Step 1: Prepare the beef
Season the beef tips generously with salt and pepper. Toss them in flour until well-coated, ensuring a crispy exterior and flavorful crust.
Step 2: Sear the beef
In a large, heavy skillet or your Instant Pot insert, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside — this step locks in juices for maximum tenderness.
Step 3: Sauté aromatic vegetables
In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the bottom to boost flavor. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine ingredients for slow cooking
Transfer seared beef, cooked onions, and mushrooms into your slow cooker. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, sliced pepperoncinis, and 1.5 cups of beef stock.
Step 5: Cook to perfection
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. The slow cooking process ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and enhances the flavor complexity.
Step 6: Make the rich mushroom gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker or skillet and cook for another 30 minutes until the gravy thickens to a luxurious consistency.
Step 7: Final touches and serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve the beef tips with mushroom gravy over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or fluffy rice for a gourmet dining experience worth sharing!
This easy and affordable gourmet recipe, rich in flavor, high-end ingredients, and designed for maximum tenderness, will surely become your go-to meal for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Bon appétit! 🍽️
