Name: Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat or sirloin tips; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ yellow onion, diced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp ghee or dairy-free butter; OPTIONAL: 1 teaspoon coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp tapioca flour or cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water (for Keto, substitute ½ tsp xanthan gum); 2 (12 oz) bags cauliflower rice or 1.5 heads cauliflower, chopped into florets; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp chives, fresh or dry; 2 tbsp coconut milk; 2 tbsp dairy-free sour cream or regular sour cream if not dairy-free; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels both hearty and wholesome, this Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how it takes a classic meat-and-mash combo and gives it a lighter twist with cauliflower mash, so you get all that creamy goodness without feeling weighed down. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe hits the spot every single time.

What makes this Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe special to me is how it blends rich, tender beef with that velvety, flavorful cauliflower mash—plus the gravy ties everything together beautifully. I’ve found it’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you want something impressive but not complicated. You’ll enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen and the smiles around the table once it’s served!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in simple yet flavorful ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When shopping, look for fresh cauliflower and good quality beef tips or stew meat to make sure every bite is tender and delicious.

Beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choose well-marbled pieces for tenderness and rich flavor after slow cooking.
Olive oil: Great for searing the beef and developing that beautiful crust.
Garlic: Fresh cloves pack a punch and elevate the whole dish with their aroma.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
Salt and pepper: Essentials to bring out all the flavors.
Beef broth: Use a good quality broth to create a savory base for the gravy.
Ghee or dairy-free butter: Adds luscious richness—ghee has this lovely nutty flavor.
Coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce (optional): For an umami boost, depending on your preference.
Tapioca flour or cornstarch: Key to thickening the gravy without lumps; xanthan gum works well for Keto versions.
Cauliflower rice or fresh cauliflower florets: The star for a creamy, low-carb mash alternative.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Layer the flavors in the mash for extra savoriness.
Chives (fresh or dried): Bright and fresh herbal note that livens up the mash.
Coconut milk: Silky texture and subtle sweetness in the cauliflower mash without dairy heaviness.
Dairy-free sour cream or regular sour cream: For that tangy creaminess that rounds the mash beautifully.

Variations

I always encourage you to make this Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe your own. Personally, I switch up the herbs and sauces based on what’s in my pantry or season—feel free to experiment to find your favorite version.

Herb swap: I sometimes swap chives for fresh thyme or rosemary in the mash for a fragrant touch, especially in fall.
Keto adaptation: Using xanthan gum to thicken the gravy keeps carbs low but still wonderfully thick and silky.
Dairy-free option: I substitute ghee and sour cream with coconut-based alternatives and honestly can’t tell the difference.
Slow cooker method: On busy days, I throw everything (except the slurry) in the crockpot and let it work its magic for hours—super convenient.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the beef as it cooks gives it a nice warmth that my family loves.

How to Make Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef to Lock in Flavor

Start by seasoning your beef tips generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for a few minutes until each side develops a beautiful brown crust. This step is crucial because that caramelization builds the deep flavor that makes the gravy rich and satisfying.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Depth

Push the beef to one side of the skillet and toss in diced onions and minced garlic on the other side. Stir gently and cook until the onions turn translucent and the garlic fills the air with fragrance—about 30 to 40 seconds. Keep an eye so your garlic doesn’t burn; burnt garlic can introduce bitterness, and we definitely want to avoid that.

Step 3: Build the Gravy Base

Next, add your ghee and pour in the beef broth. Here’s where you’ll whisk in your tapioca flour or cornstarch slurry slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. If you’re going Keto, sprinkle xanthan gum directly, whisking to thicken. Optional splash of Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos at this point makes the gravy extra savory and complex—it’s a little trick I picked up along the way.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender and Rich

Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for around 30 minutes. This slow simmer not only tenderizes the beef but also thickens the gravy to your liking. I usually taste and adjust the salt and pepper here—don’t skip this part! If the gravy feels too thick, add a splash more broth so it’s luscious and silky.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Cauliflower Mash

If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, cook it according to package instructions and drain any excess water—to avoid watery mash, pat it dry with paper towels. For fresh cauliflower, steam the florets until fork-tender, around 10 to 15 minutes, and again, drain well. Then, blend cauliflower with garlic powder, onion powder, chives, ghee, coconut milk, sour cream, and seasoning until silky smooth. You may want to add a little more coconut milk if it needs loosening.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon that creamy cauliflower mash onto warm plates and ladle the tender beef tips and rich gravy on top. If you like, scatter fresh parsley or extra chives over for color and a fresh finish. Trust me, the contrast of textures and flavors here is fantastic—a real crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe

The image shows a top view of several white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. A white plate at the bottom left holds several pieces of raw, red meat cut into cubes with visible texture. Above it to the left is a whole head of white cauliflower with a bumpy surface. Small chopped white onion pieces fill a white bowl next to the cauliflower. In the center, there are three white bowls with different contents: a bowl with a golden-yellow liquid, a bowl of white powdery flour, and a bowl with a white liquid. To the top left, a small white bowl contains some spices including chili flakes and black peppercorns. On the right side, long green chives lie diagonally across the marble surface. Everything is neatly arranged and spaced out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always finish this dish with a little fresh chives or parsley because their bright green looks so pretty against the deep brown gravy. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of cracked black pepper on top right before serving—it adds a lovely bite that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe is pretty complete on its own, but if you’re feeling like a few extra sides, lightly steamed green beans or a simple crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the meal beautifully. I’ve also paired it with roasted root vegetables in the past for a heartier feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this dish in individual shallow bowls and swirling the gravy artistically over the cauliflower mash. Adding a sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens can elevate it to restaurant-worthy status—and your guests will definitely be impressed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover beef tips and gravy separately from the cauliflower mash in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the textures just right and prevents the mash from soaking up too much moisture. They usually keep well for 3-4 days.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen cooked beef tips with gravy in portioned freezer bags. Just make sure to cool everything completely before sealing, and label it with the date. Cauliflower mash can be frozen too, though I find its texture softens a bit after thawing—still tasty, just a little looser.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the beef tips and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For the cauliflower mash, I reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of coconut milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips are great because they’re tender and cook quickly, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes for a more economical option. Just note that tougher cuts like chuck will benefit from a longer, slower cooking process to become tender.
Is cauliflower mash a good substitute for mashed potatoes?

Yes, cauliflower mash is a fantastic low-carb, lower-calorie alternative to mashed potatoes with a similar creamy texture when blended well. Adding sour cream and coconut milk helps keep the mash rich and satisfying without the heaviness.
How do I avoid watery cauliflower mash?

Draining thoroughly after cooking and patting the cauliflower dry with paper towels before blending is key. Using frozen cauliflower rice usually requires cooking and draining well too. This keeps your mash nice and creamy rather than soupy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap ghee for dairy-free butter or olive oil, and use coconut milk plus a dairy-free sour cream alternative in the mash. The flavors stay rich and delicious without the dairy.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if I want it richer?

Using tapioca flour or cornstarch dissolved in cold water is perfect for thickening without lumps. For Keto-friendly thickening, xanthan gum works well—just sprinkle and whisk slowly until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Tips with Cauliflower Mash and Rich Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a comforting, satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy or complicated. It’s one of those recipes I go back to again and again when I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something both delicious and nourishing. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming a favorite in your home, too.