Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, Garlic and Rosemary Beef Tips are a comforting classic that can easily transition from a weeknight dinner to a Sunday supper. Made famous by countless home cooks and given a flavorful twist by Coop Can Cook, this dish is all about bold aromatics, slow simmered beef, and a rich, savory gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery noodles.
Whether you’re following Coop’s soulful, Southern-style version or creating your own rendition, this dish is a must-try for lovers of down-home comfort food.
A Comfort Classic with Southern Soul
Beef tips have long been a staple in American kitchens—especially in Southern and Midwestern households. Traditionally made with tender pieces of stew meat or sirloin simmered in a brown gravy, beef tips are all about richness and texture.
In Coop Can Cook’s version, garlic and rosemary take center stage, giving the dish a gourmet feel without complicating the cooking process. Garlic adds a deep savory base while rosemary brings a woodsy, almost peppery fragrance that elevates the entire dish. This meal is designed to impress with minimal effort—perfect for busy home cooks.
Ingredients Overview: Why Each One Matters
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish sing.
Beef Tips (Sirloin or Stew Meat)
The star of the show. Sirloin tips are more tender and lean, while stew meat (often chuck or round) becomes meltingly soft when slow cooked. Choose based on your desired texture and cooking method.
Garlic (Freshly Minced)
Essential for the signature flavor. Garlic caramelizes slightly in the gravy and infuses the beef with a robust aroma and taste.
Fresh Rosemary
This herb is key—its earthy, piney notes pair perfectly with red meat and deepen the dish’s complexity. Use fresh sprigs for the best result.
Onion and Bell Pepper (Optional but Recommended)
Coop’s Southern twist includes aromatic vegetables that enrich the gravy. Bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast.
Beef Broth
Forms the base of the gravy. Choose low-sodium if possible to control the salt level and let the herbs shine.
Worcestershire Sauce
A splash of this umami-packed condiment adds depth and rounds out the flavors.
Cornstarch or Flour
Used to thicken the gravy to a rich, silky consistency. Cornstarch creates a glossier finish, while flour yields a more traditional roux-style base.
Butter and Olive Oil
Used to sear the meat and sauté aromatics, adding a richness that binds all flavors together.
Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder)
A simple blend keeps the flavor profile bold without overwhelming the garlic and rosemary.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Flavor at Every Stage
1. Season and Sear the Beef
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Pat beef dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet.
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Sear beef on all sides until browned. This builds flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers (if using).
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Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker (or Continue on Stovetop)
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If using a crockpot, add beef and aromatics to the insert.
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Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and rosemary sprigs.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
Stovetop Version:
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Return seared beef to the skillet. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and rosemary.
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Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5–2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
4. Make the Gravy
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In a small bowl, mix 1–2 tbsp cornstarch with cold water.
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Stir into the simmering beef juices and cook until thickened, about 5–10 minutes.
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Remove rosemary sprigs before serving.
5. Serve
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Spoon beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice.
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Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Tips
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Deglaze the Pan: After searing the beef, pour in a bit of broth to scrape up brown bits—this adds incredible depth.
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Use Bone Broth: For an ultra-rich gravy, substitute part of the beef broth with beef bone broth.
Variations
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Mushroom Twist: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy complement.
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Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy rosemary sauce.
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Wine Braise: Replace ½ cup of broth with red wine for a fancier, French-inspired flavor.
Substitutions
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Herbs: Swap rosemary for thyme if preferred.
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Protein: Works well with pork tips or chicken thighs if beef isn’t your thing.
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Thickener: Use arrowroot powder or flour instead of cornstarch for gravy.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Garlic and rosemary beef tips are perfect for:
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Sunday Dinner: Served with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.
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Weeknight Meal: With white rice and a salad.
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Holiday Potluck: Easy to double and keep warm in a crockpot.
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Meal Prep: Portion into containers with rice and steamed veggies.
This dish is versatile, filling, and easy to match with whatever you have on hand.
Nutritional & Health Notes
Here’s what this dish offers in terms of nutrition:
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High Protein: Beef provides essential amino acids for muscle repair and energy.
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Iron and B Vitamins: Especially when using cuts like chuck or sirloin.
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Garlic Benefits: Known for anti-inflammatory properties and immune support.
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Balanced Fats: Use a combination of butter and olive oil to keep things flavorful yet heart-friendly.
To reduce fat or sodium:
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Opt for lean beef.
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Use a homemade or low-sodium broth.
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Skip the butter and use all olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What cut of beef is best for beef tips?
Sirloin tips are more tender and quicker to cook, while stew meat becomes ultra-soft in a slow cooker. Both work well—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to sear beef, then pressure cook on HIGH for about 25 minutes with natural release. Thicken the gravy afterward using sauté mode.
3. Is fresh rosemary necessary?
Fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, but 1 tsp dried rosemary can be used in a pinch. Crush it slightly before adding to release more oils.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
5. Can I freeze beef tips and gravy?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
6. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Use flour mixed with water (roux) or arrowroot powder for thickening. Adjust quantity for desired thickness.
7. What sides pair best with beef tips?
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Rice pilaf
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Garlic butter egg noodles
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Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
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Buttery cornbread
Garlic and Rosemary Beef Tips (Slow Cooker or Skillet-Style)
Tender beef tips simmered with garlic, fresh rosemary, and rich gravy—perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 lbs beef tips (sirloin or stew meat)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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1 small onion, diced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ bell pepper, diced (optional)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
Instructions
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Season beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Sear beef in olive oil and butter until browned.
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Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté 3–5 minutes.
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Transfer to slow cooker or return beef to skillet.
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Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and rosemary.
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Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (or 1.5–2 hours stovetop).
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Mix cornstarch slurry and stir in to thicken gravy.
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Remove rosemary sprigs. Serve hot
Notes
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Use mushrooms or red wine for variation.
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Replace cornstarch with arrowroot or flour.
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Make ahead and freeze in batches.