This Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe is an ideal choice for a comforting yet elegant meal. With tender, juicy beef tips seared to perfection and topped with rich, sweet caramelized onions, this dish is a true delight. Paired with velvety creamy mashed potatoes, it's the kind of meal that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy weeknight treat!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup sour cream (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef tips with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Mash the cooked potatoes with milk, butter, and sour cream (if using) until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the beef tips to the skillet with the onions to warm through for a couple of minutes.
Serve the beef tips topped with caramelized onions alongside the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. The caramelized onions will provide the same rich flavor.
Add Veggies: You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots alongside the mashed potatoes for an extra boost of flavor and color.
Herbs: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary as a garnish for a fresh, herby touch.
Sour Cream Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can skip the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative, like coconut cream.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beef tips and onions in a skillet over medium heat and warm for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. For the mashed potatoes, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the beef tips are perfectly seared?
The beef should be brown on the outside, but still juicy and tender on the inside. It should take about 2-3 minutes per side for a nice sear.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply reheat with a bit of milk and butter before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
The beef tips and caramelized onions can be frozen separately from the mashed potatoes. However, mashed potatoes don't always freeze well, so I recommend serving those fresh.
What can I serve with this dish besides mashed potatoes?
For a lighter option, you can serve it with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even rice for a different base.
Conclusion
This Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines the best of comfort food and elegance. With perfectly seared beef, sweet caramelized onions, and smooth mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe:

Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Seared Beef Tips with Caramelized Onions & Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comforting yet elegant meal featuring tender beef tips, caramelized onions, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for any dinner gathering or cozy weeknight treat.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup sour cream (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef tips with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mash the cooked potatoes with milk, butter, and sour cream (if using) until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the beef tips to the skillet with the onions to warm through for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the beef tips topped with caramelized onions alongside the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. The caramelized onions will provide the same rich flavor.
Add Veggies: You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots alongside the mashed potatoes for an extra boost of flavor and color.
Herbs: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary as a garnish for a fresh, herby touch.
Sour Cream Substitute: Use a plant-based alternative like coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat beef tips and onions in a skillet, and mashed potatoes with a splash of milk for creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg