Beef Tips and Rice: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
This recipe for beef tips and rice is a classic comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. It's easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation, yet delivers a rich and satisfying flavor. This guide will walk you through creating this delicious dish, offering tips and tricks for achieving the perfect result. We'll also discuss some variations to personalize your beef tips and rice experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. You can easily adjust the quantities depending on your needs.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum tenderness.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step helps develop a rich flavor. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve the beef tips over a bed of cooked rice.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Tips and Rice:
- Slow Cooker Option: For even more tender beef, you can slow cook this recipe. Sear the beef as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms. Just add them along with the onions and peppers.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for an added touch of freshness.
Variations:
- Beef Tips with Gravy: Thicken the sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering beef tips during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Beef Tips with Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and peppers.
- Beef Tips with Peppers: Experiment with different types of peppers, such as poblanos or jalapeños, to vary the flavor profile.
This beef tips and rice recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
