There’s a certain comfort in knowing that dinner is already waiting for you in the freezer, especially on those days when everything feels a little too hectic. I remember the first time I made this freezer beef tips recipe—I was juggling a million things and hadn’t planned dinner. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen as the beef simmered slowly, and even though I was distracted by a phone call somewhere in the background, I kept sneaking little tastes of the gravy. The beef was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and the rich sauce had just the right balance of savory and comforting. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, even if you’re eating it solo on a couch surrounded by laundry. I usually serve it over mashed potatoes, but it’s just as good with noodles or rice if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Meal prep magic: Cook once, enjoy multiple times without extra effort.
- Versatile serving options that fit whatever side you have on hand.
- Rich, slow-simmered flavors that deepen beautifully—even after freezing.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comfort.
- Freezing means sometimes the texture shifts slightly, but honestly, it’s barely noticeable.
Keep in mind: this recipe takes a bit of time to simmer, so it’s perfect to prepare when you have a free afternoon or weekend. Once it’s done, though, the payoff is huge.
PrintFreezer Beef Tips
Tender and flavorful beef tips cooked in a rich gravy, perfect for freezing and enjoying later. This easy recipe is ideal for meal prepping and can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds beef sirloin tips, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef tips to the skillet in batches, browning on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the browned beef tips to the skillet.
Pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes or until beef is tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
Uncover the skillet and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Remove from heat and allow to cool before portioning into freezer-safe containers.
Label containers with date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Kitchen Notes:
You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a sturdy skillet or pan that can go from stovetop to simmer without complaint. When serving, a scoop over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles feels like the ultimate cozy meal, but plain rice works well if you want something lighter. I’ve tried stirring in a splash of sour cream after reheating for a tangy twist, but I haven’t experimented enough to say it’s a must. Sometimes I also toss in mushrooms or carrots during the simmer for a bit more texture, though that’s totally optional.
FAQ:
Can I freeze this recipe for longer than 3 months?
It’s best within 3 months to keep flavors fresh, but it might be okay a bit longer if sealed really well.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove to keep the beef tender and the gravy smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your pan is big enough and adjust cooking time slightly.
When you’re ready to skip the stress of daily cooking but still want a warm, satisfying meal, this freezer beef tips recipe is waiting for you. Give it a try and save yourself some busy night hassle—you’ll thank yourself later.