Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Tips!

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Tips!

Tender beef tips simmered in savory beef broth with onions create a melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cubed or stew meat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Method

 

1. Trim any fat from the beef and toss with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in large pot or Dutch oven. Add the seasoned beef and cook in small batches until browned. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add the beef, beef broth, condensed onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
5. To thicken the gravy, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ⅓ cup cold water. Pour into the beef mixture a little at a time while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Discard bay leaf and serve over mashed potatoes immediately.

Notes

– For the most tender beef tips, ensure your chuck roast simmers for the full 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it’s easily shredded with a fork. There is no shortcut to truly tender beef.
– If you don’t have French onion soup, a can of regular condensed onion soup works perfectly fine, offering a similar depth of flavor.
– To store, refrigerate leftover beef tips in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The magic behind melt-in-your-mouth beef tips lies in the combination of a slow, moist cooking method and the inherent properties of beef chuck roast. Chuck roast, cut from the shoulder of the cow, is rich in connective tissues, primarily collagen. When subjected to low and slow cooking, like the braising method employed here, this collagen breaks down into gelatin. Gelatin is what gives braised meats their signature tender, unctuous texture and rich mouthfeel. The liquid in the braise—beef broth, French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce—helps to keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process, preventing it from drying out. The acidity in the French onion soup and Worcestershire sauce also aids in tenderizing the meat by breaking down muscle fibers. Simmering gently, rather than boiling vigorously, ensures that the connective tissues have ample time to convert to gelatin without toughening the muscle fibers further. The bay leaf adds a subtle aromatic complexity that complements the savory beef flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Tough Beef Tips: If your beef tips are still tough after cooking, they likely haven’t been cooked long enough for the collagen to break down. Continue simmering on low heat, covered, for an additional 30-60 minutes, checking for tenderness. Ensure the liquid level remains adequate; add more broth if necessary.
• Watery Sauce: A sauce that is too thin can be thickened by creating a slurry. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Bland Flavor: If the beef tips lack depth of flavor, consider increasing the amount of Worcestershire sauce or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. You can also deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the liquids for an extra layer of complexity.
• Overcooked/Mushy Texture: If the beef tips have become too soft or mushy, it indicates they have been cooked for too long or at too high a heat. This is harder to reverse, but you can try to salvage the dish by carefully removing the overcooked pieces and reducing the sauce separately to concentrate its flavor.

Substitutions

• Beef Cut: While chuck roast is ideal for its collagen content, you can substitute with beef brisket or even beef shank. These cuts also benefit from slow cooking and will yield tender results, though the exact cooking time may vary. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, as they will become dry and tough with this method.
• Liquid Base: Instead of beef broth and French onion soup, you can use a good quality beef stock and add your own aromatics like sautéed garlic and herbs. A dry red wine can also be used to replace some of the broth for a richer flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a combination of soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar can offer a similar umami and tangy profile. Use about half the amount of soy sauce and a quarter of the balsamic vinegar, adjusting to taste.
• Onion: While yellow onion is standard, a sweet onion or even shallots can be used. For a deeper flavor, consider using a combination of sautéed leeks and a touch of garlic.

Pro tips

• For the most tender beef tips, ensure your chuck roast simmers for the full 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it’s easily shredded with a fork. There is no shortcut to truly tender beef.
• If you don’t have French onion soup, a can of regular condensed onion soup works perfectly fine, offering a similar depth of flavor.
• To store, refrigerate leftover beef tips in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

This beef tips recipe delivers on flavor and tenderness every time. Don’t hesitate to try it for your next family meal. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich taste!

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