“Savory Beef Tips Delight” is a rich and hearty dish, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe begins with selecting high-quality beef tips, typically cut from the tenderloin or sirloin, known for their flavor and tenderness. These beef pieces are usually cut into bite-sized chunks, ensuring that they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
The beef tips are first browned in a skillet, creating a deep, caramelized crust that is key to the dish’s flavor. This browning process, done over medium-high heat, locks in the juices and imparts a savory depth to the meat. Once browned, the beef tips are removed from the skillet, and the focus shifts to building a rich sauce.
In the same skillet, a mixture of finely chopped onions, garlic, and sometimes mushrooms is sautéed until they’re tender and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce. Flour is often added to this mixture to help thicken the sauce later on. The choice of mushrooms can vary, with options like cremini or button mushrooms adding a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
The sauce itself is a crucial element of the dish. Beef broth, often combined with a splash of red wine, is added to the skillet, bringing together all the flavors. The red wine adds a complexity and slight acidity that balances the richness of the beef. Herbs like thyme or rosemary are often included, along with a bay leaf, providing aromatic undertones.
The browned beef tips are then returned to the skillet, where they simmer in the sauce. This simmering process, done over low heat, allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. The sauce gradually thickens during this stage, transforming into a velvety, rich gravy.
Savory Beef Tips Delight is often served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The starch serves as the perfect base to soak up the flavorful gravy. The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Overall, Savory Beef Tips Delight is a classic, comfort food dish, characterized by its tender beef, rich and hearty gravy, and the warmth of the aromatic herbs and spices used. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in, offering both comfort and a depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
2 lbs of stew meat, cubed
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 packet onion soup mix
Water, as required
Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Oven Version:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and a cup of water. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Place the beef tips in a casserole dish, then pour the mixture over the beef, ensuring the pieces are well-covered.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring no part of the dish is exposed.
Bake for 3 hours without peeking. The beef should become tender, soaking up all the flavors.
Slow Cooker Version:
In a mixing bowl, blend the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, and a cup of water. Whisk until smooth.
Place the beef tips at the bottom of the slow cooker, and pour the mixture over them.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Serving:
Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes or rice. Drizzle with the rich gravy, and if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.