Sweet And Sour Beef Tips
Sweet and sour beef tips feature tender beef simmered in a tangy sauce with carrots and onions, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals that appeal to the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, brown half the meat at a time.
- When all meat is browned, return it to the pan.
- Stir in water, carrots, onion, tomato sauce, garlic powder, pepper, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Blend cornstarch with water.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until it thickens and bubbles.
- Serve hot with cooked noodles.
- Garnish with carrot curls and parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the beef in the Worcestershire sauce and vinegar for a few hours before cooking. If you're short on time, you can substitute beef broth for the water to deepen the taste. For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. If carrots aren't on hand, bell peppers or snap peas can also work well in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet And Sour Beef Tips dish pairs beautifully with cooked noodles or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. It also makes a great filling for stuffed peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Beef Tips contains roughly 372 calories, with 5g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1892mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
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, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or flank steak. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. Keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add additional spices to enhance the flavor. This way, you can enjoy a delicious sweet and sour dish while keeping it plant-based.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice up this Sweet And Sour Beef Tips, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You could also include red pepper flakes in the sauce for a milder heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
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).