When your fridge is running low and you don’t feel like making a big grocery run (trust me, I get it — grocery shopping is not always fun), this Garlic and Rosemary Beef Tips recipe is the perfect rescue meal. It’s hearty, full of savory flavors, and surprisingly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish features tender beef tips slowly simmered in a rich broth infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The slow cooking breaks down the meat, making it fork-tender and allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together. The Worcestershire sauce and dry red wine add depth and complexity, while a light flour coating helps thicken the sauce into a luscious gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest with an aromatic twist!
Ingredients & Why We Use Them
- 1½–2 lbs beef tips (cut into 1-inch chunks): Beef tips are affordable and perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy after simmering.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the beef, which creates caramelized flavor through the Maillard reaction.
- 1/3 cup flour: Helps thicken the sauce later for a nice gravy consistency.
- 1 diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic: Brings pungent, aromatic richness essential in savory dishes.
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and tang, boosting the overall savory profile.
- ½ cup dry red wine: Enhances flavor complexity and helps deglaze the pan to lift tasty browned bits.
- 1 tbsp onion powder & 1 tbsp garlic powder: Supplements fresh aromatics with concentrated flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the simmering liquid, intensifying the beefy taste.
- 1–2 sprigs rosemary & 1 sprig fresh thyme: Fresh herbs add an earthy, piney aroma that complements beef beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
Instructions & What’s Happening at Each Step
- Season the beef tips with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Why? This helps infuse the meat with flavor before cooking and adds moisture. - Toss the beef chunks in about a quarter of the flour.
Why? Lightly coating the beef creates a slight crust when browning and helps thicken the sauce later. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
What? The oil must be hot enough to brown the meat but not burn. - Brown the beef in batches, searing all sides until nicely colored. Set aside.
Why? Browning develops rich, complex flavors and locks in juices. - In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent.
Why? Softening the onions releases their natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base. - Sprinkle the remaining flour over the onions and stir until the flour is no longer visible.
What? This cooks off the raw flour taste and starts the thickening process. - Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Why? Garlic should be gently cooked to avoid bitterness while releasing aroma. - Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Why? Deglazing adds deep, savory flavors to the sauce. - Return the browned beef tips to the pot.
What? The beef will simmer in this flavorful liquid, becoming tender. - Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer.
Why? The broth creates a cooking environment that gently softens the meat and melds flavors. - Add rosemary and thyme sprigs.
What? These herbs infuse the sauce with fresh, aromatic notes. - Lower the heat, cover, and let simmer gently for about 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Why? Slow simmering breaks down tough fibers in the beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. - Remove the herb sprigs before serving.
What? Herbs are for flavor infusion, not eating.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Garlic and Rosemary Beef Tips over warm jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, flavorful gravy. A simple side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad complements this comforting meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a fantastic example of how minimal ingredients and a bit of patience can turn basic beef tips into a gourmet, melt-in-your-mouth dish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting homemade meal with a rustic, elegant twist.