Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe: A Comforting, Flavorful Meal
Beef tips with mushroom gravy is a hearty, flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy any craving for a rich, savory meal. The tender chunks of beef, simmered in a creamy mushroom gravy, create a comforting and filling dinner that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish is guaranteed to please the entire family.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire beef tips with mushroom gravy recipe, including detailed instructions, tips for success, and how to elevate this dish with the perfect side dishes.
Why You’ll Love Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
This recipe combines tender beef tips with a savory mushroom gravy that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. The beef tips are cut into bite-sized pieces, making them easy to cook and perfect for soaking up the gravy. The mushrooms add earthy, umami flavor, while the gravy itself is creamy, silky, and perfectly seasoned.
One of the best things about beef tips with mushroom gravy is that it’s an easy recipe to make, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner, but also impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s versatile and can be served in many different ways, making it a go-to dinner option for any occasion.
Ingredients for Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
For the Beef Tips:
1 1/2 to 2 pounds of beef stew meat or sirloin tips (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup beef broth (or stock)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Mushroom Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini mushrooms work well)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth (or stock)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for richness)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
1. Prepare the Beef Tips:
Season the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef into 1 to 1 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel to help achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and caramelized. This step adds flavor to the beef, which is essential for the overall taste of the dish.
Deglaze the Pan: After searing the beef, add 1/2 cup beef broth and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the pan, stirring to loosen any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavorful bits (known as fond) will enhance the flavor of your gravy.
2. Cook the Beef Tips:
Simmer the Beef: Once you’ve deglazed the pan, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the beef simmer in the broth for 15-20 minutes. This helps the beef become tender and infuses it with the flavors of the broth. If you’re using a tougher cut of meat like stew beef, you may need to simmer the beef for 45-60 minutes for the meat to become tender.
Check the Beef: After simmering, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not yet as tender as you’d like, continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, adding more broth if needed to prevent burning.
3. Prepare the Mushroom Gravy:
Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
Add Garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Gravy:
Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and onion mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The flour will help thicken the gravy.
Add Broth and Cream: Slowly pour in the 1 cup beef broth while stirring to combine. Add the 1/2 cup heavy cream to create a rich, creamy gravy. Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional) for added depth of flavor. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Combine Beef and Gravy:
Combine the Beef with Gravy: Once the beef has finished simmering and the gravy has thickened, add the seared beef to the mushroom gravy. Stir gently to combine, making sure the beef tips are well-coated in the gravy. Allow the beef to simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-10 minutes to marry the flavors and ensure the beef is fully tender and flavorful.
6. Serve the Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy:
Plate the Dish: Serve the beef tips with mushroom gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy the Meal: This dish is incredibly comforting and pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for added texture and balance.
Tips for Success:
Meat Selection: While stew beef is the most common choice for this recipe, you can also use sirloin, chuck roast, or even tenderloin for a more premium option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the cut you choose.
Searing the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step. Browning the beef adds layers of flavor that will make your mushroom gravy richer and more complex.
Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can increase the amount of flour or simmer the gravy for a longer period to reduce it. Alternatively, if you want a thinner consistency, simply add more beef broth or water.
Mushroom Variety: While white button mushrooms are standard, you can mix in cremini mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms for different flavors and textures in your gravy.
Make-Ahead Option: This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutritional Benefits:
Beef tips with mushroom gravy is a satisfying meal that provides a good balance of protein, fat, and vitamins. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and zinc, which are essential for muscle health and immune function. Mushrooms add fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins such as B vitamins and selenium.
Final Thoughts:
Beef tips with mushroom gravy is a comforting, flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The tender beef tips, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy gravy create a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. The best part is that it’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of preparation time. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!