01 -
Grab your Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot and heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a pat of butter over medium-high heat. When it's shimmering, add your sirloin tips in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. This is where I always get impatient, but honestly, give them space to get a beautiful brown crust on all sides. It should smell amazing, like a steakhouse! This browning is key for flavor, so don't rush it. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside, resisting the urge to snack on them all.
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil or butter if needed, then toss in your chopped onion. Sauté until it softens and turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor, friends! Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, or it'll get bitter, and that's an oops moment you want to avoid.
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. It'll look a little pasty, but that's what we want! Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. This is where precision pays off! It should start to thicken almost immediately. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper now too.
04 -
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, then return the seared sirloin tips (and any juices from the plate!) to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the sirloin tips are fork-tender. This slow simmer is where all the magic happens, infusing the beef with flavor and making it incredibly soft. The kitchen will smell absolutely divine, I promise.
05 -
After simmering, give the gravy a taste. Does it need more salt? More pepper? Maybe a tiny splash more Worcestershire? This is your kitchen, your Hearty Sirloin Tips in Gravy, so make it perfect for you! If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth. If it's too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer, or even make a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and whisk it in.
06 -
If you're using heavy cream for extra richness, stir it in now and heat through gently for a minute or two, but don't boil. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you have it – it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. The finished Hearty Sirloin Tips in Gravy should be glistening, the beef falling apart, and the gravy rich and smooth. Serve immediately and watch everyone's faces light up!