If you’re craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that’s both comforting and elegant, then you’ll absolutely love this Crockpot and Instant Pot Beef Tips with Pearl Onions and Mushroom Gravy Recipe. It’s packed with tender beef cubes, sweet pearl onions, and rich mushroom gravy, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without any fuss. Whether you choose the slow cooker’s low-and-slow magic or the Instant Pot’s speedy pressure cooking, this recipe brings out deep, savory flavors that make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pot filled with a rich brown stew that includes small whole onions, sliced dark mushrooms, and chunks of cooked meat. A creamy beige liquid is being poured from a white bowl into the center of the stew, creating a smooth layer on top of the darker mixture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. The colors are warm, with the brown stew contrasting against the light pouring sauce and the shiny textures of the onions and mushrooms. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. From the tender beef tips to the earthy mushrooms and sweet pearl onions, every component adds its own charm to the vibrant gravy.

Avocado oil: Ideal for searing beef in the Instant Pot to lock in juices and flavors.
Beef tips or cubed stew meat: The star protein that becomes irresistibly tender during cooking.
Frozen pearl onions: Add sweetness and a delicate texture without the hassle of peeling fresh onions.
Tomato paste: Concentrates flavors and adds a subtle depth to the gravy’s richness.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Perfect seasonings that enhance savory notes effortlessly.
Dried thyme: Brings a lovely herbal hint that complements both beef and mushrooms.
Coarse sea salt and black pepper: Essential to season and balance all the flavors beautifully.
Fresh mushrooms: Provide an earthy, meaty texture that blends beautifully with the gravy.
Low-sodium beef broth: Forms the saucy base, enriching the dish with savory undertones.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to the luscious consistency you crave.
Mashed potatoes or noodles (for serving): The perfect canvas for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness as a garnish.

How to Make Crockpot and Instant Pot Beef Tips with Pearl Onions and Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Start Cooking

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity in preparation—just toss everything into the slow cooker or sear the beef first in your Instant Pot for added flavor. For the crockpot, combine beef tips, frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, making sure the beef and onions are well coated.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Broth

The mushrooms and beef broth deepen the savory base of your gravy. Place the sliced mushrooms and pour the broth over the mixture. This layering technique ensures that every element gets infused with rich moisture and flavor while cooking.

Step 3: Cooking Time – Crockpot vs. Instant Pot

In a slow cooker, set on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the beef to become fork-tender and the flavors to gently marry. For the Instant Pot, sear the beef first in two batches with avocado oil, then sauté the mushrooms with spices before adding the beef back with pearl onions, broth, and tomato paste. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for perfect tenderness.

Step 4: Thicken the Mushroom Gravy

This is where your brown gravy turns luxuriously smooth and luscious. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with about ¼ cup of the hot cooking liquid. Stir it back into the pot and cook on high (in the crockpot) or sauté mode (in the Instant Pot) until it thickens into a silky gravy. If you like it thicker, simply repeat the slurry step to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve Crockpot and Instant Pot Beef Tips with Pearl Onions and Mushroom Gravy Recipe

A large white oval plate holds two main layers. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, pale cream in color with a smooth, slightly fluffy texture, spread evenly across the plate. On top is a rich brown stew of small beef pieces mixed with golden pearl onions and dark sliced mushrooms, all coated in thick sauce. The stew is garnished with small bright green parsley leaves scattered on and around the stew. A silver spoon rests in the mashed potatoes on the right side of the plate, with its handle extending outwards. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth visible on the left side and some parsley sprigs to the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant, fresh touch that brightens the dish beautifully. The green flecks make each plate look inviting and enhance the hearty flavors with a subtle herbal note.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for a creamy side like classic mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist, or even buttered egg noodles. Each absorbs the rich mushroom gravy perfectly, turning every bite into a comforting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the beef tips over a bed of fluffy polenta or buttery mashed parsnips. You can also pile the beef and gravy onto toasted baguette slices for a casual, elegant appetizer. No matter how you present it, the hearty, saucy goodness is always the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftovers will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

Crockpot and Instant Pot Beef Tips with Pearl Onions and Mushroom Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between to keep the gravy smooth and the beef tender. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pearl onions instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pearl onions, you’ll need to peel them first, which can be a bit time-consuming but completely worth it. Frozen ones are just such a handy shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Is it possible to use other cuts of beef?

Yes! While beef tips or cubed sirloin work best for tenderness, you can use stew meat or even chuck roast cut into chunks. Just be sure to cook long enough for the beef to become tender.

Can I make this recipe without any tomato paste?

You can skip the tomato paste if needed, but it really adds depth and helps balance the richness of the gravy. A little bit is a secret ingredient that elevates the flavor beautifully.

How thick should the gravy be?

That’s totally up to you! Use the cornstarch slurry to achieve your preferred thickness. Start with two tablespoons, and add more if you like your gravy thicker—it also thickens as it cools.

Is it okay to double this recipe?

You can double it, but be cautious with cooking times, especially in the Instant Pot. You might need to increase pressure cooking time slightly, and the slow cooker may take longer to come to temperature. Just make sure your pot isn’t overfilled.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot and Instant Pot Beef Tips with Pearl Onions and Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re using your slow cooker or your Instant Pot, the result is a tender, savory main course that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly delicious this classic beef dish can be!