Quick Beef in Gravy Recipe

Introduction

This quick beef in gravy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and flavorful meal without the wait. Tender beef strips cook fast and are coated in a savory gravy that pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have dinner ready in no time.

The image shows pieces of cooked meat covered in a thick brown sauce, served on a white plate. The meat pieces are irregular in shape and appear tender, with some visible texture from cooking. There are small green herb leaves scattered on top of the meat, adding a touch of color contrast. The sauce looks rich and glossy, pooling slightly around the meat on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 lb. beef strips
  • 2 TBS. vegetable oil
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • ¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch (optional)
  • 4 tsp. water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Add the beef strips and toss them to coat evenly with the flour mixture.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the coated beef to a plate, shaking off any excess flour. Discard the leftover flour mixture.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until very hot.
  5. Step 5: Add the beef in a single layer to the skillet. Do not stir or move it for 2 minutes to allow browning.
  6. Step 6: Flip the beef strips and stir frequently, cooking until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness, about 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat. While stirring, slowly drizzle in the beef stock and return the skillet to the heat. Bring to a simmer.
  8. Step 8: For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet all at once, stirring until the sauce thickens and simmers.
  9. Step 9: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir in Worcestershire sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef strips in soy sauce and a little minced garlic before coating with flour.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or onions when cooking the beef for added texture and taste.
  • Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if you prefer a gluten-free thickener.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows several pieces of cooked beef strips covered in a thick dark brown sauce, spread evenly across a white plate. The beef is garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered on top, adding a fresh look. The texture of the beef looks tender and juicy, with the sauce glistening under soft light. The background features a white marbled surface that highlights the rich colors of the food photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, thinly sliced sirloin or other quick-cooking beef cuts work well. Avoid tougher cuts that require longer cooking times.

Is it necessary to coat the beef with flour?

Coating the beef helps create a flavorful crust and thickens the gravy, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter sauce.

Print
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Quick Beef in Gravy Recipe


  • Author: Hailey
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Quick Beef in Gravy recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that features tender beef strips cooked in a savory, thickened beef stock gravy. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal, it combines basic pantry ingredients to deliver a hearty and comforting main course.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 1 lb. beef strips
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder (optional)

Cooking

  • 2 TBS. vegetable oil
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • ¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Thickening (optional)

  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 4 tsp. water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seasoning and Coat Beef: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the beef strips and toss thoroughly to evenly coat them with the flour mixture.
  2. Remove Excess Flour: Transfer the coated beef strips to a plate, shaking off any excess flour. Discard remaining flour mixture to avoid clumping during cooking.
  3. Heat the Skillet and Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until the oil is very hot and shimmering to ensure a good sear.
  4. Sear the Beef Strips: Add the beef strips in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust on one side.
  5. Flip and Cook Beef: Flip the beef strips and stir frequently, cooking for about 1 minute or until reaching your desired level of doneness. Avoid overcooking to keep beef tender.
  6. Add Beef Stock and Simmer: Remove the skillet from heat briefly, then while stirring, slowly drizzle in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Return the skillet to the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this slurry all at once into the skillet, stirring continually. Allow it to simmer until the gravy thickens nicely.
  8. Final Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, garlic powder is optional but recommended.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the beef, cook in batches if necessary for best browning.
  • The Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami depth – don’t skip it if possible.
  • The cornstarch slurry is optional; skip it if you prefer a thinner sauce.
  • Leftover beef in gravy can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: beef in gravy, quick beef recipe, skillet beef, easy beef dinner, beef strips, savory beef gravy

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