Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about tender beef tips smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. This dish is the epitome of comfort food—perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a family dinner. Whether you choose to cook it in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, the result is the same: fall-apart, flavorful beef in a luscious, velvety gravy.
In this recipe, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from the best cuts of beef to use to pro tips for maximizing flavor. Get ready to create a dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Ingredients and Their Roles
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor and texture.
3 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps with browning the beef.
2 lbs sirloin beef tips – A tender cut that becomes even more succulent when slow-cooked.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Creates a light coating on the beef to enhance browning and thicken the gravy.
1 white onion, diced – Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms – Adds an earthy umami element to the dish.
2 teaspoons garlic powder – Enhances the overall savory taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Amplifies the onion flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Brings a warm, slightly minty flavor that complements the beef.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds an aromatic, piney note.
1 beef bouillon cube – Intensifies the meaty richness of the gravy.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami depth and provides a slight tanginess.
1 bay leaf – Infuses subtle herbal complexity into the sauce.
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncinis – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
1 1/2 to 2 cups beef stock – The base of the luxurious gravy.
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water – Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to ensure your beef tips turn out perfectly tender and packed with flavor.
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Season the beef tips with salt and pepper.
Toss them in flour to create a light coating. This helps achieve a beautifully browned crust and also thickens the gravy later.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat (or in the Instant Pot if using).
Working in batches, sear the beef tips on all sides until they develop a deep brown crust. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions & Deglaze
Add diced onions to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
