Beef Tips and Gravy Over Cauliflower Mash
Published Sep 29, 2018 Updated Jan 07, 2024
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This healthier beef tips and gravy served over cauliflower mash is a nutritious and cozy twist on the classic. It’s gluten-free, low carb, and can be tailored to be dairy-free. Make this guilt-free comfort dish on the stovetop or crockpot.
What Makes This Recipe Great
Y’all know how much I love adapting beloved comfort food recipes into healthy, cleaner versions. I grew up on beef tips and gravy and was so excited to give this recipe a makeover. This dish is gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and can be tailored to accommodate dairy-free preferences, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Cook this dish on the stovetop in under 40 minutes, or simply throw all the ingredients in the crockpot and cook 6-7 hours. Another healthier comfort recipe is my Inside Out Egg Roll In A Bowl, it’s a winner!
Ingredients
Steak Tips & Gravy
Full measurements in the recipe card.
- Cubed beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- Olive oil
- Cloves garlic
- Yellow onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Beef broth
- Ghee: use regular or dairy free butter if desired.
- Coconut aminos: or sub worcestershire sauce if not gluten-free
- Tapioca flour: or sub cornstarch. If keto use xanthan gum.
Cauliflower Mash
- Frozen cauliflower rice: or sub 1.5 heads of cauliflower, chopped into florets and steamed
- Ghee: use regular or dairy free butter if desired.
- Seasoning: Onion powder, garlic powder, fresh or dry chives and salt/pepper
- Coconut milk: or sub heavy cream if not dairy-free.
- Dairy free sour cream: or sub regular if not dairy free.
Step By Step
Stove-Top Version
- Season and Brown Beef: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips to the skillet and sear them on all sides until browned.
- Sauté Onion/Garlic Move the beef tips over to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 30-40 seconds.
- Make The Gravy Add the ghee and beef broth to the skillet along with the cornstarch/tapioca slurry, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. For Keto, sub 1/2 tsp xanthan gum and sprinkle it right into the beef broth and whisk until it thickens. Optional: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos for additional flavor.
- 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 to your liking. This might take around 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more tender the steak will be. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare Cauliflower: If using frozen bags, cook according to the package and drain any excess water. If using real heads of cauliflower, place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam until the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain any excess water from the steamed cauliflower and pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps prevent the mash from becoming too watery.
- Make Cauliflower Mash: Add the cauliflower to a food processor along with garlic powder, onion powder, chives, ghee, coconut milk, dairy free sour cream and salt/pepper. Blend together until smooth and top with fresh chives. If the mash is too thick, you can add more coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the beef is tender and the gravy has reached the desired consistency, serve the beef tips and gravy over the mashed cauliflower and garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley.
Crockpot Version
- Brown the beef tips over medium/high heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Remove and add meat to crockpot.
- Add all the ingredients to the crockpot EXCEPT the tapioca flour (Using an additional 1/2 cup of broth for this version)
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-7 hours.
- 15 minutes before serving, dissolve the 2 tbsp of tapioca flour in 2 tbsp of water and add to the crockpot. Mix in completely and stir until it begins to thicken. Cook on low 15 additional minutes. (If you want it a little thicker, you may need to add 1/2 tbsp more tapioca flour dissolved in water)
Beef Tips and Gravy
Recipe Tips
- Sear for Color and Flavor: Before simmering the beef in the gravy, sear the tips in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This step adds a caramelized crust to the meat, enhancing both color and flavor.
- Experiment with Thickening Agents: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try thickening the gravy with tapioca flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder. Mix the thickening agent with a bit of cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to avoid lumps. For keto, use xanthan gum and sprinkle right into the beef broth. No need to dissolve in cold water first.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the beef tips to simmer gently in the gravy to ensure they become tender and absorb the flavors. Simmering will also thicken the beef broth (it does take time to get thick). Low and slow cooking can make a significant difference in the final texture of the meat and consistency of the gravy.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. I store the beef tips and gravy in a separate container from the cauliflower mash. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While cauliflower mash may not freeze well due to its texture, the beef tips and gravy can be frozen. Freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in a saucepan on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the cauliflower mash has absorbed too much moisture, you may need to adjust the consistency with additional liquids or re-whip.
FAQs
Can you use a different cut of beef for the tips?
Yes, you can use various cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or stew meat. Choose a cut that suits your preferences for tenderness and flavor.
How do I avoid lumps when thickening the gravy?
Mix your chosen thickening agent (tapioca flour, cornstarch, etc.) with a bit of cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. Stir continuously while incorporating to prevent lumps.
What is a keto thickening agent for the gravy?
Xanthan gum is a popular keto thickening agent. It requires very small amounts, so use it sparingly to avoid over-thickening. I usually start with 1/4-1/2 tsp and go from there.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the beef tips, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the gravy ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
What sides pair well with beef tips and gravy over cauliflower mash?
Common choices include steamed vegetables, sautéed greens, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles if you dietary needs allows.
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Beef Tips and Gravy over Cauliflower Mash
This healthier beef tips and gravy served over cauliflower mash is a nutritious and cozy twist on the classic. It's gluten-free, low carb, and can be tailored to be dairy-free. Make this guilt-free comfort dish on the stovetop or crockpot.
Ingredients
Sirloin Tips
- 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
- salt and pepper to taste
- OPTIONAL: 1 teaspoon coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour or cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water for Keto, sub 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
Cauliflower Mash
- 2 12 oz bags cauliflower rice or 1.5 heads of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 tbsp ghee or dairy-free butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chives fresh or dry
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
- 2 tbsp dairy-free sour cream or sub-regular if not dairy-free
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Stovetop
- Season and Brown Beef: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips to the skillet and sear them on all sides until browned.
