No Peek Beef Tips Recipe
If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth, set-it-and-forget-it dinner, No Peek Beef Tips are about to become your new weeknight hero. This comforting classic is all about tender beef tips bathed in a rich, savory gravy, all baked low and slow under a tightly sealed lid—no peeking allowed! The result? A deeply flavorful main dish that practically cooks itself and is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or steaming rice, No Peek Beef Tips deliver pure comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about No Peek Beef Tips is how the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly special. Every item in this recipe has a purpose, from building deep umami flavor to ensuring fork-tender beef and luscious gravy.
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips (2 pounds): Choose well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is the magic ingredient that gives the gravy its creamy, savory base.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet): Adds tons of oniony richness with zero chopping or fuss.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Deepens the savory flavor and keeps the beef moist during its long bake.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a splash boosts the complexity and brings all the flavors together.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with subtle, aromatic warmth.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness of the gravy.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): Use if you love your gravy extra thick—just whisk with water at the end.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle before serving adds a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make No Peek Beef Tips
Step 1: Preheat and Mix the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C)—the low and slow heat is the secret to fall-apart beef. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and all the soup mix granules are dissolved. This creamy, fragrant sauce is what will turn simple beef tips into the unforgettable No Peek Beef Tips you’ll crave again and again.
Step 2: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread your beef stew meat or sirloin tips in an even layer. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, then use a spoon or spatula to toss everything together so that every piece of beef is nestled in that luscious gravy. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cover Tightly—No Peeking!
Now for the most important rule of No Peek Beef Tips: resist the urge to peek! Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure there are no gaps for steam to escape. This creates a steamy environment that keeps the beef moist and tenderizes it beautifully. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Set a timer and let your oven work its magic—no peeking allowed!
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you like your gravy extra thick, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. During the last 10 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil (just this once!), stir in the cornstarch mixture, and return to the oven uncovered. This step is totally optional—the sauce thickens nicely on its own, but the slurry gives it a silky, spoon-coating finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your No Peek Beef Tips are bubbling and fork-tender, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, shower the top with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Now you’re ready to serve! Scoop over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for the coziest meal imaginable.
How to Serve No Peek Beef Tips
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of your No Peek Beef Tips isn’t just for looks—it adds a lovely hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you want to amp up the flavor even more, try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving.
Side Dishes
The dreamy gravy from No Peek Beef Tips is begging for something to soak it up! Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic partner, but buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice are just as wonderful. For a pop of color and crunch, serve with roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight ease, serve family-style straight from the baking dish with a big spoon for everyone to dig in. Hosting guests? Plate the beef tips atop a pile of mashed potatoes and drizzle with extra gravy, then finish with a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-worthy touch. Or, try serving No Peek Beef Tips in individual ramekins for a cozy, personalized presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No Peek Beef Tips keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
No Peek Beef Tips are freezer-friendly too! Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the beef tips and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and comforting meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for No Peek Beef Tips?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips are traditional, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes or even round steak. The long, slow baking time makes tougher cuts meltingly tender.
Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of mushroom soup is classic for adding creaminess and flavor, but you can swap in cream of celery or cream of onion soup if you prefer. Even a homemade roux-based sauce works if you’re avoiding canned soups.
Can I make No Peek Beef Tips in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The results are just as tender and flavorful as the oven-baked version.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep your No Peek Beef Tips gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and a gluten-free onion soup mix. Double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free as well.
Why can’t I lift the foil while baking?
The sealed foil traps steam and keeps the beef ultra-tender. Lifting the foil lets that precious moisture escape, so resist the urge to peek until the end for the juiciest, most flavorful beef tips!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so inviting about a pan of No Peek Beef Tips bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with the aromas of comfort and home. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or sharing with friends. Give it a try—you’re just one batch away from a new favorite!
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No Peek Beef Tips Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
No Peek Beef Tips is a comforting and easy oven-baked recipe featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in a creamy mushroom and onion gravy. This one-dish meal requires minimal prep and no stirring during cooking, resulting in rich, flavorful beef tips perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Thickener and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow baking the beef tips.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Place the beef tips into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture. Place in the oven and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours without removing the foil, ensuring the beef becomes tender and absorbs the gravy flavors.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir this in during the last 10 minutes of baking and return the dish to the oven uncovered.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the beef tips if desired. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Resist the urge to lift the foil during cooking to ensure tender meat and rich gravy.
- Use gluten-free soup mix and broth if you need a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
