1. Brown the Beef Tips

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat (or beef tips) to the skillet in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nicely seared.
2. Remove and Set Aside: Once browned, remove the beef tips from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the spices toast for 1-2 minutes to bring out their flavors.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These flavorful bits will add depth to the sauce.
2. Add Broth and Butter: Pour in the beef broth, and add the butter. Stir until the butter has melted and the broth starts to simmer.
3. Simmer the Beef Tips: Return the browned beef tips to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Stir to combine and cover the pan. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, until the meat is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly.

4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Make the Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar.
2. Combine with the Beef: Once the beef tips are tender, pour the cream sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened and become creamy.

5. Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste, and add salt and pepper to your liking.
2. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the beef tips over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for added color and flavor.