A Southern Comfort Classic: Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
This recipe for Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy is more than just a meal – it's a heartwarming experience. Imagine tender, slow-cooked beef bathed in a rich and flavorful mushroom sauce. It's a dish that evokes feelings of comfort and contentment, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- The Star of the Show - The Beef:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (or sirloin tip, chuck roast, or round roast)
- The Flavorful Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- The Mushroom Medley:
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini, white, or a mix)
- The Savory Broth:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- The Thickening Touch:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions:
Seasoning for Success (Optional): Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
Sautéing the Base: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
The Mushroom Magic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until softened and browned.
Building the Savory Broth: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Methods:
- Slow Cooker Ease:
- Transfer the pot contents (beef, mushrooms, and sauce) to your slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is very tender and falling apart.
- Instant Pot Perfection:
- If using an Instant Pot, seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
The Thickening Touch: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Once the beef is cooked through, stir the cornstarch slurry into the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Bringing it All Together: Serve the tender beef tips bathed in the rich mushroom gravy, alongside your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
A Celebration of Home Cooking:
Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy is a testament to the power of home cooking. It's a dish that is made with love, enjoyed with loved ones, and creates lasting memories. So, gather your family and friends, and prepare to savor the simple pleasures of a delicious and comforting meal.
Absolutely, here's more information you can add to your Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy recipe:
Tips:
- Flour Dredge for Extra Flavor (Optional): Before searing the beef, you can dredge the cubes in seasoned flour (add a pinch of paprika to the flour mixture for a touch of smokiness). This step creates a slightly browned exterior on the beef that adds depth of flavor to the finished dish.
- Deglazing for Richness: After sautéing the onions and mushrooms, deglaze the pan by pouring in a splash of red wine or beef broth and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These browned bits contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your gravy.
- Fresh Herbs for Brightness: For a touch of freshness, you can stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme or parsley towards the end of cooking.
- Leftovers and Variations: Leftover Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent drying out.
- This recipe is also a great base for customization! Try using different types of mushrooms like portobello or shiitake for a different flavor profile. You can also add other vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a more colorful dish.
Complementary Side Dishes:
Creamy Dream: Mashed potatoes, polenta, or creamy grits offer a luxurious base to soak up the rich gravy.
Roasted Delights: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli add a delightful contrast in texture and a pop of color to the plate.
Classic Comfort: Buttered egg noodles or rice pilaf provide a comforting and familiar pairing.
Final Touches:
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish adds a touch of salty richness.
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
With these additional tips and variations, you can elevate your Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy to a whole new level! Enjoy this heartwarming and delicious meal!
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