Beef tips with mushroom gravy is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in every bite. This dish combines perfectly seared beef tips with a creamy, flavorful mushroom gravy that elevates a simple meal into something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender beef and a luscious mushroom gravy makes it irresistible, providing both warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

One of the key elements of this dish is its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something special. The beef tips are browned to perfection, creating a deep, caramelized flavor, while the mushroom gravy brings a velvety richness that complements the meat beautifully. Whether served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, beef tips with mushroom gravy is a dish that never fails to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this beef tips and mushroom gravy recipe. First, the tenderness of the beef is unmatched. Through slow cooking or simmering, the meat becomes incredibly soft and flavorful, making each bite truly “melt-in-your-mouth.” The mushroom gravy is rich and creamy, adding a depth of flavor that brings out the best in the beef without overpowering it.

Additionally, the recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks. It doesn’t take hours of preparation or an extensive list of ingredients to create a delicious meal. You can easily customize it to your liking or adapt it based on what you have on hand, making it an accessible option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This dish is both satisfying and versatile, making it a go-to meal for any family dinner.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Essential Ingredients

Beef Tips:
The cut of beef you choose is essential for achieving tender, flavorful beef tips. Sirloin and tenderloin are excellent options as they are naturally tender, making them perfect for quick-cooking methods. For a more budget-friendly choice, stew beef or chuck can also work, but these cuts may require longer cooking times to break down the tougher fibers and achieve that “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.

Mushrooms:
The type of mushroom you use can affect the depth of flavor in the gravy. Cremini mushrooms offer a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with beef. Button mushrooms are milder but still work well, while portobello mushrooms bring a more robust, meaty texture that complements the dish beautifully.
Beef Broth/Stock:
Using high-quality beef broth or stock is crucial for a deep, savory flavor in the gravy. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can better control the salt levels. Homemade or store-bought beef stock, rich in collagen, will add a luxurious mouthfeel to the dish.
Other Ingredients:
Common pantry staples like onions, garlic, and butter enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds a slightly tangy, umami punch, while heavy cream gives the mushroom gravy a rich, silky finish.

Ingredient Substitutes & Variations

Dairy-Free Option:
For a dairy-free version of this recipe, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew milk. These alternatives provide a creamy texture without altering the overall flavor profile too much.
Substituting Beef Broth:
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth can be a suitable alternative, though it will create a lighter flavor. For added depth, consider using a splash of red wine during the cooking process.
Vegetarian Version:
To create a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute beef tips with a plant-based protein like tofu or seitan. For the gravy, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and opt for olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

How to Cook Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Tips

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy

Preparing the Beef Tips:
Begin by cutting your beef tips into bite-sized pieces, if not pre-cut. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil or butter, and brown the beef tips on all sides. This process helps lock in the juices and adds a flavorful crust to the meat. Be sure to brown in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Achieving Tenderness:
To get perfectly tender beef tips, the cooking method matters. After browning the meat, you can choose to simmer the beef tips on the stovetop in beef broth for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or you can transfer the meat to an oven preheated to 300°F and let it braise for a similar amount of time. Slow cooking the beef in a crockpot for 4-6 hours on low heat is another effective method, especially for tougher cuts like stew meat.
How Long to Cook Beef Tips:
Depending on the cut of beef and your cooking method, beef tips should cook for 1-2 hours to achieve optimal tenderness. Sirloin may only need about an hour, while tougher cuts like chuck will benefit from a longer cooking time, whether simmered or slow-cooked.

Building the Perfect Mushroom Gravy

Sautéing the Mushrooms:
After removing the beef tips from the pan, add butter or oil and sauté the mushrooms over medium heat. Cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. This step is crucial for bringing out the mushrooms’ rich, earthy flavors.
Combining Ingredients for the Gravy:
Once the mushrooms are ready, stir in finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Next, pour in beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits left from searing the beef.
Thickening the Gravy:
For a smooth, thick gravy, whisk in a roux made of flour and butter or a cornstarch slurry. Gradually add heavy cream to the mixture, stirring constantly until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, simply thin it out with a bit of extra broth.

Tips for Best Results

Choosing the Right Beef

Selecting the right cut of beef is key to getting tender beef tips. Sirloin and tenderloin are known for their tenderness and rich flavor, but marbling (the streaks of fat in the meat) is equally important. Cuts with good marbling, such as chuck, will produce flavorful, juicy beef tips when cooked slowly to break down the connective tissue.

Cooking Techniques to Ensure Tenderness

Searing the Meat:
Always sear your beef tips before simmering or slow cooking. This step not only locks in the juices but also adds depth of flavor through caramelization. Use a hot pan and avoid crowding the meat so it browns evenly.
Slow Cooking for Maximum Tenderness:
Whether you’re using a stovetop, oven, or slow cooker, low and slow is the way to go for the most tender beef tips. Cooking at a low temperature over a longer period helps break down the meat’s fibers, making it tender and juicy.

