Tender beef tips slow-cooked in a rich, savory mushroom gravy - this dish is comfort food at its best! Perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner your family will love.
1 ½poundsbeef tipsan inexpensive cut like beef stewng meat or chuck roast is perfect
salt & pepper
For the gravy
1yellow onionchoopped
2clovesgarlicsliced
1poundmushroomssliced
½teaspoonground paprika
½teaspoondried parsley
¼teaspoondried thyme
⅓cupred wineOR beef stock
3cupsbeef broth
2tablespoonsWorcestershire sauce
1-2teaspoonssalt or lessdepending on what kind of broth you’re using
Black pepper to taste
To thicken
1tablespooncornstarch+ cool water; or up to 4 tablespoons plus cool water, as needed
Instructions
Brown beef: Add oil to large skillet over medium-high heat, then add beef (work in 2 batches if necessary; do not overcrow pan). Season beef with salt and pepper and sprinkle with flour; then cook until browned on all sides. Remove to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
Cook mushrooms: Add onion, garlic and mushrooms to hot skillet over medium heat. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Season with ground paprika, parsley and thyme; then add wine (or extra broth), beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then take off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slow Cook: Carefully transfer mushroom and beef broth mix to meat in slow cooker. Stir well, then cover with a lid and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
Thicken: Once cooking time is up, open slow cooker and stir. Stir in a cornstarch slurry, then cook with lid OPEN for 5-10 minutes or until thickened. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Ingredient notes:
Beef cuts: Use budget-friendly beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks for tender, flavorful results. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can dry out.
Mushrooms: Skip them if you’re not a fan; the gravy will still be delicious. Use cremini or baby portobello mushrooms for richer flavor.
Wine or broth: Red wine adds depth, but extra beef or chicken broth works just as well for a non-alcoholic option.
Gravy seasoning: Replace the spices with a gravy mix packet for convenience—just reduce the cornstarch needed to thicken.
Recipe tips:
Browning the beef: Don’t skip this step! It adds rich flavor and caramelized color to the meat and enhances the gravy.
Thickening the gravy: Use cornstarch dissolved in cool water (never add it dry). Start with 1 tablespoon slurry and add more as needed for your desired consistency.
Seasoning: Taste and adjust at each step to build layers of flavor.
Storage tips:
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking; store for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much. Ensure leftovers are reheated to 165°F for safety.