Beef Tips with Mushrooms

Tender, juicy beef tips simmered in a rich mushroom gravy create the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make. This hearty dish transforms affordable cuts of beef into a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, and shiitake), sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Season and sear the beef. Pat beef tips dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear beef tips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Build the mushroom base. In the same pot, add butter and let it melt. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
3. Create the aromatic foundation. Add diced onion to the mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze and add liquids. If using wine, pour it in now and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Gradually whisk in beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Simmer to perfection. Return the seared beef tips to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich gravy consistency.
6. Final touches. Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of beef broth.
7. Serve and garnish. Ladle the beef tips with mushrooms over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Success

Choose the right cut: While sirloin tips work beautifully, chuck roast cut into cubes or pre-packaged stew meat are excellent alternatives that become incredibly tender with slow cooking.

Don’t skip the searing: Proper browning of the beef creates fond (those golden bits) that adds tremendous depth of flavor to the final dish. Make sure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd the meat.

Mushroom variety matters: Using a mix of mushroom types creates complex, earthy flavors. If you can’t find multiple varieties, cremini or baby bella mushrooms alone work perfectly.

Low and slow is key: Keep the simmer gentle to prevent the beef from becoming tough. You should see occasional bubbles breaking the surface, not a rolling boil.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Beef Tips: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy sauce.

Herb-Crusted Version: Add fresh rosemary and sage along with the thyme for a more herbaceous flavor profile.

Spicy Kick: Include 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that complements the earthy mushrooms.

Wine-Free Option: Replace the red wine with an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth and add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftover beef tips with mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Highlights

This protein-rich dish provides high-quality iron, B-vitamins, and selenium from the beef, while mushrooms contribute potassium, vitamin D, and beneficial antioxidants. The moderate cooking method helps retain nutrients while creating incredibly tender, flavorful meat.

Serving Suggestions

Beef tips with mushrooms pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up the rich gravy. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus adds color and freshness to balance the hearty main dish.

Consider pairing with a glass of the same red wine used in cooking, or try a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the beef’s rich flavors. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something satisfying that brings the whole family to the table.