If you love comfort food that warms your soul and satisfies your hunger, then this Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. Juicy, tender beef tips mingle with soft, flavorful baby potatoes, all smothered in a rich, savory gravy that’s packed with hearty vegetables like carrots and mushrooms. The layers of texture and taste come together in one easy skillet dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be hard to go back to plain beef stews or mashed potatoes alone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but incredibly important for bringing together the ideal balance of flavor and texture in your Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender beef that adds protein and richness, to the vibrant veggies that brighten the dish, and the stock and seasonings that tie everything together with a luscious gravy.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables without sticking or burning.
- 1 pound beef tips: The star protein, chosen for their tenderness and ability to soak up the rich flavors of the gravy.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it softens in the skillet.
- 2 large carrots (diced): Bring a gentle earthiness and a pleasant pop of color.
- 1/2 pound mushrooms (quartered): Their umami richness enhances the savory profile, giving the gravy an irresistible depth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a hint of tanginess and helps develop a complex, hearty gravy base.
- 1/4 cup red wine (or water): Used to deglaze the pan, lifting all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.
- 2 tablespoons flour: The classic thickener that transforms the cooking liquid into luscious gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season and enhance every flavor perfectly.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a little bite and warms up the dish.
- 2.5 cups beef stock: The rich, flavorful liquid foundation of the gravy. Add a bit more if things look dry.
- 1 bay leaf (optional): Brings a subtle herbal note that elevates the whole skillet.
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (diced): Their creamy interior becomes irresistibly tender, soaking up the gravy for pure comfort.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 3 tablespoons water): An optional slurry to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.
How to Make Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef to Perfection
Start by heating your oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the beef tips and let them sear for about 30 seconds on each side. This quick browning locks in juicy flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized crust that will deepen the overall taste of the dish. Resist the urge to crowd the pan—it’s best if the beef has space to brown rather than steam.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn the heat down to medium and add your chopped onions and diced carrots to the skillet. Give those a good stir so they start to soften and release their natural sweetness—about 2 to 3 minutes. Once they’re just starting to get tender, introduce the mushrooms. Cook those until they begin to soften and shrink, releasing earthy umami notes into the mix.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan and Build the Gravy
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for about 30 seconds to bring out its rich flavor. Pour in the red wine (or water if you prefer), letting it bubble away—it lifts all the caramelized bits from the skillet’s bottom, infusing the gravy with deep savory goodness. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the skillet’s contents and mix thoroughly until everything is coated without any visible white patches. This step is crucial to start forming your thick, luscious gravy.
Step 4: Simmer the Potatoes and Meat
Pour in the beef stock and stir everything well. Season with salt and black pepper, and toss in a bay leaf if you’re using it for that hint of herbal aroma. Bring your skillet to a boil, then gently fold in the diced baby potatoes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the skillet simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the potatoes cook through and absorb all those incredible flavors mingling in the gravy.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy to Your Liking
Quickly stir in the cornstarch slurry to the simmering skillet to thicken your gravy. Be sure to add this slurry swiftly so it blends in before it settles. If you favor a thicker, richer gravy, feel free to double the cornstarch amount. Simmer just a few minutes longer and watch the gravy transform into a silky, mouthwatering sauce that coats every bite.
How to Serve Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives on top not only adds a beautiful pop of green but also a fresh, slightly peppery contrast to the rich gravy. A dash of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of sour cream can add an extra layer of warmth and creaminess that complements the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Though this skillet meal is beautifully hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans can add a pleasant crunch and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for mopping up the savory gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style presentation, serve directly from the skillet placed on a trivet in the middle of the table. Alternatively, for a more polished look, plate individual portions topped with a garnish of fresh herbs and a small dollop of horseradish cream for a zingy twist. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten the flavors just before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Freezing
If you want to save this delicious feast for a later date, transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of beef stock or water if the gravy seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warmed through. This dish reheats beautifully, retaining its comforting essence.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef tips work wonderfully because they’re tender and cook quickly, you can also use stew meat or sirloin cubes. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking tougher cuts.
Is it necessary to use red wine?
Not at all. The red wine adds depth and acidity, but you can substitute it with water or additional beef stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. The gravy will still be flavorful and delicious.
How can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Use cornstarch for thickening carefully by mixing it with cold water before adding it, just like in the recipe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Peas, green beans, or even diced celery can be great additions. Just add them at the appropriate cooking stage to keep their texture and color vibrant.
What if my potatoes aren’t cooking through?
If your potatoes remain firm near the end of cooking, simply add a splash more beef stock or water and cover the skillet for a few more minutes. This will steam the potatoes tender without drying out the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but rich and flavorful enough to impress family and friends. Once you make it, you’ll find endless ways to customize it and make it your very own. So, grab your skillet and dive into this cozy dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Potato, Beef Tips and Gravy Skillet recipe featuring tender beef tips cooked with vegetables and baby potatoes in a rich, flavorful gravy made with beef stock and a touch of red wine. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound beef tips
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine (or water as substitute)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2.5 cups beef stock (add more if beef and potatoes look dry)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch stirred into 3 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker gravy)
Instructions
- Brown beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and cook about 30 seconds on each side until nicely browned, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sauté vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until beginning to soften, then add the quartered mushrooms. Continue cooking until mushrooms start to soften as well.
- Deglaze the pan: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to deepen the flavor. Pour in the red wine and allow it to cook off, deglazing the pan and lifting any stuck bits. Then sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring thoroughly until there are no white spots remaining, which helps to thicken the gravy.
- Cook: Pour the beef stock into the skillet and stir well to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaf if using. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the diced baby potatoes, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken: Stir the prepared cornstarch slurry into the skillet quickly to prevent lumps. Allow it to simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Use double the cornstarch for a thicker gravy if preferred.
Notes
- Substitute red wine with water if preferred or to keep the recipe alcohol-free.
- Add a bay leaf for extra aroma, but it is optional.
- Adjust cornstarch amount to control gravy thickness.
- Be careful not to overcook potatoes; simmer just until tender.
- Use baby potatoes for quicker cooking and better texture in the skillet.
