Garlic Rosemary Beef Tips

Tender beef chunks bathed in a fragrant herb-infused gravy—this is comfort food at its finest. Garlic Rosemary Beef Tips brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

The magic happens when affordable sirloin or stew meat slowly simmers in a sauce rich with garlic, aromatic rosemary, and a hint of wine. The result? Fork-tender beef in a silky gravy that begs to be spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and turns gatherings into memorable occasions.

What makes this recipe truly shine is its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples and a couple hours of gentle simmering transform basic ingredients into something remarkable. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delivers every single time.

What You’ll Need (Serves 4)

For the Beef

• 2 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ cup red wine (or substitute with additional broth)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Thickening (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Time Breakdown

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total: 2 hours

Nutritional Info: Approximately 420 calories per serving

How to Make It

Season Your Beef

Place the cubed beef in a large bowl and season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Toss until every piece is well coated, then let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This brief marination helps the flavors penetrate the meat.

Get That Golden Sear

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in batches—avoid crowding the pan or you’ll steam instead of sear. Cook each batch for 5–7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside. That beautiful brown crust? It’s packed with flavor you don’t want to miss.

Build the Aromatic Base

Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the same pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped rosemary, cooking for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—lower the heat if needed.

Create the Sauce

Pour in the red wine to deglaze, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together.

Low and Slow

Return the beef to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check for tenderness—the meat should be fall-apart soft and the sauce deeply flavorful.

Thicken If Desired

For a richer, thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the pan and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Plate and Serve

Spoon the beef tips and gravy over your favorite base—creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, fluffy rice, or even polenta. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and serve piping hot.

Expert Tips

Choosing Your Beef
Sirloin tips offer tenderness with less marbling, while chuck or stew meat provides richer flavor on a budget. More marbled cuts need longer cooking time but reward you with incredible depth.

Skip the Wine
Not using wine? Replace it with extra beef broth plus a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to maintain that tangy sweetness and acidity.

Boost the Garlic
Garlic lovers can add an extra clove or two. For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, roast whole cloves beforehand and mash them into the sauce.

Make It Heartier
Toss in sautéed mushrooms, baby carrots, or pearl onions during simmering for a more substantial one-pot meal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of gravy. Round out the meal with garlic bread for dipping, steamed green beans for freshness, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a savory balance. Pour a glass of full-bodied red wine to complement the rich flavors.

Storage Guide

Cool the beef tips completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Pro tip: the flavors actually deepen overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your dinner with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Serve crusty sourdough bread on the side for mopping up gravy, and add garlicky sautéed spinach or buttery mashed cauliflower for a lighter accompaniment.

Why This Recipe Works

Garlic Rosemary Beef Tips proves that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. The aromatic rosemary and bold garlic create layers of flavor that taste like something from a French countryside bistro. Slow simmering transforms tough meat into butter-soft bites surrounded by velvety gravy.

This recipe celebrates the beauty of patient cooking—how time and gentle heat coax out incredible taste from simple components. It’s ideal for holiday tables, lazy Sunday dinners, or any time you want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of herbs and slowly braised meat.

Once you master this dish, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your cooking rotation—a reliable recipe that feels both effortlessly easy and impressively special.