If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, the Beef Tips and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy beef tips simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce paired perfectly with fluffy white rice. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of savory, subtle sweetness, and a hint of smoky depth, making it an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your all-time favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Tips and Rice Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role, from the succulent beef tips to the flavorful broth and seasonings that create a deliciously hearty sauce.
- 2 lbs beef tips (or stew meat): Choose nicely marbled cuts for tenderness and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a perfect sear that locks in the beef’s juices.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates a robust, savory base for simmering.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and tangy umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances color and salty richness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for a fuller taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the garlicky undertones effortlessly.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Brings a subtle smoky warmth that’s irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning balance.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Perfect for thickening the sauce to luscious perfection.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps create a smooth flour slurry for the gravy.
- 2 cups long-grain white rice: The ideal fluffy companion for soaking up every flavorful drop.
- 4 cups water or beef broth: For cooking the rice, use broth if you want extra richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Stirred into the rice for velvety softness.
- Pinch of salt: To make the rice taste just right.
How to Make Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef Tips
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is crucial—it seals in flavor and ensures your beef stays juicy after simmering.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Remove the beef tips and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This builds a fragrant foundation for your sauce that makes the dish smell incredible as it cooks.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, stirring to combine all those savory elements. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Return the beef tips to the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce to thicken it up elegantly. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the sauce achieve a rich, velvety consistency.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While the beef simmers, bring 4 cups of water or beef broth to a boil in a pot. Add the rice, pinch of salt, and butter, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
How to Serve Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions add a burst of color and a fresh snap to your plate. For an extra touch of indulgence, a small dollop of sour cream can provide creaminess that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
Steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli make a healthy, vibrant side that complements the richness of the beef tips. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the beef tips ladled over a large platter of rice, inviting everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, try plating individual servings with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality look that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftover beef tips and rice in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for prepping meals in advance or enjoying a quick next-day dinner.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the beef tips and rice separately into freezer-friendly containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can thaw only what you need and enjoy a delicious homemade meal any time.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the beef tips saucy and the rice moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covering loosely to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef tips or stew meat work best for tenderness after slow cooking, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes or even sirloin tips for a leaner option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure softness.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is meltingly tender.
Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
Of course! Quinoa, couscous, or even mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the beef tips and sauce. Adjust cooking times as needed and enjoy a different take on this classic dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker if I prefer a gravy-like texture?
The flour slurry step is key for thickening. If you want it thicker, add a bit more flour mixed with cold water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Always cook the sauce a bit after adding the slurry to avoid a floury taste.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Also, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free versions to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
Making the Beef Tips and Rice Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—there’s something truly special about simmering tender beef and creating a sauce that hugs every grain of rice perfectly. It’s a dish that offers comfort, flavor, and a little touch of elegance all in one. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with the people you love!
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Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Beef Tips and Rice recipe features tender beef tips simmered in a flavorful broth with onions and garlic, served over perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. Rich with herbs and a touch of Worcestershire and soy sauce, it’s a comforting, savory meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef Tips 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 over medium-high heat. Add beef tips and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in the beef’s flavor and juices.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef tips. Cook until onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes, enhancing the savory aroma.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer beef tips: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the beef tips cook gently until tender, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cold water to make a slurry. This will thicken the sauce nicely.
- Thicken the sauce: Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering beef mixture. Continue cooking uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or beef broth, butter, and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and plate it. Spoon the savory beef tips and thickened sauce over the rice. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For more flavor, use beef broth instead of water when cooking rice.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; Worcestershire and soy sauce add saltiness, so add additional salt cautiously.
- Optional smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- To save time, stew meat can be substituted with pre-cut beef cubes labeled for stewing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
