Beef Tips With Mashed Potatoes & String Beans
Main Ingredients:
Stew beef (aka beef chuck, beef tips, or anything labeled for “stew” at the store)
1 or 2 brown gravy packets ( Depends on how much meat you're making )
Yellow onion (chopped)
Frozen mashed potatoes from Trader Joe’s (My saving grace!) Or you can make them
String beans (fresh or frozen)
Seasonings (I didn’t measure. Just went off of ✨️ vibes✨️
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Creole seasoning
Dried thyme
3 bay leaves
Worcestershire sauce (just a little bit)
Beef broth
1. Season the meat with onion powder, garlic powder, a sprinkle of creole seasoning, and thyme. Then brown the beef tips in a pan to get a nice sear.
2. Remove the meat and set it aside, using the leftover juice and oil in the pan to cook the chopped yellow onion until it's soft.
3. Pour a little Worcestershire sauce, then add beef broth. ( I used the whole container) Toss in a few bay leaves.
4. Mix in 1 or 2 gravy packets, stir it all up, add the meat back in and cover. Let it simmer low and slow until the beef is tender and the gravy thickens.
5. Make your mashed potatoes. I used the frozen Trader Joe’s kind, and they are perfect for when you're feeling lazy. Season them however way you like.
6. Make your string beans. I baked mine with a little avocado oil and salt.
And there you have it! It’s simple to make and tastes so good. I took a few shortcuts by using gravy packets and frozen mashed potatoes to save time, but feel free to do whatever works best for you! #quickdinner #comfortfood #beef
Beef tips are a beloved comfort food known for their tender texture and rich flavors. This dish often uses stew beef or beef chuck, both of which benefit from slow cooking to become succulent and infused with seasoning. Brown gravy packets help create a savory sauce that brings out the hearty taste of the meat, while ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, creole seasoning, dried thyme, and bay leaves add depth and aromatic complexity. For side dishes, mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment. Using frozen mashed potatoes from brands like Trader Joe’s is a convenient shortcut that still yields creamy results. Adding butter, cream, or seasoning such as garlic powder can enhance their flavor. String beans offer a fresh, green vegetable component and can be quickly baked with avocado oil and salt for a healthy, crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft mashed potatoes and tender beef. This meal is an excellent option for quick dinners, especially when time is limited but comfort is desired. The combination of hearty protein, creamy starch, and fresh vegetables meets both nutritional goals and taste preferences. Additionally, the technique of browning the beef tips before simmering helps lock in juices, while slowly cooking in beef broth with gravy packets ensures a rich, thickened sauce without requiring hours of preparation. Home cooks can customize this recipe by choosing homemade gravy or fresh mashed potatoes if preferred, or by adding other vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms to the mix. The seasoning approach based on "vibes" or personal taste allows flexibility to increase or reduce spices like garlic powder and onion powder, tailoring it to dietary needs or flavor preferences. Overall, beef tips served with mashed potatoes and string beans represent an accessible, satisfying dish that appeals widely as a quick comfort food evening meal, emphasizing simplicity without sacrificing taste or quality.