The aroma of sizzling steak fills the air as I stand in my kitchen, ready to whip up a meal that never fails to impress. This Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe captures all those mouthwatering, smoky flavors we crave, and the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfectly tender beef tips simmered in a rich glaze make for a hassle-free weeknight dinner that your family will adore. What’s even better is the versatility—you can easily customize it with your favorite cuts of steak or your go-to barbecue sauce. It’s a standout dish that pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes, offering a wholesome option that’s quicker and more satisfying than any fast food. Ready to take your weeknight dinners to the next level? Let’s dive in!
Why are these Steak Tips a Crowd-Pleaser?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Customizable to your taste: Use your favorite steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye, and swap in various barbecue sauces for a unique flavor each time. Deliciously tender beef tips enveloped in a rich gravy guarantee a satisfying meal, while the wholesome ingredients keep your family coming back for more. Pair these with sides like rice or mashed potatoes for a complete experience. It’s an effortless go-to that rivals even the best takeout meals, just like our popular Tuna Casserole!
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Ingredients
• • ## Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Ingredients -
For the Beef
• Beef/Steak – This is the star ingredient; feel free to use sirloin, ribeye, or any other steak of your choice for the Simple Barbecue Steak Tips recipe. -
For Cooking
• Olive Oil – A healthy fat ideal for sautéing; you can substitute with any vegetable oil if needed.
• Large Onion – Adds a wonderful sweetness; shallots can be used for a more delicate flavor.
• Butter – Creates richness in the sauce; olive oil works as a dairy-free substitute. -
For Flavor
• Chicken Broth – Essential for moisture and depth; vegetable broth is perfect for a non-meat option.
• Barbecue Sauce – The key to flavor in this dish; use your favorite variety or try a homemade option for a personal touch.
• Paprika – Provides warmth and color; using smoked paprika will enhance that barbecue flavor even more.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds aromatic flavor; fresh garlic yields the best taste.
• Brown Sugar – Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness; honey or maple syrup can be used in place for a different sweetness.
• Hot Sauce – Optional, but adds a delightful kick; adjust to your heat preference.
• Salt and Pepper – Fundamental seasonings that bring all the flavors together. -
For Serving
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes – Perfect sides to soak up the rich sauce and complete your meal.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced large onion, season lightly with salt, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and translucent. Once softened, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside in a bowl, allowing their sweet aroma to linger in the air.
Step 2: Brown the Steak Tips
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, increasing the heat to medium-high. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper, and add it to the hot skillet. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the steak tips are well browned on all sides and reach a delightful caramelized color. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and let it rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, and return the sautéed onions back into the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth along with your favorite barbecue sauce, and sprinkle in the brown sugar, paprika, minced garlic, and optional hot sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to slightly thicken, creating a rich and tantalizing gravy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
If needed, stir in a tablespoon of butter to further thicken the sauce and enhance its richness. Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing it gently in the savory sauce to ensure each piece is generously coated. Continue heating for another 2-3 minutes until the tips are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling invitingly. Serve your Simple Barbecue Steak Tips warm over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
What to Serve with Simple Barbecue Steak Tips
Transform your family dinner into a delightful feast with these sensational side dishes that elevate your home-cooked meal.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery flavor complements the smoky steak, creating a comforting harmony of tastes and textures that warms the soul.
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Garlicky Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic offer a refreshing crunch, balancing the hearty beef tips beautifully.
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Coleslaw: This refreshing and zesty side adds a crisp texture that contrasts the savory steak, making each bite a flavorful adventure.
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Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned and grilled peppers, zucchini, and onions bring a smoky depth that mirrors the barbecue flavor of the steak, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal.
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Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread serves as a delightful bite-sized addition, perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious gravy.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing provides a bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the steak tips.
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Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine pairs perfectly with the steak, enriching the meal’s essence and enhancing the dining experience.
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Chocolate Cake: End the meal on a sweet note with a moist chocolate cake that brings warm, comforting flavors, making it a delightful conclusion to your family feast.
