There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tender beef tips drenched in a rich mushroom gravy. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table without a single complaint. Whether I make it in the slow cooker on a lazy Sunday or in the Instant Pot when I’m crunched for time, this recipe never fails to deliver deep flavor and satisfying warmth.

I’ve made this dish countless times, and it’s now one of my go-to recipes for cold evenings, casual family dinners, or even when I need to impress with minimal effort. The mushrooms soak up the savory juices, the beef becomes fall-apart tender, and that luscious gravy begs to be poured over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple yet rich in flavor, this one’s about to become your favorite too.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

Easy and forgiving – Whether you’re using the slow cooker or Instant Pot, the process is simple with minimal prep.
Tender, flavorful beef – Long, slow cooking (or pressure) transforms the meat into melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Rich mushroom gravy – A deep, savory sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.
One-pot convenience – Less mess, fewer dishes.
Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
Versatile sides – Goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or crusty bread.
Family-approved – Even picky eaters usually come back for seconds.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Beef Tips with Mushrooms?

For this dish, I usually reach for sirloin tips, stew meat, or even chuck roast cut into chunks. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking or pressure cooking because they break down beautifully over time, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. Chuck roast, in particular, has a bit more fat marbling, which adds richness to the gravy.

If I’m in a rush and want something leaner, sirloin works well too—it holds its shape better and still turns out flavorful. The key is to choose a cut that benefits from long, moist cooking methods, so don’t worry about going for the fanciest steak. This recipe turns even budget-friendly beef into something luxurious.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re out of an ingredient or adapting for dietary needs, there are easy swaps:

Beef: Try using pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs for a different spin—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Mushrooms: Baby bella, white button, or cremini all work well. Not a mushroom fan? Omit them or replace with diced carrots for sweetness.
Beef broth: Substitute with vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even a mix of broth and red wine for extra depth.
Flour: Cornstarch can be used to thicken the gravy instead—ideal for gluten-free diets.
Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free) can bring a similar umami flavor.
Onions and garlic: You can use powdered versions in a pinch, though fresh adds the best flavor.

With a recipe this flexible, it’s easy to adjust it based on what’s in your pantry or your preferences.

Ingredients for This Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

Beef stew meat or chuck roast
This is the heart of the dish—rich, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the sauce.
Mushrooms
They add an earthy depth and soak up the delicious gravy. I prefer baby bella or white button mushrooms, sliced thick so they hold their texture.
Onion
A chopped onion brings a natural sweetness and base flavor that deepens as it cooks down.
Garlic
Just a few cloves infuse the dish with warm, aromatic flavor that complements both beef and mushrooms.
Beef broth
This forms the base of the gravy, enriching the entire dish with a hearty, savory backbone.
Worcestershire sauce
It adds a deep umami punch that enhances the meatiness of the stew.
Soy sauce
A salty, rich addition that boosts overall flavor—helps balance the sweetness from the onions.
Flour or cornstarch
Used to thicken the sauce into that luscious, spoon-coating gravy we all love.
Olive oil or butter
For browning the meat and softening the onions before slow cooking or pressure cooking.
Salt and black pepper
Seasoning is key—these enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering them.

Optional but lovely additions:

Fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant herbal note
A splash of red wine to deglaze the pan before slow cooking (adds extra richness)

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

If using the Instant Pot or searing before slow cooking, heat a little olive oil and brown the beef in batches. This adds rich flavor and helps build a beautiful base for the gravy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—let each piece get a good sear.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot or skillet, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This step releases sweetness from the onions and infuses the dish with a deep aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Deglaze

Toss in the mushrooms and stir for a couple of minutes. If using wine, pour in a splash now to deglaze the pan—scraping up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. Those bits are gold!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Cooker

Transfer everything into your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and your herbs (if using). Give it a gentle stir to mix.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Instant Pot: Seal the lid and pressure cook on High for 35 minutes, followed by 10-minute natural release.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the cooker and let it simmer (or switch to sauté mode in Instant Pot) for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste your gravy and adjust seasoning—maybe a bit more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire. Then serve it hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

How Long to Cook Beef Tips with Mushrooms

The cooking time depends on your method of choice:

Slow Cooker:
- Low: 6 to 8 hours
- High: 3 to 4 hours
  This method gives the beef plenty of time to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Instant Pot:
- 35 minutes on High Pressure
- Followed by a 10-minute natural release
  Perfect for busy weeknights when you want that slow-cooked flavor in under an hour.

