Start by cutting the sirloin into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve that lovely sear when you cook them. In a bowl, combine the flour with the seasoning ingredients. Toss the beef pieces in the flour mixture until they are well coated. It’s a messy but fun task!

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated beef tips in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning. Sear them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Toss in the butter, followed by the diced onions. Sauté for around 2-3 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remember, burnt garlic is a crime in the kitchen.

Next, pour in the beef broth, along with the red wine if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; this is where the flavor lies.

Now it’s time to add the Worcestershire sauce, bouillon cube, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, rosemary, and thyme. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling divine!

Combine the cornstarch with cold water and mix to form a slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering gravy while continuously stirring. Watch how it thickens up into a luscious sauce, glistening invitingly.

Finally, return the seared beef tips to the skillet. Stir them in and let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes. The beef will soak up that magnificent gravy.