This dish is all about tender beef tips swimming in a rich and creamy mushroom gravy. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
You’ll love how easy it is to make, and it pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite and maybe even sneak a spoonful of that gravy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Using sirloin is perfect for tenderness and flavor, but if you want a cheaper option, chuck roast works well too. Just ensure to cook it longer for tenderness.
Mushrooms: I recommend cremini for their richer flavor, but white button mushrooms are great too! If you’re a fan of a bolder taste, you might try shiitake mushrooms instead.
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, swap it with half-and-half or full-fat evaporated milk. For dairy-free, try coconut milk, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Dried thyme: If you have fresh thyme on hand, use that for a brighter taste. A tablespoon of fresh generally equals a teaspoon of dried. Oregano or rosemary could also work in a pinch!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Tips Are Tender?
The key to tender beef tips lies in the cooking time and technique. First, browning the beef creates flavor and seals in juices. When simmering, keep the heat low and be patient—this allows the meat to become fork-tender. Here’s how to do it:
- After browning the meat, let it rest to retain moisture. Don’t rush this!
- Simmer gently on low heat after adding the beef back into the sauce. This slow cooking allows the connective tissues to break down.
Also, remember that tougher cuts like chuck benefit from longer cooking times. If you have time, let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes for ultimate tenderness!
Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1.5 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized tips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button mushrooms)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 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 will take about 10 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious meal that can be on your table in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef tips dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This makes sure the meat is flavorful.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tips. Brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn!
4. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
5. Make the Gravy Base:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mushrooms and stir to coat evenly. This will help thicken your gravy. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
6. Add Broth and Season:
Slowly pour the beef broth into the skillet while stirring continuously. This helps prevent any lumps from forming. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
7. Combine Everything:
Stir in the heavy cream and return the browned beef tips to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the beef to become tender and soak up all that delicious flavor.
8. Final Taste Check:
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary. It’s all about your preference!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your beef tips with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, and enjoy your hearty meal!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ for Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or stew meat are great choices for tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or even pork tenderloin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning since some broths may be saltier than others.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to regain some moisture.