound savory depth.

Step 4: Make It Saucy

In a small bowl, whisk your cornstarch and water together until smooth—a quick slurry will prevent any lumps. Uncover the simmering beef, then stir in the slurry. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the gravy thickens to a luscious, glossy consistency that cloaks every beef tip in richness. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot, steaming white rice onto plates, then ladle the beef tips and thickened gravy right on top. Finish it with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for color and brightness. Dive in while it’s piping hot—the aroma is downright irresistible!

How to Serve Beef Tips and Rice

Garnishes

Bring your Beef Tips and Rice to life with a few simple garnishes. Fresh chopped parsley is classic—it adds not just a pop of green, but a welcome herbaceous note. For a burst of color and a little zing, try a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Even a scattering of crushed red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

While Beef Tips and Rice is a complete and satisfying main course on its own, it really shines with a veggie sidekick. Think roasted green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad dressed in zippy vinaigrette. If you want extra comfort, serve a warm biscuit or slice of buttered cornbread alongside for pure Southern bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Beef Tips and Rice a makeover for special occasions by serving it in individual bowls or even fancy martini glasses as appetizers. For casual dinners, you can also layer the rice and beef in a casserole dish, top with shredded cheese and broil briefly until bubbly—kids love it! Leftovers make a delightful filling for stuffed bell peppers or savory hand pies too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Beef Tips and Rice can be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the rice and beef tips separate if you want to preserve the best texture—just combine when reheating for a fresh-tasting meal.

Freezing

Beef tips freeze beautifully! Portion the beef and gravy (without rice) into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Tightly sealed, they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s best to make fresh rice when you’re ready to serve again for maximum fluffiness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beef tips and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch; cover the dish and heat in short bursts, mixing each time to prevent drying. Spoon hot beef over rice and enjoy—a second round is just as comforting as the first!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef Tips and Rice?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips are tender and flavorful, stew meat or even chuck roast works well. Just make sure to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and give it enough time to become tender during simmering.

Can I make Beef Tips and Rice in a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first for depth. Then transfer everything (except cornstarch and rice) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in the cornstarch slurry at the end, let it thicken, and serve over rice.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

For extra nutrition, toss in sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or frozen peas after you return the beef to the pan. They’ll simmer along with the beef and add color, texture, and flavor to your Beef Tips and Rice.

What type Main Course

Fluffy white long-grain rice is traditional and soaks up the gravy beautifully, but you can also use brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Just be sure to cook it separately so everything’s ready to serve together.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix a little more cornstarch with water and whisk it in while the sauce simmers. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired consistency—just add it gradually to avoid over-thickening.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Beef Tips and Rice has become a cherished classic—it’s easy to love, crowd-pleasing, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re making it for a family Sunday dinner or prepping comfort food ahead, this recipe blends simplicity with unforgettable flavor. I hope it finds a place in your own collection of favorites—don’t be surprised if your friends and family ask for it again and again!

Beef Tips and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender beef tips cooked in a savory gravy served over a bed of fluffy white rice – this Beef Tips and Rice recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Tips:

1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Gravy:

1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water

To Serve:

3 cups cooked white rice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, sear beef tips until browned, then set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion until soft, add garlic and cook briefly.
Cook the Beef: Return beef to pan, add broth, water, sauces, and seasonings. Simmer until tender.
Thicken the Gravy: Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened.
Serve: Spoon beef tips and gravy over rice, garnish with parsley.