01 -
First things first, pat those sirloin tips dry with paper towels. Seriously, this is crucial for a good sear! Then, season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sirloin tips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, so you don't overcrowd the pan. Brown them well on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. You want that gorgeous, crusty sear! Don't worry about cooking them through; we're just building flavor. Remove the browned meat and set it aside. My kitchen always smells amazing at this point, honestly!
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor! Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened and released their liquid. I always forget to stir enough here and sometimes get a few stubborn brown spots, oops!
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. It'll look a little pasty, but trust the process! This step is vital for a smooth, thick gravy. You want to cook out the raw flour taste, so don't rush it. It should smell a bit nutty. This is where the magic starts to happen for these Sirloin Tips in Gravy!
04 -
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, a little at a time, making sure to incorporate it fully before adding more to avoid lumps. Once all the broth is in, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy begins to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The aroma is just incredible, rich and savory, making your kitchen smell like pure comfort.
05 -
Return the browned sirloin tips (and any accumulated juices!) to the pot. Stir to coat the meat in the rich gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the sirloin tips are fork-tender. Honestly, sometimes I let it go for an hour if I'm busy. Just make sure to stir it every now and then to prevent sticking. This is where the beef really absorbs all that lovely gravy flavor.
06 -
Once the sirloin tips are tender, give the gravy a taste. This is your moment to adjust the seasoning! Add more salt or pepper if needed. If the gravy is too thick, you can whisk in a splash more beef broth. If it's too thin, make a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bit of color. The final result should be tender beef smothered in a glossy, deeply flavored gravy. Pure bliss!