John Miller
Mushroom simmered beef tips is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe involves searing beef tips until they’re caramelized, then slow-cooking them with a medley of mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a blend of broth and wine. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deeply satisfying umami flavor that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and robust taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Beef tips, mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, red wine (optional) |
| Cooking Method | Searing, simmering |
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1.5-2 hours (or until beef is tender) |
| Total Time | ~2 hours |
| Servings | 4-6 |
| Key Seasonings | Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce |
| Optional Additions | Carrots, celery, bay leaves |
| Cookware Needed | Large skillet or Dutch oven |
| Texture | Tender beef, soft mushrooms |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, savory, umami |
| Serving Suggestions | Over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles |
| Storage | Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days |
| Reheating | Reheat on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed |
| Dietary Considerations | Gluten-free (if using gluten-free broth and sauce), low-carb (without sides) |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
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What You'll Learn
- Ingredients: Gather beef tips, mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, oil
- Prep Work: Slice mushrooms, dice onions, mince garlic, trim beef tips
- Cooking Beef: Sear beef tips in hot oil until browned, set aside
- Sauté Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, onions, garlic until softened in the same pan
- Simmering: Combine beef, veggies, broth, and soy sauce; simmer until beef is tender
Ingredients: Gather beef tips, mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, oil
To begin crafting your mushroom simmered beef tips, the first step is to gather your ingredients. Start with the star of the dish: beef tips. Choose high-quality, tender beef tips, ideally from the sirloin or chuck, as these cuts will remain juicy and flavorful after simmering. Ensure the beef is trimmed of excess fat and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Next, select mushrooms—button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms work well, offering earthy flavors that complement the beef. Fresh mushrooms are preferred, but if using dried, rehydrate them in warm water before adding to the dish. Onions are essential for adding sweetness and depth; yellow or sweet onions are ideal, thinly sliced to caramelize beautifully during cooking. Garlic, another flavor powerhouse, should be minced finely to infuse the dish with its aromatic essence.
Moving on to the liquids, beef broth forms the base of your simmering sauce. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness, especially since soy sauce will also be added for umami and saltiness. Soy sauce not only enhances the savory profile but also gives the beef a rich, dark color. Cornstarch is a key ingredient for thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings to the beef and mushrooms. Mix it with a small amount of water to create a slurry before adding it to the dish to avoid lumps. Lastly, oil is necessary for searing the beef tips—use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola to achieve a golden crust without burning.
When gathering your ingredients, consider their freshness and quality, as they directly impact the final flavor. For instance, fresh garlic and onions will yield a brighter taste compared to their powdered counterparts. Similarly, using homemade or high-quality beef broth can elevate the dish significantly. If possible, marinate the beef tips in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
Organize your ingredients in the order they’ll be used to streamline the cooking process. Have the beef tips ready for searing, followed by the onions and garlic for sautéing, and the mushrooms for adding later. Keep the beef broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry within reach for when it’s time to simmer and thicken the sauce. This preparation ensures a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of seasoning. While soy sauce provides saltiness, taste the dish before serving and adjust with salt or pepper if needed. The balance of flavors—savory beef, earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, and garlic—should harmonize perfectly in the thickened sauce. With these ingredients gathered and prepped, you’re ready to transform them into a hearty, comforting mushroom simmered beef tips dish.
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Prep Work: Slice mushrooms, dice onions, mince garlic, trim beef tips
Before you begin cooking mushroom simmered beef tips, proper prep work is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools, including a sharp knife, cutting board, and measuring cups. The first step in the prep work is to slice the mushrooms. Choose a variety of mushrooms, such as button, cremini, or shiitake, and wipe them clean with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms evenly, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly and have a consistent texture. Be mindful of the size and shape of the mushrooms, as this will affect the overall presentation of the dish.
Next, move on to dicing the onions. Peel the outer layer of the onion and cut it in half from root to stem. Place the onion cut-side down on the cutting board and make horizontal cuts, being careful not to cut through the root end. Then, make vertical cuts, again being careful not to cut through the root end. Finally, make cuts perpendicular to the previous cuts, and the onion will be diced. Aim for a small and uniform dice, around 1/4 inch in size, to ensure the onions cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients. A properly diced onion will not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also contribute to its visual appeal.
Mincing garlic is the next crucial step in the prep work. Peel the garlic cloves and remove any excess skin or debris. Using a sharp knife, finely chop the garlic cloves, then sprinkle a pinch of salt over the chopped garlic. Use the flat side of the knife to mash the garlic and salt together, creating a paste-like consistency. This technique, known as mincing, will help release the garlic's flavors and aromas, elevating the overall taste of the mushroom simmered beef tips. Be sure to mince the garlic finely, as larger pieces may not cook evenly and could result in a bitter taste.
Trimming the beef tips is a vital step in ensuring tender and juicy meat. Start by inspecting the beef tips and removing any excess fat, silver skin, or connective tissue. Using a sharp knife, trim the beef tips into uniform pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in size. This will promote even cooking and allow the beef to absorb the flavors of the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. When trimming the beef, be mindful of the grain – always cut against the grain to ensure tenderness. Properly trimmed beef tips will not only cook more evenly but also result in a more visually appealing dish.
As you complete each prep work task, take a moment to organize your ingredients and workspace. Keep the sliced mushrooms, diced onions, minced garlic, and trimmed beef tips in separate containers or bowls to maintain their individual flavors and textures. A well-organized workspace will not only make the cooking process more efficient but also minimize the risk of cross-contamination. By dedicating time and attention to the prep work, you'll set the foundation for a delicious and successful mushroom simmered beef tips dish. With all the ingredients prepped and ready, you can now focus on the cooking process, confident that your dish will turn out flavorful, tender, and visually stunning.
