Beef tips are a flavorful, versatile cut perfect for comforting meals. Learn how to transform these bite-sized pieces into tender and savory pieces of beef to add to a meal, whether you slow-cook them in a rich stew or sear them in a pan for a stir-fry.
What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips refer to bite-sized pieces of beef cut from various parts of the cow. You get these pieces when butchers trim or cube larger cuts of meat, making them perfect for beef gravy dishes or hearty stews. They often come from tougher cuts but can also be left over from any cut that a butcher trims. Beef tips have a rich, beefy flavor and a texture that can range from tender to slightly chewy, depending on how you prepare and cook them.
You can cook beef tips in many ways, including in the oven or in a slow cooker. Slow cooking or braising makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender, which works well for meals like stews or beef stroganoff. If you prefer a quicker cook, you can sear them in a hot pan to lock in juices and then finish them off in the oven or simmering on the stove. We like to think of beef tips as the unsung heroes of comfort food; they bring bold, savory flavor to any dish without fuss.
What Is the Best Cut of Meat for Beef Tips?
The best cut of meat for beef tips can differ depending on what you plan to make with them. This is where comparing labels on packaging can come in handy.
For example, chuck roast is a common cut used for beef tips, but it’s generally better for slow-cooked dishes, like beef stroganoff or beef stew. Chuck roast can be pretty tough, so it needs a lengthier cooking process using low heat to break down its tough fibers. In other words, if you want to cook beef tips in the oven or on the stove, you shouldn’t grab chuck roast beef tips.
In that case, more tender cuts like top sirloin or tenderloin make excellent beef tips. They don’t need an all-day cook like other cuts of meat because they’re much more tender to start with. So if you only have time for a 2- or 3-hour cook on the stove or in the oven, these cuts are the better choice.
If you’re unsure about what cut of meat to buy for beef tips, ask your butcher. Let them know what your plans are, and they can guide you to the right cut.
Preparation Tips
There’s not much you need to do to prepare beef tips before cooking them, but here are a few tips that could help you get started:
- Making your own: You don’t have to go to the butcher counter to buy beef tips specifically. You could choose whatever cut you’d like and cube the meat yourself. If you go this route, look for a beef cut with a uniform thickness so each piece is about the same size. Be sure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces of the same size so they cook evenly.
- Marinating the meat: Optionally, you can marinate your beef tips to tenderize them and add flavor. This is especially helpful with tougher cuts. Marinate the beef tips in the refrigerator for up to four hours using your favorite marinade. Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels before searing them.
- Cooking beef tips: Avoid overcrowding beef tips when searing them on the stove. There should be at least a slight space between each beef tip for good browning on each side.
Ideas for Customizing Beef Tips
Most commonly, people serve beef tips with gravy over noodles, rice, or potatoes. But there are a few ways you can go outside the box to make a unique dish.
For example, you can add beef tips to tater tots to make loaded tots. Or add mushrooms to your beef tip and gravy mixture and serve it over creamy wild rice. You can also do more of an alfredo version of beef tips by swapping beef gravy for alfredo sauce and serving the mixture over egg noodles.
Another way to customize beef tips is by experimenting with different spice blends and gravy bases. Try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or curry powder to give the beef tips a twist, or enhance your gravy with a splash of red wine or vinegar for more tanginess. Or, for an Asian-inspired dish, blend soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a small amount of chili paste to create a savory, tangy, and spicy gravy.
Methods of Cooking Beef Tips
The four methods below are the most common ways to cook beef tips. Here’s everything you need to know.
Oven
Oven cooking gives you a controlled, even cook that develops rich, layered flavors with beef tips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the beef tips in a shallow roasting pan. Toss in some chopped onions, garlic, your favorite herbs, and add a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist. Roast the tips for 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway through, until they reach your desired tenderness. This method is relatively hands-off but provides nice browning and tender meat.
Stove
When you cook beef tips on the stove, you’ll be able to sear the meat to lock in juices. You can complete this step before using any other cooking method, too, to add some extra flavor to the meat.
To start, heat a Dutch oven over high heat with a couple of tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is heated through, add the beef tips in a single layer. Work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. Once all pieces are nicely browned, reduce the heat to low. Add beef broth to the pan and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes tender. Combine the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry to make beef gravy to serve with the beef tips, if desired.
Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is best when you have time to cook the beef tips over several hours. This method really helps break down tough meat, resulting in tender and flavorful beef tips.
Begin by searing the beef tips in a skillet to create a caramelized exterior, then transfer them to your slow cooker. If desired, add vegetables like chopped carrots, onions, and celery, along with beef broth, garlic, and your choice of spices. Set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic over 6–8 hours. The liquid will be thin, but you can thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry to make gravy if you’d like.
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot offers a fast and effective alternative to slow cooking without compromising on flavor or tenderness, so it’s a better option when you don’t have as much time to spare.
Use the sauté function to brown your beef tips in a tablespoon of oil. Once the tips are well-seared, add in two cups of beef broth, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before finishing with a quick release. Optionally, combine cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry to make beef gravy for the beef tips.
Wrapping Up: How to Cook Beef Tips
These versatile cooking methods can each give you delicious beef tips you’ll want to make again and again. Ready to take your cooking to the next level? Check out premium top sirloin cuts from Chicago Steak Company for unbeatable quality and flavor.
