How Long Cook Beef Tips: Perfect Results

For perfectly tender and flavorful beef tips in the oven, aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (medium-rare to medium) for pieces around 1-1.5 inches thick. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes at 400°F, but always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

There’s something truly special about tender, juicy beef tips. But if you’ve ever ended up with dry, tough morsels instead of melt-in-your-mouth goodness, you’re not alone! Figuring out “how long to cook beef tips” can feel a bit like a guessing game, leaving you frustrated and maybe a little hungry.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! We’ll walk through everything, from choosing the best cuts to knowing exactly when they’re done.

Let’s get your beef tips tasting amazing without the stress. Soon, you’ll be a pro at this!

Understanding Beef Tips: What Are They and Why the Fuss?

Beef tips, sometimes called beef medallions or steak tips, are small, tender pieces cut from larger, more premium steaks like sirloin, tenderloin, or even a well-marbled ribeye. They’re fantastic because they cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully, making them a weeknight winner and a popular choice for quick dinners.

The reason they can be tricky is their size and how lean some cuts can be. Overcook them even by a few minutes, and they can go from wonderfully tender to disappointingly chewy. The goal is to achieve that perfect balance – a beautiful sear on the outside and a juicy, pink interior.

What You’ll Need: Your Kitchen Toolkit

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s make sure you have everything ready to go. Having your tools handy makes the whole process much smoother!

• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing your beef.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming any excess fat or silverskin, and for cutting larger pieces into uniform tips.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Essential for marinades and seasonings.
• Large Bowl: For marinating your beef tips.
• Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Sheet: A cast-iron skillet is fantastic for a great sear, but a regular baking sheet works too.
• Tongs: For safely handling the hot beef.
• Meat Thermometer: This is your best friend for ensuring perfect doneness. No more guessing!
• Aluminum Foil: For resting the beef after cooking.

Choosing Your Beef Tips: Quality Matters

When you’re at the butcher counter or the grocery store, keep an eye out for these cuts. They’ll give you the best results for your “how long cook beef tips” adventure.

• Sirloin: A very common and economical choice. It has good flavor and tenderness.
• Tenderloin (Filet Mignon tips): The most tender and luxurious option, though it can be more expensive.
• Ribeye: Offers excellent marbling and rich flavor, leading to very tender tips.
• Chuck Eye: A more budget-friendly option from the chuck primal that can be surprisingly tender and flavorful.

When selecting, look for:

• Good Marbling: Those little flecks of white fat within the red meat are key to tenderness and flavor.
• Bright Red Color: This indicates freshness.
• Uniform Size: If you’re buying a larger roast to cut yourself, aim for even thickness so they cook uniformly.

Prep is Key: Marinating for Flavor and Tenderness

Marinating is a fantastic way to boost flavor and help tenderize your beef tips, especially if you’re using a slightly less tender cut. It also adds wonderful moisture. Here’s a simple, effective marinade recipe that works wonders.

Simple Beef Tip Marinade

This marinade is quick, easy, and packs a punch of flavor.

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

How to Marinate:

1. In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
2. Add your beef tips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the beef and marinade in a resealable plastic bag.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Don’t marinate much longer than 4 hours, especially with soy sauce, as it can start to break down the meat’s texture too much.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes of marinating will add a nice flavor boost!

Cooking Your Beef Tips: The Oven Method for Perfect Results

The oven is a great way to cook beef tips evenly and keep them moist. It’s particularly forgiving for beginners. We’ll focus on a common temperature where you get a nice external crust without overcooking the inside.

Step-by-Step Oven Cooking Guide

This method uses a hot oven to cook the tips quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of high-heat oil (like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil) and let it get hot but not smoking. This initial sear on the stovetop builds flavor and a great crust.
If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup, then simply place it in the preheated oven.

Step 2: Sear Your Beef Tips (Optional but Recommended!)

If using a skillet, remove the beef tips from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Carefully place the beef tips into the hot skillet. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms. You’re not cooking them through here, just building flavor.
If you skipped the stovetop sear, proceed to the next step with raw, marinated tips.

