9 Delicious Methods for Cooking Tender Beef Tips
Beef tips transform tough, affordable cuts into incredibly tender and flavorful meals that your whole family will love. These versatile pieces of meat work perfectly in slow cookers, pressure cookers, and stovetop preparations.
From creamy comfort food classics to wine-braised elegance, these nine recipes prove that beef tips deserve a regular spot on your dinner table.
01. Classic Beef Tips Over Crispy Tots
Old-school braised beef tips served over golden Tater Tots for ultimate comfort food. This method transforms tough cuts into fork-tender perfection with rich, savory gravy.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 large onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper to taste, 1 bag frozen Tater Tots.
How To Make Classic Beef Tips Over Crispy Tots
1. Pat beef tips completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown beef tips in batches without overcrowding, about 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
2. Remove beef and add diced onion to the same pot, scraping up browned bits. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then slowly add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Return beef to pot, bring to a simmer, cover and braise in 325°F oven for 2 hours until fork-tender.
4. Bake Tater Tots according to package directions until golden and crispy. Serve beef tips and gravy over hot tots for the perfect comfort meal.
02. Creamy Beef Tips with Egg Noodles
Rich and creamy beef tips in mushroom sauce served over tender egg noodles. The combination of cream soup and milk creates an ultra-luxurious coating that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion (sliced), 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup red wine, 12 ounces egg noodles, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Creamy Beef Tips with Egg Noodles
1. Season beef tips with salt and pepper, then brown in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove beef and set aside on a plate.
2. Add sliced onion and mushrooms to the same pan, cooking until onions are translucent and mushrooms release their moisture, about 8 minutes. Pour in red wine and let it reduce by half.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk, whisking until smooth. Return beef to pan, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes until beef is tender and sauce has thickened beautifully.
4. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and serve immediately topped with the creamy beef tips and plenty of that rich, velvety sauce.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. I like to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
03. Grandma’s Beef Tips and Rice
Traditional family recipe featuring tender beef tips in savory gravy over fluffy white rice. This beloved comfort meal has been passed down through generations and never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 packets onion soup mix, 3 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 3 cups cooked white rice, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Grandma’s Beef Tips and Rice
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef tips on all sides until deeply caramelized, about 8 minutes total. This step builds incredible flavor in the final dish.
2. Add chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in onion soup mix and stir to coat everything evenly with the seasoning blend.
3. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring, then bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 1 hour until beef is fork-tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
4. Mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the beef mixture. Cook for 5 more minutes until gravy thickens to perfect consistency.
5. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice, making sure each portion gets plenty of that rich, flavorful gravy that makes this recipe so special.
04. Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Ginger Ale
Ultra-tender beef tips cooked low and slow with a secret ingredient. One cup of ginger ale adds subtle sweetness and helps create the most amazing rich gravy you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 1 packet brown gravy mix, 1 cup ginger ale, 1 can beef broth, 1 large onion (sliced), 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Ginger Ale
1. Place beef tips and sliced onion in your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown gravy mix, ginger ale, and beef broth until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
2. Pour the liquid mixture over beef tips, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is incredibly tender and practically falls apart.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water to create a thickening slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to help create that perfect gravy consistency.
4. Continue cooking uncovered for the final 30 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and the flavors to concentrate beautifully. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
05. Quick Pressure Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles
Fast and easy beef tips ready in just over an hour using your pressure cooker. This method delivers incredibly tender results in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 12 ounces wide egg noodles, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Quick Pressure Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles
1. Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Season beef tips with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until golden on all sides, about 6 minutes total.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Return beef to pot, secure lid, and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure carefully.
4. Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and serve immediately topped with the tender pressure cooker beef tips and their rich, flavorful cooking liquid.
5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water and stir into the beef mixture using sauté mode until thickened to your liking.
06. Mushroom-Free Beef Tips with Peppers
Perfect beef tips for mushroom haters featuring colorful bell peppers and onions instead. Worcestershire sauce and steak seasoning create bold, savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 large onions (thinly sliced), 2 bell peppers (sliced), 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons steak seasoning, 1 cup beef broth, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Mushroom-Free Beef Tips with Peppers
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef tips on all sides until beautifully caramelized, about 8 minutes total. Remove beef and set aside temporarily.
2. Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the same pan, cooking until vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. The natural sugars will create amazing flavor.
3. Sprinkle steak seasoning over vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, then return beef tips to the pan.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth soft.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. I love serving this over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all those incredible pan juices.
07. Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Mix
Simple dump-and-go beef tips that start with gravy mix but taste absolutely amazing. Bold additions like soy sauce and Worcestershire transform this easy recipe into something special.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 1 packet brown gravy mix, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup water, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Mix
1. Place beef tips and chopped onion directly into your crockpot. In a bowl, whisk together gravy mix, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and water until completely smooth.
2. Pour the gravy mixture over beef tips, making sure everything is well-coated. Give it a gentle stir to distribute flavors evenly throughout.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until beef is incredibly tender and the gravy has developed rich, deep flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
4. Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just dump everything in and let the crockpot work its magic.
08. Savory Beef Tips and Noodles with Mushroom Gravy
Rich beef tips swimming in ultra-savory mushroom gravy made with soup mix and canned mushrooms. The triple mushroom combination creates incredible depth of flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can sliced mushrooms (drained), 1 cup sour cream, 12 ounces egg noodles, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Savory Beef Tips and Noodles with Mushroom Gravy
1. Place beef tips in a slow cooker and sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the meat. Add drained mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is fork-tender and practically falls apart. The long cooking time develops incredible flavor and ensures perfect texture.
3. About 15 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and keep warm while finishing the beef.
4. Stir sour cream into the beef mixture during the last 10 minutes of cooking, creating an ultra-creamy and luxurious sauce that coats everything beautifully.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately over hot egg noodles, making sure each portion gets plenty of that amazing mushroom gravy.
6. I recommend garnishing with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, savory flavors perfectly.
09. Elegant Beef Tips Burgundy
Sophisticated wine-braised beef tips that look restaurant-quality but use affordable cuts. Burgundy wine creates complex flavors layered with soy sauce, beef stock, and Worcestershire for ultimate elegance.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tips, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup Burgundy wine, 1 cup beef stock, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Elegant Beef Tips Burgundy
1. Season beef tips generously with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown beef tips in batches until deeply caramelized on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
2. Remove beef and add diced onion to the same pot, cooking until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant and aromatic.
3. Pour in Burgundy wine, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let wine reduce by half, concentrating those incredible flavors, about 5 minutes.
4. Add beef stock, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Return beef to pot and bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to 325°F oven.
5. Braise for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce has reduced to a rich, glossy consistency. Remove bay leaves before serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
6. The finished dish looks so elegant that guests will never guess you used inexpensive beef tips. The wine creates restaurant-quality flavors that are absolutely stunning.
Final Thoughts
These nine beef tip recipes prove that affordable cuts can create absolutely stunning meals with the right techniques and flavors. From quick pressure cooker methods to elegant wine-braised dishes, there’s something perfect for every occasion.
Whether you prefer creamy comfort food or sophisticated wine sauces, these recipes will help you turn tough beef tips into tender, flavorful dinners your family will request again and again.