Both methods yield rich, flavorful results—so it really comes down to how much time you have.

Tips for Perfect Beef Tips with Mushrooms

Brown the beef if you can. While optional, this step adds serious flavor. Those browned bits deepen the overall richness of the gravy.
Use fresh mushrooms. They hold their texture better and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Don’t rush the thickening. Let the slurry simmer gently for a few minutes so the sauce thickens without tasting starchy.
Add herbs toward the end. If using fresh thyme or rosemary, adding them in the last hour (or after pressure cooking) preserves their flavor.
Taste before serving. The beef broth and soy sauce already add salt—so be sure to adjust only at the end.
Serve over a starchy base. This gravy deserves a bed of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak it all up.
Let leftovers rest. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the browning step. You might be tempted to toss everything into the pot, but searing the beef first creates a flavorful foundation. It’s worth the few extra minutes.
Using too lean a cut of beef. Leaner cuts like round steak can turn dry and chewy. Go for chuck or stew meat for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Not sautéing the onions and garlic. Raw onions won’t develop the same sweetness and depth. Give them time to soften and release flavor before adding everything else.
Overcrowding the pot during searing. If the beef pieces are piled together, they’ll steam instead of sear. Brown them in batches.
Adding the thickener too early. Don’t add flour or cornstarch at the beginning—wait until after cooking to avoid a gummy or separated sauce.
Overcooking in the Instant Pot. While it’s fast, it’s also powerful. Stick to the time guidelines to avoid mushy mushrooms and overly soft meat.
Forgetting to taste and adjust. Always give the final dish a taste test—add salt, pepper, or more Worcestershire as needed.

What to Serve With Beef Tips with Mushrooms?

Mashed Potatoes

A classic choice. That buttery mash is perfect for soaking up the savory mushroom gravy.

Egg Noodles

Tender egg noodles pair beautifully with the rich sauce and make for a cozy, nostalgic meal.

Steamed Rice

Simple and satisfying—white or brown rice gives the gravy a clean canvas to shine on.

Buttered Polenta

Creamy polenta adds a rustic twist and brings a whole new level of comfort.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash

A lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, and it tastes amazing with the gravy.

Green Beans Almondine

Adds freshness and a little crunch to balance out the rich beef and mushrooms.

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

For mopping up every last bit of that gravy—don’t let it go to waste.

Side Salad with Vinaigrette

A fresh salad with tangy dressing helps cut through the richness of the dish and adds balance.

Storage Instructions

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator:
Let the beef tips cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Beef tips with mushrooms freeze well. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Estimated Nutrition

Please note that nutrition estimates can vary depending on your ingredients and portion size. Based on a serving size of approximately 1½ cups:

Calories: ~380
Protein: 32g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 750mg

This is a protein-rich meal with moderate fat and low carbs—great for a hearty dinner or low-carb lifestyle when paired with veggies instead of starchy sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the flour for cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy. Also, double-check that your Worcestershire and soy sauce are gluten-free (tamari is a great alternative).

Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and better browning. If using an Instant Pot, you can start from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Use a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water. Add it after cooking and let it simmer until the gravy thickens. Don’t add thickener at the beginning—it can clump or separate.

Can I prep this the night before?

Definitely! You can brown the meat and sauté the veggies, then store everything in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just dump it all into the slow cooker and set it.

What mushrooms work best in this dish?

Baby bella, cremini, or white button mushrooms are perfect. They hold their shape and soak up the sauce well. You can even use a mix for extra depth.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, and it’s great for feeding a crowd! Just make sure your slow cooker or Instant Pot is large enough. You might need to brown the meat in batches.

Does it taste good the next day?

Even better! The flavors continue to develop overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently—great for meal prep or leftovers.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

It can be! Skip the flour and use keto-friendly thickeners like xanthan gum or glucomannan. Pair it with cauliflower mash or low-carb noodles for a full keto meal.

Conclusion

Beef Tips with Mushrooms is one of those magical dishes that feels like comfort food but is incredibly easy to make—whether you’re letting it simmer all day in the slow cooker or pulling off a last-minute dinner in the Instant Pot. The rich gravy, tender beef, and savory mushrooms come together in a way that just works. It’s the kind of meal you crave on a chilly night, that your family will ask for again, and that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat. Once you make it, it just might earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.