If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together tender, juicy beef with fluffy rice, then you’re in for a treat with this Beef Tips and Rice Recipe. This dish combines rich, savory flavors with a velvety sauce that perfectly coats every bite of beef, while the rice offers a light, fluffy balance that soaks up all that delicious goodness. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough to impress any guests, making it a go-to recipe you’ll be reaching for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing a crucial role to enhance the taste, texture, and color of the dish. From the aromatic garlic to the savory Worcestershire sauce, every element is essential.
- 2 lbs beef tips (or stew meat): The star of the dish, offering tender, flavorful chunks of beef that become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, adding a fragrant base.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates the rich, savory sauce that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy, umami boost that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Reinforces the onion flavor while deepening the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic essence for a fuller taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For a subtle smoky undertone that adds warmth and color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: To season perfectly according to your preferences.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps create a smooth slurry with the flour.
- 2 cups long-grain white rice: The perfect fluffy base that soaks up all the wonderful sauce.
- 4 cups water or beef broth: Hydrates the rice, with broth adding extra flavor if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Stirred into the cooked rice for creaminess and richness.
- Pinch of salt: To perfectly season the rice.
How to Make Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear, then brown them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Browning the beef seals in the juices and builds the great flavor foundation you want for your beef tips and rice recipe. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits carry so much flavor and are essential for the richness of the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika if using, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Return the beef tips to the skillet, cover, and let everything simmer gently for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This slow simmer tenderizes the meat and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is tender, mix the all-purpose flour with cold water until smooth to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce to thicken it, cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. This step is what turns your beef tips and rice recipe into a creamy, comforting meal.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While the beef simmers, bring 4 cups of water or beef broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy, about 18 minutes. Stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness and a delicate, buttery finish.
How to Serve Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten up the dish beautifully. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts the rich beef. A dollop of sour cream can also add creaminess and tang, balancing the deep-flavored sauce.
Side Dishes
Beef Tips and Rice Recipe shines as a main course, but pairing it with steamed green veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds a lovely crunch and freshness. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic complement, cutting through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the beef tips spooned directly onto a mound of rice on each plate, allowing the sauce to cascade beautifully over the sides. For a family-style meal, use a large shallow dish or cast iron skillet at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves to the cozy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover beef tips and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making your next meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Portion the beef tips and rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheating slowly keeps the beef tender and the rice fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef tips or stew meat work best for tenderness, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes or sirloin tips. Just ensure they’re suitable for slow cooking to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Thicken the sauce at the end with the flour slurry.
Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice is a great, healthy alternative, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Cook the brown rice separately according to package instructions and serve with the beef tips.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening the sauce.
What sides pair well with Beef Tips and Rice Recipe?
Stir-fried vegetables, roasted root vegetables, or a simple mixed green salad all pair wonderfully. They add texture, color, and balance to the warm, hearty flavors of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Tips and Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Beef Tips and Rice recipe features tender beef tips simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce with onions, garlic, and a blend of savory seasonings. Served over fluffy long-grain white rice, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal that comes together in just over two hours.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 lbs beef tips (or stew meat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Rice
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the beef tips: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and brown them on all sides to seal in the juices. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine. Add onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Return the browned beef tips to the pan, cover, and let simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Make the gravy: In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with cold water to form a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this into the simmering beef mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Cook the rice: While the beef is simmering, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring 4 cups of water or beef broth to a boil in a pot. Add the rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and spoon the beef tips and gravy over the rice. Serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef tips in Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use beef broth instead of water for cooking rice to enhance the beefy flavor.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, add more flour slurry gradually to avoid lumps.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
