Tender, juicy beef cubes slowly baked in a rich and creamy mushroom gravy make this Beef Tips & Gravy recipe the ultimate comfort food. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow in a savory sauce made with cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, and beef broth.
Serve these delicious beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cooking Temperature | 150°C (300°F) |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Main Ingredient | Beef |
| Cooking Method | Oven-baked |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These beef tips are incredibly tender and flavorful thanks to the long, slow cooking time.
The creamy mushroom gravy is rich, savory, and comforting, making it perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
This recipe requires very little preparation and uses simple ingredients that create a delicious homemade-style meal.
It is also an excellent make-ahead dinner because the flavors become even richer after resting.
Ingredients
For the Beef
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Beef stew meat or beef tenderloin, cut into cubes | 1 kg (2.2 lb) |
For the Creamy Gravy
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (300 g / 10.5 oz) |
| Dry onion soup mix | 1 packet |
| Brown gravy mix | 1 packet |
| Beef broth | 240 ml (1 cup) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
This relatively low temperature allows the beef to cook slowly and become tender without drying out.
2. Arrange the Beef
Place the cubed beef evenly in a large glass baking dish.
Try to arrange the pieces in a fairly even layer so they cook consistently.
3. Prepare the Gravy
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, and beef broth.
Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the creamy gravy mixture evenly over the beef.
Make sure the meat is well coated with the sauce.
5. Cover the Dish
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
A tight seal helps retain moisture and allows the beef to slowly braise in the flavorful gravy.
6. Bake
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Avoid opening the oven or removing the foil during cooking, as keeping the dish tightly covered helps the beef become exceptionally tender.
7. Serve
Carefully remove the foil and stir the beef and gravy gently.
Serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles.
Spoon plenty of the rich mushroom gravy over the top before serving.
Best Tips
For the most tender results, choose beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stew meat. These cuts become wonderfully tender when cooked slowly.
Keep the baking dish tightly covered throughout cooking to prevent the gravy from losing too much moisture.
Let the beef rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to settle and makes serving easier.
If the gravy is thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of warm beef broth before serving.
Best Ingredient Options
Beef: Beef chuck or stew meat is an excellent choice because it becomes tender during slow cooking. Tenderloin can also be used, although it is usually better suited to faster cooking.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Regular condensed cream of mushroom soup provides the richest texture. A reduced-sodium version can be used if you want to control the salt level.
Beef Broth: Use regular or low-sodium beef broth depending on your preference.
Mushrooms: For extra mushroom flavor, add sliced fresh mushrooms to the baking dish before cooking.
Recipe Variations
For extra richness, stir a few tablespoons of sour cream into the finished gravy just before serving.
For a deeper savory flavor, add minced garlic, black pepper, or a small amount of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy mixture.
For a vegetable-packed version, add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or onions before baking.
For a slow-cooker version, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW until the beef is tender, usually several hours depending on the cut and size of the beef pieces.
What to Serve With
Creamy mashed potatoes are one of the best choices because they absorb the rich mushroom gravy beautifully.
Steamed white rice or brown rice also makes a simple and filling side dish.
Egg noodles are another excellent option and turn the beef tips into a comforting noodle dinner.
For a lighter meal, serve the beef with steamed green beans, broccoli, or a fresh green salad.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the beef and gravy mixture several hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
For food safety, keep the uncooked prepared dish refrigerated and do not leave raw beef at room temperature for an extended period.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
The gravy may thicken when chilled, but it will loosen again when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
For larger portions, reheat gently in a covered saucepan or baking dish over low to moderate heat.
Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has become too thick.
Heat until the beef is thoroughly hot before serving.
Freezing
Allow the cooked beef tips and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not leave the baking dish uncovered during the long cooking process. The covered environment helps retain moisture and produces a more tender result.
Avoid cutting the beef into very large pieces because they may require additional cooking time to become tender.
Do not add excessive salt before tasting the finished gravy because the soup mix and gravy mix can already contain a significant amount of sodium.
Avoid reheating the beef aggressively over very high heat, as this can make the meat tougher and cause the gravy to separate.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition will vary depending on the cut of beef, brands of soup and gravy mix, and serving size.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 400–500 kcal |
| Protein | 40–45 g |
| Fat | 20–28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–15 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 900–1,300 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beef chuck instead of stew meat?
Yes. Beef chuck is an excellent choice for this recipe because it contains enough connective tissue to become tender during slow cooking.
Can I add fresh mushrooms?
Absolutely. Add sliced fresh mushrooms to the baking dish before pouring the gravy mixture over the beef.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Beef tips and gravy work very well in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW until the beef is fork-tender, adjusting the cooking time according to the size and type of beef used.
Why is my beef still tough?
If the beef is still tough, it may simply need more cooking time. Tough beef often becomes tender after the connective tissue has had enough time to break down.
What is the best side dish for beef tips and gravy?
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but rice and egg noodles are also delicious because they soak up the creamy gravy.
Can I make the gravy less thick?
Yes. Add a little warm beef broth until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Tender Beef Tips with Creamy Mushroom Gravy are an easy and comforting dinner that turns simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. The slow oven cooking method helps create tender beef and a flavorful gravy with very little hands-on preparation.
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a cozy homemade dinner the whole family can enjoy.