Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic

 Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic

If you're craving tender, flavorful beef in a rich mushroom gravy that practically cooks itself, you've just discovered your new favorite recipe. These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy are a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings all the satisfaction of a slow-simmered stew — with minimal effort and maximum reward. Whether you're using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this dish delivers that fork-tender texture and deep, savory flavor we all love in classic comfort food.

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners, this recipe is a go-to for families, meal preppers, and anyone who appreciates homestyle cooking done right.

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📝 Ingredients and Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen not only for flavor, but for the role it plays in building a rich, well-balanced dish:

2 teaspoons garlic powder – Adds a deep, aromatic base flavor without overpowering.

1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances savory notes and adds a hint of sweetness.

1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and mushrooms.

1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds earthiness and depth; rosemary and beef are a natural pairing.

1 beef bouillon cube – Intensifies the beef flavor and adds a salty umami punch.

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Provides tang and umami that deepens the gravy's richness.

1 bay leaf – Slowly infuses a subtle, herbal flavor during cooking.

1/2 cup sliced pepperoncinis – A secret weapon! Adds tang, brightness, and slight heat to balance the richness.

1 1/2 to 2 cups beef stock – The base for our luscious gravy; use less for thicker sauce.

2 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the gravy into a smooth, velvety texture.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential seasoning for bringing out the full flavor.

2 lbs beef stew meat – Cubed chuck roast or stew meat gives the best tender result.

2 tablespoons butter – For searing and flavoring; adds richness to the base.

1 cup sliced mushrooms – Optional, but highly recommended for a meaty, umami punch.

1 onion, sliced – Adds sweetness and savory depth as it caramelizes during cooking.

1/4 cup flour – Coats the beef for searing and helps thicken the gravy.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥘 1. Prep the Beef

Season beef with kosher salt and pepper, then toss in flour to coat lightly. This flour not only helps sear the beef but thickens the gravy later.

🔥 2. Sear for Flavor

In a large skillet or Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.

Sear beef in batches until all sides are golden brown and crusty. Don’t overcrowd the pan — this step builds deep flavor.

Remove the browned beef and set aside.

🧅 3. Sauté the Onions

In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits.

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🍲 TO COOK IN THE SLOW COOKER:

1. Transfer the beef and onions to the slow cooker.

2. Add mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, pepperoncinis, and 2 cups beef stock.

3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.

4. 30 minutes before finishing, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch into 3 tablespoons water, and stir into the slow cooker.

5. Cover and finish cooking. The gravy will thicken beautifully.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

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⚡️ TO COOK IN THE INSTANT POT:

1. Return the beef and onions to the Instant Pot.

2. Add mushrooms, spices, bouillon, Worcestershire, bay leaf, pepperoncinis, and 1½ cups beef stock.

3. Lock the lid, set to “Meat/Stew” or manual high pressure for 35 minutes.

4. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

5. Set to “Sauté”, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water, and stir into the pot.

6. Simmer until the gravy thickens. Adjust seasoning and serve.

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Tips

Use well-marbled meat like chuck roast for tender results.

Don’t skip searing – it locks in flavor and improves texture.

Adjust stock amount based on how thick you like your gravy.

Add a splash of red wine during deglazing for added depth.

Pepperoncinis may sound unusual, but they cut through the richness perfectly — don’t skip them!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete the meal with:

Mashed potatoes – the creamy base for that rich gravy.

Buttered egg noodles – classic comfort food pairing.

Steamed green beans or roasted carrots – for a fresh, crunchy side.

Crusty bread – perfect for soaking up every drop of gravy.

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⭐️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This dish is beloved for its:

Effortless preparation – Hands-off cooking with big results.

Rich, savory flavors – Like a classic pot roast with a gourmet twist.

Versatility – Works in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Crowd-pleasing appeal – Great for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.

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🔚 Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Made Easy

With just a few pantry staples and your favorite cooking method, you can whip up a dish that’s hearty, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy are proof that big flavor doesn’t have to mean big effort.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving a warm, satisfying meal at home, this recipe is the definition of comfort food done right. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

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ter — because this is one you’ll come back to time and time again.

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