Keto Beef Tips Recipe: A Comforting and Nutritious Dish

For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and familiar meals can be a delightful journey. This keto beef tips recipe offers a nutritious and comforting twist on a classic dish. It’s gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and easily adaptable for dairy-free preferences.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about transforming beloved comfort food into a healthier version. It’s designed to be accessible, whether you prefer cooking on the stovetop or using a slow cooker/Instant Pot. The result is tender beef tips smothered in a savory gravy, perfect for serving over cauliflower mash or other keto-friendly sides.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Beef

• Beef Tips: While beef tips are ideal, you can substitute with sirloin, tenderloin, or stew meat. Chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces, is an economical option. Sirloin tips, trimmed from the "tails" of sirloin steaks and roasts, have more fat and flavor.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor.

Gravy

• Beef Broth: This forms the base of the gravy. Bone broth, either beef or chicken, can also be used.
• Thickening Agents:
  • Tapioca Flour or Cornstarch: These are traditional thickening agents. Mix with cold water before adding to hot liquid to prevent lumps.
  • Xanthan Gum: A keto-friendly option. Use sparingly (start with 1/4-1/2 tsp) and whisk directly into the beef broth.
• Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ghee: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Add a splash for depth of flavor.
  • Beefy Onion Mix: Can be used for a richer flavor.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced or garlic in olive oil can be used.

Cauliflower Mash

• Cauliflower: Use frozen bags or fresh heads of cauliflower.
• Flavorings: Garlic powder, onion powder, chives, salt, and pepper.
• Creaminess: Ghee, coconut milk, or dairy-free sour cream.

Other Options

• Butter: Herbed garlic butter adds richness. For dairy-free, use olive oil or butter-flavored coconut oil.

Cooking Methods

Stovetop Instructions

1. Season and Brown Beef: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and sear on all sides until browned.
2. Sauté Onion/Garlic: Move the beef tips to one side of the skillet. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the other side. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 30-40 seconds).
3. Make the Gravy: Add ghee and beef broth to the skillet, along with a tapioca flour or cornstarch slurry (or xanthan gum for keto). Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos, if desired.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened (about 30 minutes). The longer it simmers, the more tender the steak will be. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Prepare Cauliflower: If using frozen bags, cook according to package directions and drain excess water. If using fresh cauliflower, steam florets in a steamer basket over boiling water until fork-tender (10-15 minutes). Drain and pat dry.
6. Make Cauliflower Mash: Add the cauliflower to a food processor with garlic powder, onion powder, chives, ghee, coconut milk, dairy-free sour cream, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add more coconut milk for desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve the beef tips and gravy over the mashed cauliflower, garnished with fresh herbs.

Crockpot Instructions

1. Season and Brown Beef: Sear the beef tips in a hot pan with oil.
2. Add to the Crockpot: Transfer all ingredients (except tapioca flour slurry) to the crockpot. Use an additional 1/2 cup of broth.
3. Cook: Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-7 hours.
4. Add Slurry to Thicken Gravy: 15 minutes before serving, dissolve tapioca flour in water and add to the crockpot. Mix and cook on low for 15 minutes until thickened.
5. Prepare Cauliflower Mash: Follow steps above to make the cauliflower mash.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Sauté Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting on medium/high heat. Add oil, then cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add more oil and chopped onion. Cook until softened (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Prepare Xanthan Gum Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk xanthan gum into bone broth and let it sit.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot along with the remaining bone broth, onion powder, parsley, smoked paprika, ground celery seed, and bay leaf. Stir well. Pour the xanthan gum mixture slowly into the pot while whisking.
5. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: Allow a slow release of air pressure for about 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.

Tips for Success

• Sear for Color and Flavor: Searing the beef tips before simmering adds a depth of flavor.
• Experiment with Thickening Agents: Choose the thickening agent that fits your dietary needs.
• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the beef tips to simmer gently ensures they become tender and absorb the flavors.
• Avoid Lumps: When using tapioca flour or cornstarch, mix with cold water before adding to hot liquid.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic options are preferable when possible.

Serving Suggestions

• Cauliflower Mash: A classic low-carb pairing.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Sautéed Greens: Spinach or kale.
• Side Salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Cauliflower Rice: A light and fluffy alternative to traditional rice.
• Keto Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins: A savory side.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store the beef tips and gravy separately from the cauliflower mash.
• Freezing: The beef tips and gravy can be frozen in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Cauliflower mash may not freeze well due to its texture.
• Reheating: Reheat the dish in a saucepan on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. It’s best to calculate the nutritional information independently using the exact ingredients you use. Keep in mind that the nutrition information often calculates the full amount of gravy, which can inflate the sodium content.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #beef #tips #recipe