Storage Tips for Simple Barbecue Steak Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps your steak tips fresh and ready for a quick meal any day of the week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the steak tips in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This maintains their delicious flavor and tenderness, perfect for busy nights.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your Simple Barbecue Steak Tips again, reheat gently on low heat in a skillet until warmed through. This will help preserve the juicy texture and rich sauce.
Avoid Freezing Sauce Separately: It’s best to freeze the steak tips with the sauce to keep everything flavorful and moist.
Expert Tips for Simple Barbecue Steak Tips
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Uniform Cuts: Cut steak into uniformly sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect tenderness you desire.
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Heat Matters: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the beef. This step is crucial for getting a beautiful, caramelized sear on your steak tips.
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Taste as You Go: Adjust sauce components based on personal taste. Always taste before finalizing flavors to achieve your desired deliciousness in the Simple Barbecue Steak Tips recipe.
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Choose the Right Skillet: A heavy-bottomed or cast iron skillet helps retain heat better and contributes to optimal cooking results, enhancing the flavor.
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Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for about 140°F (60°C) for ideal medium-rare steak.
Make Ahead Options
These Simple Barbecue Steak Tips are a great choice for meal prep and can save you precious time during busy weeknights! You can marinate the beef tips in your favorite barbecue sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate and enhance tenderness. Additionally, you can sauté the onions and prepare the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the onions and sauce in the skillet, add the marinated steak tips, and simmer until warmed through. This method ensures your dinner is just as delicious and flavorful, providing you with comforting results with minimal effort!
Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing your steak tips recipe!
- Cut Swap: Use flank steak for a leaner option or choose ribeye for extra marbling and tenderness. Each cut brings a unique flavor to the mix.
- Sauce Variations: Try a teriyaki sauce instead of barbecue for a sweet, Asian twist. You can also make your own sauce for a personalized touch!
- Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms to add color and nutritional value, enhancing the overall flavor profile. A sauté of mixed vegetables will brighten up your dish beautifully!
- Heat Level: For an extra kick, add more hot sauce to the mix or include chopped jalapeños for a spicy punch that ignites the taste buds.
- Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fragrant finish. Adding fresh herbs just before serving can elevate the flavor immensely.
- Sweetness Alternatives: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique sweetness that complements the savory flavors perfectly. Just a little drizzle can transform the sauce!
- Creamy Twist: Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for an added richness and creamy texture that takes your beef tips to a whole new level.
- Serving Sides: Instead of rice or mashed potatoes, serve it over stuffed baked potatoes or alongside coleslaw for a delightful crunch. Each side can enhance your meal experience!
With these variations, you can craft your own culinary adventure, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy with every bite! If you’re curious about more comforting dishes, check out the flavorful Simple Starbucks Pumpkin Scones or take a look at my delectable Greek Spanakopita for inspiration!
Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe FAQs
What type of steak is best for this recipe?
You can achieve great results with various cuts such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. Sirloin steak tips are particularly favored for their balance of flavor and tenderness. I often recommend ribeye for a richer taste, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
How should I store leftovers?
For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy your Simple Barbecue Steak Tips multiple times throughout the week without losing flavor. If you want to keep them longer, check the freezing instructions!
Can I freeze the steak tips?
Absolutely! To freeze, first allow the steak tips to cool completely. Then, place them in a sealed, freezer-safe container, ensuring all the sauce is included for moisture. These can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet on low heat until warmed through.
Why is my steak tough?
The key to tender steak tips is cutting the meat into uniformly sized chunks and ensuring they are cooked properly. If your steak turns out tough, it might be overcooked! Always use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Aim for 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare. If you find your steak chewy during cooking, consider marinating it beforehand to enhance tenderness.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! For those avoiding dairy, simply replace butter with olive oil. If you have allergies, check the labels on your barbecue sauce; some varieties may contain allergens like soy or gluten. I also recommend using a vegetable broth to keep it meat-free if that aligns better with your dietary needs.
What can I serve with the steak tips?
These delicious steak tips can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal! The more the merrier when it comes to sides—get creative with what you enjoy!
Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe for Quick Family Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced large onion, season lightly with salt, and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and translucent.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pat the beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until well browned on all sides.
- Lower the heat, return the sautéed onions to the skillet. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, paprika, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing in the sauce. Heat for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
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