If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, you’ve got to try this Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the beef comes out, swimming in that rich, creamy mushroom gravy. When I first made this, my family immediately went crazy for it, so I’m excited to share it with you so you can impress your loved ones too. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend treat, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Tender Beef: The tenderloin tips cook quickly yet stay juicy and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Rich, Flavor-Packed Gravy: The mushroom gravy is creamy with herbs that perfectly complement the beef.
- Quick and Simple: You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in just about 30 minutes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Goes great with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta — your call!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Quality beef and fresh mushrooms make a big difference here, so I always recommend buying fresh, good-quality products. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps get a perfect sear on your beef.
- Beef tenderloin tips: Choose fresh, well-marbled tips for that tender, buttery texture.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning meat evenly and enhancing natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a nice hint of spice and depth.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms and onions beautifully.
- Mushrooms (sliced): I usually pick cremini or white button mushrooms for their earthy flavor.
- Onions (sliced): Sweet onions work best to add natural sweetness to the gravy.
- Garlic paste: You could use minced garlic, but paste dissolves more evenly, boosting flavor.
- Flour: Key for thickening the gravy to that perfect, silky texture.
- Ground sage: Gives the gravy a lovely herbal note that pairs so well with mushrooms.
- Thyme: Another herb that enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Beef broth: Use good quality broth or stock for a deep, beefy flavor in your gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami punch that makes the gravy extra special.
- Heavy cream: Stirred in last for that luscious creaminess you’ll want to spoon over everything.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is. Feel free to personalize it according to your tastes or dietary needs — that’s what cooking’s all about, right? Here are a few tweaks you might enjoy.
- Variation: I once swapped the beef tenderloin tips for boneless chicken thighs; it was equally delicious and budget-friendly.
- Vegetarian twist: Use hearty mushrooms like portobello or king oyster along with a vegetable broth for a satisfying meatless version.
- Herb swap: If you don’t have sage or thyme, rosemary or oregano work beautifully in this gravy too.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper brings a subtle kick that my family adored.
How to Make Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef
Start by cutting your beef tenderloin into 1-inch cubes; this size cooks evenly and stays tender. I like to generously season the tips with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—don’t be shy here! Then, set them aside and let the meat come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step really helps with even cooking, ensuring you get that perfect sear without ending up with cold centers. When I first missed this, my beef was unevenly cooked—lesson learned!
Step 2: Sear the Beef Tips
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. The trick I discovered is to cook the beef in batches—you want to avoid overcrowding the pan so the tips sear instead of steam. Lay down a single layer of the meat chunks, and cook each side for just a couple of minutes until nicely browned. Use an instant-read thermometer if you have one; you’re aiming for about 120°F here to keep the beef medium-rare. Remove the seared beef to a plate and set aside. This quick sear locks in juices and flavor, and avoiding overcrowding is key for that crust we all love.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions
Let your pan cool a bit to medium heat, then toss in two tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add your sliced mushrooms and onions. I like to stir these gently and let them soften until tender—about 5 minutes. The aroma at this stage is simply amazing. Here’s a tip: don’t rush this step, as developing the flavors in your mushrooms and onions really builds that deep, savory base for your gravy.
Step 4: Build the Mushroom Gravy
Sprinkle two tablespoons of flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly to coat everything well. This will thicken your gravy. Then add a teaspoon of garlic paste, half a teaspoon each of ground sage and thyme—these herbs bring out the best in the mushrooms and beef. Gradually pour in one cup of beef broth and two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce while stirring. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up beautifully. I always taste at this point and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Beef in the Gravy
Slide your seared beef tenderloin tips back into the pan with the mushroom gravy. Continue cooking over medium heat until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 130°F—perfectly medium. This usually just takes a few more minutes. When you finish, remove the pan from heat and stir in about a third of a cup of heavy cream for that velvety finish. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you like—adds a nice fresh pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Room Temperature Beef: Letting the beef sit for 10 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing in batches ensures a beautiful crust instead of steaming the meat.
- Use a Thermometer: I swear by my instant-read thermometer to nail the exact doneness every time.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Always taste the gravy and tweak salt and pepper—it really elevates the final dish.
How to Serve Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and a little visual pop, but feel free to jazz it up with thyme sprigs or a swirl of extra cream if you want it a bit richer. Adding just a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper on top right before serving gives a nice final punch too.
Side Dishes
My go-to is creamy mashed potatoes—which soak up that mushroom gravy so well. But I also love pairing it with buttery egg noodles or fluffy steamed rice. If you want to keep things lighter, garlic sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus are perfect complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served these tender tips over a bed of polenta and garnished with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of truffle oil—it’s stunning and fancy but surprisingly simple. I’ve also turned this into a comforting dinner by plating it family-style in a large skillet, so everyone can dig in straight from the stove.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I like to cool leftovers quickly, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The beef tenderloin tips stay tender and the gravy keeps its flavor for up to 3 days—perfect for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a few times without issue. Just let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats beautifully without losing that tasty mushroom gravy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming individual portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat—you want to avoid overcooking the beef. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream when reheating helps keep the sauce luscious and silky.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef tenderloin tips are wonderfully tender and cook quickly, you can also use sirloin tips or even ribeye chunks for this mushroom gravy recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the beef remains tender.
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What mushrooms work best in the mushroom gravy?
Cremini or white button mushrooms are great because they soften nicely and add earthiness. For a deeper flavor, try mixing in shiitake or portobello mushrooms. Just make sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
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How do I know when the beef tenderloin tips are done?
Using an instant-read thermometer is your best bet—remove the beef from heat at 130°F for medium doneness. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook until the meat is browned on the outside and tender but still slightly pink inside for juiciness.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the butter with olive oil and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The gravy will still be rich and delicious.
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What’s the best way to thicken the mushroom gravy?
The flour sprinkled over the sautéed mushrooms and onions absorbs the butter to form a roux, which thickens the gravy perfectly when you add the broth. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and heartwarming. The tender beef combined with that luscious mushroom sauce never fails to impress guests or satisfy comfort food cravings. I promise, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whether it’s a quiet weeknight or a special dinner. So grab those tenderloin tips and get cooking—I’m confident you’re going to love it as much as I do!
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Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef Tenderloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy recipe features tender cubes of beef seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, this comforting dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound beef tenderloin tips
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Mushroom Gravy
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef tenderloin into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Beef: Slice onions and mushrooms. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the beef cubes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan; sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 120°F. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Cool the Pan and Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add mushrooms and onions. Sauté until tender and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables with flour, stirring to coat evenly. Add garlic paste, ground sage, and thyme, stirring to combine and release flavors.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Gradually pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring continuously. Allow the mushroom gravy to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish Cooking the Beef: Return the seared tenderloin tips to the skillet with the mushroom gravy. Cook together until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare doneness.
- Add Cream and Final Touches: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the heavy cream to add richness. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balanced seasoning.
- Feel free to use your favorite steak seasoning blend instead of just salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Beef tenderloin tips pair excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to complete the meal.
- To reheat leftovers, microwave individual portions until warmed through to retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg