Description
Tender beef tips cooked slowly in a rich mushroom gravy with a blend of herbs and spices, finished with a thickened savory sauce. Perfect served over mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 pounds sirloin beef tips (or your favorite cut of beef steak, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms, cut into thick slices
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
Liquids and Spices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the beef pieces with flour, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Add half of the coated beef to the skillet and cook until a crust forms on the outside, but the beef is not fully cooked. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the remaining butter residue and sauté for 1 minute until slightly softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef and sautéed onions to the bottom of a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and add sliced mushrooms, garlic powder, granulated sugar, onion powder, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and pepperoncini peppers. Stir gently to mix.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 5 to 7 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors have melded.
- Thicken Gravy: About 20 minutes before the cooking time is complete, carefully remove ½ cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and pour into a small bowl. Add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the slow cooker and gently stir. Cover again and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency and Serve: If the gravy is too thick, add a few tablespoons of water to thin it. If too thin, mix more cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir into the slow cooker. Serve the beef tips and mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- Using a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet is preferred to get a good sear on the beef pieces.
- Do not fully cook the beef while searing, just form a flavorful crust to lock in juices during slow cooking.
- The pepperoncini peppers add a subtle zing and depth; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Slow cooking times can be adjusted depending on your device and beef tenderness preference.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a classic comfort dish.