Avoiding Overcooking:
While slow cooking helps tenderize the meat, overcooking can cause it to become dry and tough. Keep an eye on the time and check the meat’s tenderness periodically.

Adjusting Gravy Thickness

How to Adjust Consistency:
If your gravy is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out. For a thicker gravy, mix in a bit more flour or cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly to ensure the gravy remains smooth.
Preventing Lumpy Gravy:
To avoid lumps, always whisk the thickening agent (flour or cornstarch) into a cold liquid before adding it to the hot gravy. This ensures it blends smoothly without clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Side Dishes for Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy

The rich flavors of beef tips with mushroom gravy pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options include creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy white rice. Each of these starches helps to soak up the delicious gravy, making every bite more satisfying. If you’re looking for a heartier option, garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy polenta are excellent choices.

Light Vegetable Sides to Balance the Richness

To balance the richness of the dish, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. A crisp, simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also cut through the gravy’s richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Garnishing for Extra Flavor

For added flavor, garnish your dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the dish with a gourmet touch. These small additions enhance the visual appeal and introduce new layers of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Beef Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Beef tips and mushroom gravy store well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you plan to freeze the dish, divide it into portions and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the beef cool before freezing to prevent condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.

Reheating Tips

To reheat beef tips without drying them out, use a stovetop or oven over low heat, adding a little broth or water to keep the meat moist. For quicker reheating, the microwave works too, but cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Adding Vegetables

To make the dish more substantial and nutritious, consider adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. These vegetables not only add color but also complement the richness of the beef and gravy. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they maintain a slight crunch and freshness.

Making It a One-Pot Meal

For convenience, you can turn this recipe into a one-pot meal by adding potatoes or other hearty vegetables directly into the pot with the beef and gravy. This saves time and makes cleanup easier, while still delivering a complete, flavorful meal. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even parsnips can cook alongside the beef, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth and gravy.

FAQs Section

What cut of beef is best for beef tips?

Sirloin and tenderloin are the best cuts for tender beef tips, but chuck or stew beef can work well if slow-cooked properly. Chuck is more affordable and becomes tender with longer cooking.

Can I use a slow cooker for beef tips?

Yes, a slow cooker is perfect for making beef tips tender. Brown the beef first, then cook on low for 4-6 hours with broth and mushrooms. This method ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender without much effort.

How do I thicken the gravy without flour?

You can thicken the gravy using cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour. Simply mix the cornstarch or arrowroot with cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the simmering gravy until thickened.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, beef tips with mushroom gravy can be made ahead. Simply prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to preserve the tenderness of the beef.

Can I freeze beef tips with mushroom gravy?

Absolutely. This dish freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. Reheat slowly, adding a little broth if needed to bring the gravy back to the desired consistency.

Melt In Your Mouth Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Melt-in-your-mouth beef tips with mushroom gravy is a classic comfort dish that delivers tender, juicy beef paired with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. This recipe combines the savory flavors of perfectly seared beef tips with a luscious sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, beef broth, and cream. It’s an ideal recipe for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, this hearty and flavorful dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Season the beef tips generously with salt and pepper.
Toss the seasoned beef in flour until well coated.

Sear the Beef:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Add the beef in batches, searing on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

Cook the Onions:

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Slow Cooker Method:

Transfer the seared beef and sautéed onions to the slow cooker.
Add the mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, pepperoncinis, and beef stock.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Instant Pot Method:

After searing the beef and onions in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting, add the mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, pepperoncinis, and beef stock.
Cover, seal, and set the Instant Pot to the ‘Meat/Stew’ setting for 35 minutes on high pressure.

Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting.
Turn on the sauté mode again, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and simmer until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving:

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.

Serve the beef tips and mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

Choosing the Beef:
The cut of beef is key to the tenderness of this dish. Sirloin and tenderloin work best for quicker cooking, while stew beef or chuck becomes tender after longer, slower cooking times. For optimal results, choose beef with good marbling, as the fat helps to keep the meat juicy during cooking.
Mushrooms:
Use cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms for their earthy, savory flavor. Sautéing the mushrooms until they release their moisture and brown slightly enhances their taste, adding depth to the gravy.

Slow Cooking for Tenderness:
If using tougher cuts of beef like chuck, slow cooking is the way to go. This allows the beef to break down and become tender, whether on the stovetop, in the oven, or using a slow cooker.
Thickening the Gravy:
The gravy can be thickened with either flour or cornstarch, depending on your preference. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch works beautifully. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it becomes too thick.
Customizations:
Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also incorporate a splash of red wine or substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions:
This dish is traditionally served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, allowing the gravy to soak in. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can balance out the richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little broth to prevent the beef from drying out and ensure the gravy stays creamy.