How to Cook Beef Tips Without Gravy: 7 Simple Recipes

Beef tips, also known as steak tips or stir fry beef, are a budget-friendly cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of delicious ways without needing gravy With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can turn inexpensive beef tips into tasty family meals Read on to learn 7 easy recipes for cooking beef tips without gravy!

What Are Beef Tips?

Beef tips, sometimes labeled as stir fry beef or steak tips on packaging, are small, bite-sized pieces of beef usually cut from the sirloin or round. They are an inexpensive cut that is flavored well when marinated

Because the pieces are lean, beef tips can become tough and chewy if overcooked. The key is to cook them quickly over high heat to sear and lightly char the outside while keeping the interior moist and tender.

While many recipes call for cooking beef tips in a gravy or sauce, they can easily be prepared without one and still turn out juicy and delicious. The key is to season them well and add just a touch of liquid like broth or Worcestershire sauce while cooking.

Follow these 7 easy recipes to make tasty beef tips without gravy or sauce.

1. Easy Skillet Sirloin Steak Tips

This recipe from Jennifer Banz delivers big beefy flavor with only a few ingredients. Sirloin steak tips are tossed in a simple blend of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then they are seared in a hot skillet for a caramelized crust.

The Worcestershire sauce tenderizes the meat while adding savory depth of flavor, Freshly cracked black pepper and garlic powder complement the beefy taste

Cook the sirloin tips in batches in a hot cast iron skillet to ensure they brown properly without steaming. Letting them rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

These easy skillet steak tips need nothing more than a sprinkle of parsley to finish them off. Enjoy as is or serve with your favorite side dishes.

2. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

For buttery, garlicky steak bites, this skillet garlic butter steak bites recipe is sure to satisfy. Cubed steak is cooked over high heat until crusty and caramelized. Then the garlic and butter are added to flavor the meat.

Browning the beef well before adding the garlic prevents it from burning. Let the steak finish cooking in the garlic butter until done to your liking. The tasty garlic-infused pan drippings create plenty of flavor without the need for gravy.

Beyond garlic, these steak bites can also be seasoned with your favorite spices. Try steak seasoning, barbecue dry rub, or chili powder for some heat. Serve with chopped parsley and an extra pat of butter if desired.

3. Teriyaki Beef Tips

For a sweet and salty flavor profile, marinate beef tips in a quick homemade teriyaki marinade before cooking. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Let the beef tips soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Drain the excess marinade from the beef. Cook the tips for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked through.

The teriyaki marinade will help keep the beef tips tender while infusing them with flavor. A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds over the finished beef tips adds nice texture. Serve alongside steamed broccoli and rice.

4. Steakhouse Seasoned Beef Tips

Steakhouse seasonings can add that signature steakhouse flavor to beef tips without needing gravy. First, coat the beef tips with olive oil. Then generously season with steakhouse seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh cracked pepper.

Sear the seasoned beef tips in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes until caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness, stirring occasionally.

Let the beef tips rest for 5 minutes before serving. The seasoning blend provides plenty of flavor on its own. Though a drizzle of melted butter on top never hurts! Pair with roasted potatoes or mac and cheese.

5. Mexican Beef Tips

For a fiesta of flavor, spice up beef tips with taco inspired seasonings. Start by tossing cubed beef tips with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. The lime juice helps tenderize while the spices add vibrancy.

Cook the beef in a hot oiled skillet for 4-5 minutes until lightly charred. Add some sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Once done, top the zesty beef tips with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro. Serve alongside warmed tortillas, salsa, and rice for an easy Mexican meal.

6. Italian Beef Tips

Italian seasoning gives beef tips big flavor fast. Combine beef tips with olive oil, Italian seasoning blend, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasonings into the meat.

Cook in a hot pan for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the hot beef tips, creating a savory coating.

For extra flavor, try adding sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the pan during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Serve the cheesy Italian beef tips over pasta or polenta.

7. Balsamic Glazed Beef Tips

A sweet balsamic glaze makes beef tips irresistible. Marinate cubed beef tips in equal parts balsamic vinegar and soy sauce for 30 minutes up to overnight.

Drain the excess marinade from the beef. Cook the tips in an oiled skillet over high heat for 4-5 minutes until caramelized.

Remove the beef tips from the pan. Add the leftover marinade to the pan and simmer until reduced down to a glaze, about 3-5 minutes. Return the cooked beef tips to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze.

The reduced balsamic soy glaze sticks nicely to the beef tips, lending tangy sweetness. Serve over sautéed spinach and quinoa or alongside roasted potatoes.

Tips for Cooking Beef Tips Without Gravy

• Use tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye to prevent toughness. Avoid stew meat or round roasts.

• Cut beef tips into 1-inch sized pieces so they cook quickly.

• Pat beef tips dry before seasoning to help flavors stick.

• Use a heavy skillet like cast iron to achieve a nice sear.

• Cook beef tips in batches to avoid crowding the pan and steaming.

• Move beef tips around the pan so all sides brown evenly.

• Let beef tips