If you’ve ever craved something deeply savory, comforting, and satisfying all at once, Beef Tips and Rice is the answer you’ve been looking for. Tender morsels of beef simmered in a rich, velvety gravy and spooned over fluffy white rice make this dish feel like a warm hug from the inside out. It hits every note you want in a home-cooked meal, perfect for both busy weeknights and those special Sunday suppers. You’ll love just how simple and rewarding this classic recipe is — and it might just become your new go-to!

Beef Tips and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Beef Tips and Rice comes entirely from a handful of pantry staples and just the right cut of beef. Each ingredient works together to bring you hearty, full-bodied flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, making this recipe as effortless as it is irresistible.

Beef sirloin tips (1 ½ pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Incredibly tender and soaks up flavor beautifully; substitute stew meat or chuck roast for budget-friendly swaps.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the beef and adds a subtle depth to the finished gravy.
Small onion (finely chopped): Gives sweetness and aroma as the flavor base for the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a boost of savory, aromatic punch that ties the dish together.
Beef broth (2 cups): Delivers the essential savory backbone to the gravy, melding all flavors together.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Infuses a hit of umami and a subtle tang — absolutely worth including!
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Contributes saltiness and an extra layer of depth; use gluten-free if needed.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and an herbal note that’s so comforting.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Balances the richness and cuts through the beefiness beautifully.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy to silky perfection without any fuss.
Cold water (2 tablespoons): Needed to mix with cornstarch for a lump-free slurry.
Cooked white rice (3 cups): The perfect, fluffy bed to soak up every last drop of gravy.

How to Make Beef Tips and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Beef Tips

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once nice and hot, add the beef sirloin tips in a single layer. Let them sizzle and develop a golden-brown crust, turning occasionally so all sides catch that gorgeous color. This step locks in the beef’s juices and builds the foundation of the dish’s deep, savory flavor. Once browned (about 5 to 7 minutes), transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet (don’t clean it; those browned bits are flavor gold!), toss in your finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring often, until it’s translucent and fragrant — about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté another 30 seconds until it just starts to mellow out and release its aroma.

Step 3: Simmer Beef with Sauce

Return the browned beef tips to the skillet, nestling them into your onion and garlic base. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover the pan, then reduce the heat to low. Let it all gently bubble away for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beef tips are fork-tender and the flavors have married beautifully.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

While the beef is simmering, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Once your beef is tender, slowly stir the slurry into the skillet. Turn the heat up just a smidge and let the sauce bubble for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the gravy is glossy, thick, and clinging to the beef tips.

Step 5: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the luscious beef tips and their rich, thickened gravy over fluffy, steaming bowls of cooked rice. Stand back and admire the savory masterpiece you’ve created before digging in!

How to Serve Beef Tips and Rice

Garnishes

To add freshness and a little color, sprinkle your Beef Tips and Rice with chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions before serving. A little cracked black pepper also adds a lovely final touch right at the table. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dollop of sour cream can make the dish even more luscious.

Side Dishes

Beef Tips and Rice shines alongside buttery green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette — the veggies create a perfect contrast to the rich, savory beef. Fluffy dinner rolls or rustic bread on the side are also fantastic for mopping up any extra gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try scooping Beef Tips and Rice into individual ramekins or bowl-shaped bread rolls for a playful, single-serve presentation. Or, serve family-style from a large platter, letting people help themselves. It’s equally fun to arrange a rice ring on a platter with the beef tips nestled right in the center — visually stunning and easy to serve!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Tips and Rice store remarkably well. Allow the beef tips and gravy to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store the rice separately if possible, so it stays fluffy. Both will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ready for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep Beef Tips and Rice on hand for busy nights, go ahead and freeze the beef tips and gravy (without the rice) in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. The cooked beef and gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, prepare fresh rice when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the beef tips and gravy to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring gently until everything’s hot and the gravy is smooth. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. For rice, a brief zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top keeps it moist and fluffy.

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 chuck roast are both fantastic alternatives if you’re watching your budget. Just keep in mind that they may need a bit longer simmering time to become ultra-tender.

Is Beef Tips and Rice gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your labels just to be safe if you or your guests are sensitive to gluten.

What can I add for extra flavor or veggie power?

Mushrooms and bell peppers make wonderful additions; just toss them in with the onions! A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a splash of red wine also adds an extra layer of flavor if you want to mix things up.

How do I keep the beef extra-tender?

Sear the beef just briefly to get that delicious crust, then simmer it low and slow in the sauce. Gentle heat and time are key for perfectly tender beef tips every time.

Can I make Beef Tips and Rice in advance?

Definitely! In fact, many people feel this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it up to two days ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner to impress or simply a comforting weeknight staple, Beef Tips and Rice delivers every time. It brings together deep, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort. Try it once, and you might just find yourself craving that tasty combination of hearty beef and rich gravy over rice again and again. Don’t wait — grab your skillet and discover why Beef Tips and Rice is a classic that never goes out of style!

Beef Tips and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Beef Tips and Rice is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef sirloin tips in a savory gravy served over fluffy white rice. This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Tips:

1 ½ pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Gravy:

2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

To Serve:

3 cups cooked white rice

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef Tips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, cook the onion until softened, then add garlic. Return beef to the skillet, add broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and pepper. Simmer, covered, on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water. Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Pour the beef tips and gravy over hot cooked rice.

Notes

You can substitute sirloin with stew meat or chuck roast for a more budget-friendly option.
Enhance the dish with mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American