This dish is all about beautifully cooked beef tips smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. It’s a warm and comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone!
I love serving this dish over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious gravy! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cozy night in, don’t you think? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tips: I recommend using sirloin or tenderloin for the best tenderness. If you’re on a budget, you can swap in chuck roast, but you’ll need to cook it a bit longer to become tender.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are great choices for this dish. If you can’t find them, feel free to use shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream vs. Sour Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but for a lighter option, you could use sour cream. Just add it at the end to avoid curdling!
Thyme: Dried thyme works perfectly, but if you have fresh thyme, it adds a lively flavor. You’d need about three times the amount of fresh thyme, as it’s less concentrated.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Tender and Flavorsome?
Getting tender beef tips is all about the right cooking method. Browning the beef first adds a depth of flavor, so get that skillet nice and hot!
- Don’t crowd the pan. Brown the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and searing.
- Lower the heat before adding onions and mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release their moisture.
- Let it simmer covered. This helps the beef soak up the flavors and become tender.
Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as you go! A little patience goes a long way in making this rich and comforting dish. Enjoy! 😊
Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin tips, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 30-40 minutes of cooking time, making it a great option for a cozy dinner. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to prepare this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef tips in batches so they can brown evenly without steaming. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned all over. When done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Now, turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them together for about 5-6 minutes until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms are browned and tender.
3. Adding the Aromatics:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You’ll notice a lovely garlic aroma filling your kitchen! It’s time to get the gravy going.
4. Making the Roux:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom and onion mixture, stirring well to coat everything. This will help thicken your gravy later. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
5. Creating the Gravy Base:
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Adding Creaminess:
Now, stir in your choice of heavy cream or sour cream along with the Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to adjust according to your preference.
7. Bringing it All Together:
Return the browned beef tips back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened nicely.
8. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked and flavorful, taste the gravy one last time and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color.
Enjoy your tender beef tips smothered in creamy mushroom gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Can I Substitute Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use pork tenderloin or even chicken if you prefer. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking times, as they may vary. Chicken typically cooks faster than beef.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Tips?
Yes, you can! However, be sure to fully thaw the beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. Avoid cooking from frozen as it will release too much moisture, making the gravy too watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to save them for longer, you can freeze the beef tips and gravy for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make the Gravy Without Flour?
Yes! If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use cornstarch mixed with a little water as a thickening agent instead. Start with about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, and add it to the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired thickness.
