This tasty dish features tender beef tips smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom gravy. It’s comforting and perfect for a cozy dinner!
The best part? You can serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for an extra treat. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a drop of that gravy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin is great for tenderness, but you can also use chuck roast. It’s usually more affordable and adds a nice flavor when cooked slowly. Just cut it into smaller pieces.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add a rich flavor, but you can swap them with button mushrooms or even shiitake for a different taste.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, sour cream works nicely in this recipe, adding a tangy twist. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or cashew cream!
Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a great herb taste, but if you don’t have it, dried thyme works well too. Just remember to use less since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do I Get Tender, Juicy Beef Tips?
The key to tender beef tips lies in cooking them just right! Here are some tips:
- Pat the beef dry before cooking. This helps to get a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. This allows the beef to brown without steaming.
- Cook on medium heat after browning, allowing the beef to simmer gently in the gravy. This keeps it juicy.
- Let it simmer with the gravy for at least 5-7 minutes to soak up all that flavor!
Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Tips:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized tips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 35 minutes. With quick prep and a simple cooking method, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Tips:
Start by patting the beef tips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure they get a nice sear. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper for added flavor.
2. Searing the Beef:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef tips for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan where you cooked the beef, add the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Adding Garlic and Mushrooms:
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook everything together for about 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and nicely browned.
5. Making the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mushrooms and onions while stirring constantly to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, which helps to cook the flour and thicken your gravy.
6. Adding Broth and Seasonings:
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and thyme, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the gravy to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
7. Incorporating Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream, gently mixing everything together until well combined. This step adds a lovely creaminess to your gravy!
8. Simmering the Beef Tips:
Bring back the seared beef tips and stir them into the gravy. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes. This allows the beef to soak up all the tasty flavors and become tender.
9. Final Seasoning:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It’s important to make sure everything tastes just right!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish to add a touch of color. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy! Feel free to share with family and friends for a delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or stew meat works great, you can use chuck roast for a more economical option. Just be sure to cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. For cornstarch, mix it with a little cold water before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef tips and gravy ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Enjoy them over fresh rice or noodles!