Introduction: Beef Tips with Mushrooms is a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy any craving for savory flavors. This recipe, which can be made in either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, features tender beef tips simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy with earthy mushrooms. Whether you prefer the slow, slow-cooked approach or the quick, convenient Instant Pot method, this dish promises a delicious, fuss-free meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips, with easy-to-follow steps and tips to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Tips:
2 lbs beef stew meat (or beef tips)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gravy (optional but recommended):
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water (for thickening)
2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by cutting the beef stew meat or beef tips into bite-sized pieces if not pre-cut. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Set aside.
Slice the mushrooms, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
Slow Cooker Method:
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef tips in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds flavor to the dish, so don’t skip it! Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture. Transfer everything into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything together, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4 (optional for thickening): In the last 30 minutes, make a slurry by whisking together flour and water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
Instant Pot Method:
Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and heat a tablespoon of oil. Brown the beef tips for 3-4 minutes per side, then remove and set them aside.
Step 2: In the same Instant Pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes, then add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Return the beef tips to the pot, add the thyme, and close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the beef tips. When done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 4 (optional for thickening): If you want to thicken the gravy, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again and stir in the flour-water slurry. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Serve the Beef Tips:
the rest on next page
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