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.

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
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 2: Add the beef strips and toss them to coat evenly with the flour mixture.
- Step 3: Transfer the coated beef to a plate, shaking off any excess flour. Discard the leftover flour mixture.
- Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until very hot.
- Step 5: Add the beef in a single layer to the skillet. Do not stir or move it for 2 minutes to allow browning.
- Step 6: Flip the beef strips and stir frequently, cooking until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness, about 1 minute.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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

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.
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Quick Beef in Gravy Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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

