Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni: No More Tough Beef!

Craving a hearty, comforting meal but tired of beef tips that are, well, tough? You’re not alone! I used to struggle with achieving truly tender beef tips until I discovered a simple, yet transformative, technique. This recipe for Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni will give you melt-in-your-mouth beef every single time. It’s surprisingly easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips & Tortelloni

This isn’t just another beef tips recipe. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Unbelievably Tender Beef: The secret’s in the low and slow simmer. Say goodbye to chewy beef forever!
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
• One-Pan Wonder (Almost!): Minimal cleanup is always a win.
• Comfort Food Classic: Warm, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings.
• Quick to Finish: Once the beef is tender, the rest comes together in minutes.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish so special. We are aiming for a richly flavored, deeply satisfying dish where the beef is the star. The interplay of the savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and cheesy tortelloni creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Let’s explore each component:

• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: Beef chuck is the key here. Its marbling and connective tissues render during the long simmer, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef tips. Look for a chuck roast with good marbling for the best results. Cutting the beef into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: We’ll use olive oil for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables. Its flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Onion forms the aromatic base of our sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for adding a pungent, savory note. Freshly minced garlic is always preferable for the most intense flavor.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Beef broth provides the liquid for our simmering sauce. Opt for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the beef tips and tortelloni. We’ll make a slurry with cold water to prevent lumps.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground pepper is always best.
• 9 ounces cheese tortelloni: Cheese tortelloni adds a creamy, cheesy element to the dish. Feel free to use your favorite brand or flavor of tortelloni.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich finish. Freshly grated Parmesan is always preferred.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Crafting Your Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part! Don’t be intimidated by the simmer time; most of the work is hands-off. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have tender, delicious beef tips in no time. The key to truly tender beef tips is patience and allowing the beef to simmer slowly until it becomes incredibly soft.

1. Prep the Beef: The first step is to cut your beef chuck into those uniform, 1-inch cubes. Why uniform? Because consistent size means consistent cooking. No one wants some pieces overcooked while others are still tough!
2. Sear the Beef for Flavor: Next, we’re going to sear the beef. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Get that pan nice and hot! Add the beef cubes in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll end up steaming the beef instead of searing it. Sear on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Searing creates a beautiful crust and adds a ton of flavor through the Maillard reaction. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! These aromatics are building the flavor foundation for our sauce.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the beef broth into the skillet, and this is important: scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits are pure flavor gold! This process is called deglazing, and it adds a depth of richness to the sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Make sure it’s smooth with no lumps. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the beef broth and stir to combine. This will help to thicken the sauce as it simmers. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. The Simmering Secret: Return the seared beef to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the skillet tightly, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. This is where the magic happens! The long, slow simmer breaks down the tough fibers in the chuck roast, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef tips. Check the beef occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet; add a splash more beef broth if needed.
7. Cook the Tortelloni: While the beef is simmering, cook the cheese tortelloni according to the package directions. Drain the tortelloni well once it’s cooked al dente.
8. Combine and Serve: Once the beef is wonderfully tender, add the cooked tortelloni to the skillet with the beef tips and sauce. Toss gently to coat everything in that delicious sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Beef Tips & Tortelloni Every Time

Want to ensure your beef tips are a guaranteed success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Patience is key! The longer the beef simmers, the more tender it will become. If you’re short on time, you can also use a slow cooker for this recipe.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet along with the onion, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

What to Serve With Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni

This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, consider serving it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider whipping up a batch of golden vegetable rice pilaf to serve alongside.

Your Beef Tips & Tortelloni Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While beef chuck is ideal for this recipe because of its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender during a long simmer, you could experiment with other cuts like sirloin. However, be aware that leaner cuts may not become as tender and may require a shorter cooking time. Monitor the beef closely and adjust the simmering time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the cheese tortelloni with your favorite gluten-free tortelloni. Also ensure your beef broth is gluten-free, and you’re good to go! You might also like to check out other gluten-free options.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the beef tips often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Simply cook the beef tips according to the recipe instructions, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the beef tips and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cook the tortelloni fresh just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

The sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can also let the sauce simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Enjoy Your Homemade Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni!

There you have it! Tender, flavorful beef tips combined with cheesy tortelloni in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your beef tips turned out. Happy cooking!

Tender Beef Tips & Tortelloni (Never Tough Again!)

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Ingredients

• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 9 ounces cheese tortelloni
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Cut beef chuck into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking, this will ensure all pieces are cooked to perfection.
2. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. The searing will give a more tasty result.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Tenderize with simmering: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the beef broth and stir to combine. This will help to thicken the sauce. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the beef to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer simmer time breaks down the tough fibers in the chuck roast. This is the key!
7. Cook the tortelloni according to package directions. Drain well.
8. Combine: Add the cooked tortelloni to the skillet with the beef tips and sauce. Toss gently to coat.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.