Step 3: Transfer to the Oven

If you seared in a skillet, transfer the entire skillet (handle and all!) into the preheated oven.
If you skipped the sear, place your marinated beef tips in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or directly into the hot oven-safe skillet and place it in the oven.

Step 4: Baking Time – How Long Exactly?

This is where the magic happens, and your meat thermometer becomes essential. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your beef tips and your desired level of doneness.

For 1-inch thick beef tips:
Rare: 8-10 minutes (internal temp 120-125°F / 49-52°C)
Medium-Rare: 10-12 minutes (internal temp 130-135°F / 54-57°C)
Medium: 12-15 minutes (internal temp 135-140°F / 57-60°C)
Medium-Well: 15-18 minutes (internal temp 140-145°F / 60-63°C)
Well-Done: 18-20 minutes (internal temp 150-155°F / 65-68°C) – Note: For tips this small, going well-done significantly risks dryness.

For 1.5-inch thick beef tips: Add approximately 5-8 minutes more to the times above.

Your Meat Thermometer is Your Guide: Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a beef tip, avoiding any bones if present.

External Resource: For more in-depth information on meat temperatures and safe cooking practices, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service offers excellent guidance on safe internal temperatures for all types of meats.

Step 5: Rest Your Beef Tips

Once your beef tips reach your desired internal temperature, remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven.
Transfer the beef tips to a clean cutting board or a plate.
Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step! Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. If you cut into them too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto the plate.

Temperature Guide: The Key to “How Long Cook Beef Tips” Success

This table breaks down the target internal temperatures for different levels of doneness. Remember, these are after resting, so pull them slightly before your final target temp as they will continue to cook a few degrees while resting (carryover cooking).

Doneness Level	Target Internal Temperature (°F)	Target Internal Temperature (°C)	Description
Rare	125-130°F	52-54°C	Cool red center
Medium-Rare	130-135°F	54-57°C	Warm red center
Medium	135-140°F	57-60°C	Warm pink center
Medium-Well	140-145°F	60-63°C	Slightly pink center
Well-Done	150-155°F	65-68°C	Little to no pink

For beef tips, I generally recommend pulling them from the oven when they are about 5°F (3°C) below your target temperature, as they will continue to cook while resting.

Oven Temperature and Time Chart: A Quick Reference

Here’s a handy chart to help you estimate cooking times based on oven temperature and thickness. This complements the temperature guide by giving you a starting point for “how long do you cook beef tips in the oven.”

Thickness	Oven Temp	Approx. Time (Medium-Rare)	Approx. Time (Medium)
1 inch	400°F (200°C)	10-12 minutes	12-15 minutes
1.5 inches	400°F (200°C)	15-18 minutes	18-22 minutes
1 inch	425°F (220°C)	8-10 minutes	10-12 minutes
1.5 inches	425°F (220°C)	13-16 minutes	16-20 minutes

Remember, these are starting points. Your oven might run hotter or cooler, and the actual density of the meat plays a role. Always trust your thermometer!

Troubleshooting Common Beef Tip Issues

Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them.

• Problem: Beef tips are tough and dry.
  • Why it happened: Most likely overcooked.
  • How to fix: Next time, use a meat thermometer and pull them out 5-10°F sooner. Ensure you let them rest after cooking. Also, consider a more tender cut of beef or a longer marinade.
• Problem: Beef tips are bland.
  • Why it happened: Not enough seasoning or marinating.
  • How to fix: Use a flavorful marinade and ensure you let the beef tips marinate long enough. Season generously with salt and pepper before* cooking, even if you’ve marinated.
• Problem: Beef tips didn’t get a nice brown crust.
  • Why it happened: Pan wasn’t hot enough, or you crowded the pan.
  • How to fix: Ensure your skillet is properly preheated and allow oil to get hot before adding beef. Cook in batches so the beef can sear, not steam. If you skipped the stovetop sear, this can also contribute to a less robust crust.
• Problem: Very uneven cooking