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Cooking Beef: Sear beef tips in hot oil until browned, set aside
To begin the process of making mushroom simmered beef tips, the first critical step is searing the beef tips in hot oil until browned. This technique not only locks in the juices and enhances the flavor of the beef but also creates a rich foundation for the dish. Start by selecting high-quality beef tips, ensuring they are trimmed of excess fat and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, as moisture on the surface can prevent proper browning. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat for a few minutes.
Next, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating it’s hot enough for searing. Carefully place the beef tips into the pan in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, as this can cause steaming instead of browning. Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms. This step is crucial for developing the dish’s depth of flavor, as the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that occurs during browning—creates complex, savory notes.
Once the beef tips are seared on all sides, use tongs to transfer them to a plate or bowl, setting them aside while you prepare the mushrooms and sauce. Be mindful not to discard the browned bits (fond) left in the pan, as they will be deglazed later to add richness to the simmering liquid. The seared beef should rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring each piece remains tender when returned to the pan for simmering.
This initial searing step is a cornerstone of the recipe, setting the stage for the beef to absorb the flavors of the mushrooms and sauce while maintaining its texture. By mastering this technique, you ensure that the beef tips remain succulent and flavorful, making them the star of the mushroom simmered beef tips dish. Proceed with confidence, knowing that the foundation of your meal is now solidly in place.
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Sauté Veggies: Sauté mushrooms, onions, garlic until softened in the same pan
To begin the sauté process for your mushroom simmered beef tips, heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan evenly. This step is crucial as it prevents the vegetables from sticking and promotes even cooking. Once the oil is hot (you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly), add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Mushrooms release moisture as they cook, so avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they brown rather than steam. Sauté the mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and their edges are slightly crispy. This browning adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Next, add the sliced onions to the same pan. The onions will absorb some of the mushroom flavors left in the pan, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and slightly softened. Onions add a natural sweetness that balances the earthiness of the mushrooms. If the pan seems dry at any point, add a small splash of oil or butter to prevent sticking or burning. The goal here is to soften the onions without letting them caramelize too much, as they will continue to cook later in the simmering process.
Now, introduce the minced garlic to the pan. Garlic burns easily, so add it last and cook it for only about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step infuses the dish with its aromatic flavor, complementing both the mushrooms and onions. Ensure the garlic is evenly distributed among the other vegetables for a balanced flavor profile.
As you sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic, pay attention to the textures and colors. The vegetables should be softened but still retain some bite, as they will continue cooking when the beef and broth are added later. This stage is all about building a flavorful base for the dish. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic creates a rich, savory foundation that will meld beautifully with the beef tips during the simmering process.
Once the vegetables are softened and fragrant, they’re ready for the next step in the recipe. The same pan will be used to sear the beef tips, allowing them to absorb the flavors left behind by the vegetables. This technique ensures that no flavor is wasted and that every component of the dish contributes to its overall depth and richness. Properly sautéing the veggies is a key step in achieving the hearty, comforting taste of mushroom simmered beef tips.
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Simmering: Combine beef, veggies, broth, and soy sauce; simmer until beef is tender
To begin the simmering process for your mushroom simmered beef tips, start by selecting a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that can withstand low and slow cooking. This type of cookware ensures even heat distribution, preventing the ingredients from burning or sticking to the bottom. Add your pre-cut beef tips to the pot, making sure they are evenly coated with a light layer of oil or cooking spray to promote browning. Next, introduce your choice of vegetables – typically, a combination of sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic works well. Sauté the beef and vegetables together for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to develop a nice sear.
Once the beef and vegetables are sautéed, it's time to add the liquids that will create the simmering environment. Pour in a mixture of beef broth and soy sauce, using a ratio of approximately 3:1 (beef broth to soy sauce). The beef broth provides a rich, savory base, while the soy sauce adds depth, saltiness, and a subtle umami flavor. You may also consider adding a splash of dry red wine or a pinch of brown sugar to enhance the complexity of the sauce. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to bubble softly.
As the simmering process begins, you'll notice the beef tips starting to tenderize and the vegetables softening. It's essential to maintain a low and slow simmer, as this allows the connective tissues in the beef to break down gradually, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. Keep the pot uncovered for the first 10-15 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors. Then, cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to prevent boiling over. Simmer the beef tips for approximately 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
During the simmering process, it's crucial to monitor the liquid level and adjust as needed. If the mixture appears too dry, add more beef broth or water to prevent burning. Conversely, if the sauce seems too thin, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to encourage evaporation. As the beef tips simmer, the sauce will thicken and intensify in flavor, creating a rich and glossy coating for the meat and vegetables. Taste the sauce periodically and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce as needed.
In the final stages of simmering, focus on achieving the desired texture and consistency. The beef tips should be tender enough to cut with a fork, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy. If the beef isn't quite tender, continue simmering for an additional 15-30 minutes, checking regularly. Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken further. This resting period is crucial, as it ensures that the beef tips remain juicy and the sauce clings to the meat, creating a mouthwatering presentation. With the simmering process complete, you're now ready to serve your delicious mushroom simmered beef tips.
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Frequently asked questions
Use tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye for the best results, as they remain juicy and flavorful after simmering.
Yes, dried mushrooms work well. Rehydrate them in hot water for 20–30 minutes, then strain and use the soaking liquid as part of the broth for extra flavor.
Simmer the beef tips on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours for tender, flavorful results.