- Sauté Onion/Garlic Move the beef tips over to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 30-40 seconds.
- Make The Gravy Add the ghee and beef broth to the skillet along with the cornstarch/tapioca slurry, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. For Keto, sub 1/2 tsp xanthan gum and sprinkle it right into the beef broth and whisk until it thickens. Optional: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos for additional flavor.
- 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 to your liking. This might take around 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more tender the steak will be. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare Cauliflower: If using frozen bags, cook according to the package and drain any excess water. If using real heads of cauliflower, place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam until the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain any excess water from the steamed cauliflower and pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps prevent the mash from becoming too watery.
- Make Cauliflower Mash: Add the cauliflower to a food processor along with garlic powder, onion powder, chives, ghee, coconut milk, dairy free sour cream and salt/pepper. Blend together until smooth and top with fresh chives. If the mash is too thick, you can add more coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the beef is tender and the gravy has reached the desired consistency, serve the beef tips and gravy over the mashed cauliflower and garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley.
Crockpot
- Season and Brown Beef: Brown the beef tips over medium/high heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Add To The Crockpot: Transfer all the ingredients to the crockpot except for the tapioca flour slurry (Using an additional 1/2 cup of broth for this version)
- Cook: Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-7 hours.
- Add Slurry To Thicken Gravy: 15 minutes before serving, dissolve the 2 tbsp of tapioca flour in 2 tbsp of water and add to the crockpot. Mix in completely and stir until it begins to thicken. Cook on low for 15 additional minutes. (If you want it a little thicker, you may need to add 1/2 tbsp MORE tapioca flour)
- Follow steps 5-7 above to make the cauliflower mash.
Notes
-
- Sear for Color and Flavor: Before simmering the beef in the gravy, sear the tips in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This step adds a caramelized crust to the meat, enhancing both color and flavor.
- Experiment with Thickening Agents: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try thickening the gravy with tapioca flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder. Mix the thickening agent with a bit of cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to avoid lumps. For keto, use xanthan gum and sprinkle right into the beef broth. No need to dissolve in cold water first.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the beef tips to simmer gently in the gravy to ensure they become tender and absorb the flavors. Simmering will also thicken the beef broth (it does take time to get thick). Low and slow cooking can make a significant difference in the final texture of the meat and the consistency of the gravy.
Storage
-
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. I store the beef tips and gravy separately from the cauliflower mash Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While cauliflower mash may not freeze well due to its texture, the beef tips and gravy can be frozen. Freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in a saucepan on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the cauliflower mash has absorbed too much moisture, you may need to adjust the consistency with additional liquids or re-whip.
Equipment
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 722mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthylittlepeach or tag #healthylittlepeach!
The cauliflower mash is definitely the best I have ever had or made. Even my Texas born husband (loves potatoes & rich dishes) loved this recipe.
This is so great to hear! Thank you.
Absolutely love love love this recipe! It’s a go-to in our household for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight meal. Plus using the instant pot makes it even more of a breeze!
Thank you so much! Glad you love it.
This is THE MOST DELICIOUS MEAL! My entire family devours it, and it’s the first time I’ve really been able to say I enjoyed the cauliflower mash. We’ve made it 4x in the last couple months and every time it gets eaten to the last bite.
Thank you so much for all your great recipes. You’re helping us find healthier ways to eat our favorites and frankly, they often taste better than how we used to make them.
This really makes me so incredibly happy. I appreciate you taking time to share! Thank you, Sarah
This is so delicious! I made it in the instant pot and nothing could be easier.
Thank you so much!
Love this recipe!!!
So happy to hear! Thank you
Love this recipe. It is so easy to make in the instant pot. Wonderful comfort food!
Hi Sarah……thrilled you love the recipe and life using the instant pot is magic. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Have a blessed weekend;-)
I put the beef tips in a Dutch Oven At 300 for 3 hrs. Sooo tender. Added a jar of Campbell’s Beef Gravy the last 30 min and served over Cauliflower rice.
Oh gosh. This sounds incredible! Thanks for sharing this tip.
Thank you for this AMAZING recipe!! I’m on day 3 of my Whole30 and made this in the IP after work. It’s incredible and ill definitely be making it part of the regular rotation! 🙂
So happy to hear. Thank you!
Tried this recipe tonight and it was amazing! Definitely a keeper! My husband even got seconds on the beef tips AND cauliflower mash and usually he doesn’t eat cauliflower!
So happy to hear this. Thank you
Ummm this recipe is such a keeper!!! I have a subscription to Butcher Box and have the one where they just send you a mixture – got the beef tips this month and found this recipe. SOOOO GOOD!!!!
Love how you doctored up the cauliflower rice to make them so creamy.
And the beef and broth….my boyfriend is basically licking the pan right now.
Thanks again for such a great recipe – we’ll definitely add this to the regular rotation!
Martha, this comment made my day. Thank you so much
My family LOVES this recipe! I make it in the instant pot and you seriously cannot go wrong. The beef tips are falling apart and the gravy is delicious. We don’t follow keto or paleo, so I mix some cauliflower in with regular potatoes to lighten them up. Super easy and delicious!
Hi Megan. This recipe is certainly one of our favs. The girls have been seen picking up the bowl to lick it clean;-). And what about those instant pots? They are amazing and save so much time.
Thank you for the kind review. Blessings your way!