Braised Beef Tips
Tender beef tips are braised to perfection in a savory sauce combining beef consomme, red wine or cranberry juice, and soy sauce, creating a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect for hearty dinners, this recipe pairs well with rice or noodles and appeals to those craving comforting, robust flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a large skillet and brown the beef cubes on all sides.
- Stir in the condensed beef consomme, red Burgundy wine or cranberry juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and onion salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
- Blend cornstarch with water and gradually stir into the meat mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, sear the beef cubes well to develop a rich crust before adding the liquids. If you don't have red Burgundy wine, cranberry juice is a great substitute that adds a hint of sweetness. To thicken the sauce more, you can use flour instead of cornstarch. Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth, mirroring flavors found in classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the braised beef tips over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish is also delightful with crusty bread on the side, allowing you to savor every drop of the savory sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Beef Tips contains roughly 2142 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 235g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while stew meat is ideal, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or round steak. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Remember that tougher cuts benefit from longer cooking times, which will enhance tenderness and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables, such as mushrooms and eggplant, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef consomme and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious vegetarian version that still offers rich flavors.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as desired, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then gradually stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).