If you’re looking for a satisfying dinner that brings comfort and elegance to your plate, look no further than these Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Creamy Mashed Potatoes. This dish delivers tender, seasoned beef, deep golden caramelized onions, and a rich pan sauce—all served over a bed of buttery mashed Yukon gold potatoes.
Perfect for date night, Sunday dinner, or just a cozy evening in, this dish looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bistro—but it’s totally achievable at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
The magic here is in the layers of flavor. The beef is quickly seared for a crusty exterior and juicy center. The onions are caramelized low and slow until they turn jammy and sweet. Then everything comes together in a savory pan sauce spiked with Worcestershire, Dijon, and just a hint of heat.
The creamy mashed potatoes? They’re the ideal base to soak up every last drop.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1½ lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Caramelized Onions & Sauce:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Chopped chives
- Extra red chili flakes (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Beef Alternatives: Try stew meat or chuck roast for a budget-friendly version (just cook a bit longer).
- No Heavy Cream? Use milk or half-and-half for the mashed potatoes.
- Herb Add-Ons: Mix rosemary or thyme into the beef seasoning for depth.
- Extra Richness: Stir a spoon of sour cream into the mashed potatoes before serving.
How to Make Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Mashed Potatoes
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes and cook for 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain, then mash with butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Cover and keep warm.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and add sliced onions.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, until deep golden and soft.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, then remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sear the Beef
- Toss the beef chunks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in the same pan over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
- Pour beef broth into the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and chili flakes (if using).
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Return beef and onions to the pan and toss to coat.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.
- Top with the beef tips and caramelized onions, then drizzle with pan sauce.
- Garnish with chopped chives and extra chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Let beef come to room temp before searing for better browning.
- Don’t crowd the pan—sear in batches if needed for a proper crust.
- Low and slow is key to caramelized onions. Be patient!
- Reserve a little pasta water or broth to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Looking to build this into a full meal or serve it as part of a cozy dinner spread? Here are some great options:
- Pair with Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders as a fun appetizer.
- Add Dorito Casserole or a light salad to the plate for extra sides.
- Include Easy Turkey Wings for a comfort food combo.
- Bring in some Southern flair with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
- Add a pasta course like Instant Pot Lasagna if you’re going full feast mode.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store beef, sauce, and potatoes in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Rewarm beef and sauce in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Mashed potatoes reheat well with a little added cream or butter.
- Freezer: Freeze sauce and beef for up to 1 month. Potatoes are best fresh but can be frozen and mashed again with extra cream.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love hearty dinners with a homemade touch? Don’t miss these:
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Dorito Casserole
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Final Thoughts
This Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe brings together the rich flavors and textures we crave from a hearty, satisfying dinner. With juicy beef, a silky onion gravy, and the perfect mashed potato base, it’s a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again.
If you give it a try, tag @ChefManiac and show us your plate! And don’t forget to follow for more cozy, satisfying recipes that bring restaurant flavor to your kitchen.
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