Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef in a Deep Savory Sauce — The Ultimate Comfort Food
There are some meals that instantly feel like home. The kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, fills the kitchen with incredible aromas, and makes everyone gather around the table without being called twice.
Beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes is exactly that kind of meal.
This classic comfort dish combines slow-braised chunks of beef simmered in a rich, glossy brown gravy until unbelievably tender. The meat becomes so soft it almost falls apart with a fork. Then it’s served over buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of that savory sauce.
It’s simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for cold nights, Sunday dinners, or whenever you crave something cozy and homemade.
And the best part? It’s easier than it looks.
🕒 Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 people
🧄 Ingredients
For the beef tips
- 1.2 kg (2½ lbs) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup beef stock or water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potatoes
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup warm milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
Dry meat browns better and gives more flavor.
Season generously with:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
Toss well so every piece is coated.
Step 2 – Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add beef in batches. Do NOT overcrowd.
Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned.
This step is crucial.
Browning creates rich flavor and color for the gravy.
Remove beef and set aside.
Step 3 – Cook onions and garlic
In the same pot, add butter.
Add onions and cook 5–6 minutes until soft and golden.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Your kitchen should smell amazing now.
Step 4 – Build the gravy base
Sprinkle flour over the onions.
Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
This creates a roux that thickens the gravy.
Add:
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- soy sauce
Mix well.
Step 5 – Add liquid
Slowly pour in:
- beef broth
- stock
Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the browned bits (big flavor boost).
Add thyme and rosemary.
Step 6 – Slow braise
Return beef to the pot.
Liquid should mostly cover the meat.
Cover and simmer on LOW heat for 1½ to 2 hours.
Stir occasionally.
After cooking, the beef should be:
✔ very tender
✔ easy to cut with a spoon
✔ coated in thick gravy
If gravy is thin, simmer uncovered 10 minutes more.
🥔 Make the mashed potatoes
While the beef cooks:
Step 7 – Boil potatoes
Place potatoes in a large pot.
Cover with cold salted water.
Bring to boil and cook 15–20 minutes until fork tender.
Drain well.
Step 8 – Mash
Add:
- butter
- warm milk
- salt
- pepper
Mash until smooth and creamy.
Do not overmix or potatoes become sticky.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
🍽 Assemble and Serve
Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate.
Top generously with beef tips.
Pour extra gravy all over.
Finish with fresh parsley or chives.
Serve hot.
🧀 Texture Guide
Perfect result should be:
Beef → fork tender, juicy
Gravy → thick, silky, glossy
Potatoes → smooth, buttery, fluffy
Every bite should melt in your mouth.
🔥 Pro Tips for Best Flavor
Use chuck beef
Best for slow cooking
Brown meat properly
Don’t skip this step
Low and slow cooking
Makes beef tender
Warm milk for potatoes
Keeps them smooth
Taste and adjust salt
Gravy needs proper seasoning
🥓 Delicious Variations
Mushroom gravy
Add sautéed mushrooms
Garlic butter mash
Add roasted garlic
Spicy version
Add chili flakes
Creamy gravy
Add splash of cream
Slow cooker
Cook 6–8 hours on LOW
Pressure cooker
Cook 35 minutes
🥗 Serving Ideas
Pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed vegetables
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Dinner rolls
- Salad
- Cornbread
🥶 Storage Tips
Fridge
Up to 4 days
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Reheat
Add splash of broth or water
❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Dish
This meal is:
Warm
Hearty
Rich
Comforting
Classic
Family friendly
It feels like something grandma would cook on Sunday.
Soft potatoes + juicy beef + savory gravy = pure happiness.