If you’re searching for a soul-warming, fuss-free dinner that feels like a big comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this No-Peek Beef Tips Recipe. It’s a magical slow-baked dish where tender beef chunks simmer in a rich, creamy mushroom and onion gravy without you ever needing to lift the lid. The secret? Trusting the slow oven process to do its thing while you relax, then coming back to a perfectly tender, deeply flavored meal that’s ready to serve. This recipe is pure comfort food bliss that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color for this dish. From the rich cream of mushroom soup giving luscious creaminess to the zesty onion soup mix adding punch, every item works together beautifully.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choose good-quality beef chunks for tender, juicy bites after slow baking.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Provides a creamy, savory base that keeps the beef moist and flavorful.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds a boost of aromatic onion flavor and seasoning complexity to the dish.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the beefy richness and keeps everything perfectly saucy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, umami punch that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers subtle, savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Use this to thicken the gravy if you prefer a richer consistency.
How to Make No-Peek Beef Tips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sauce
Start by warming up your oven to a gentle 300°F (150°C). Next, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This blend of ingredients will become the rich, savory blanket that envelops the beef, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Beef
Place your beef tips into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large covered casserole dish. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the meat, then give everything a good stir so every piece of beef is thoroughly coated. This helps the flavors infuse deeply during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Cover and Bake Without Peeking
Seal the dish tightly with foil or use a lid if your dish has one. This is the moment the “no-peek” magic happens—the steam trapped inside keeps the beef incredibly tender and juicy. Place it in the oven and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Resist the temptation to lift the cover, as keeping that heat and moisture sealed in is the key to success with this recipe.
Step 4: Optional Thickening
If you like your gravy a bit thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the beef mixture during the final 10 minutes of baking and return it to the oven uncovered. This step helps the sauce thicken beautifully without losing that silky texture.
How to Serve No-Peek Beef Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme make delightful garnishes, adding a pop of color and a fresh note to cut through the richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving also brightens up each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice. Each side soaks up the luscious beef gravy differently, giving you versatility whether you want classic comfort or a slightly lighter touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, spoon your No-Peek Beef Tips over a bed of garlic-infused polenta or creamy cauliflower mash. You can also serve it inside flaky puff pastry shells for an impressive party dish that surprises guests with its deep flavors and tender meat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld further overnight, making your next meal just as delicious if not better!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm it through evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much as it cools.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips work best for tenderness, chuck roast cut into chunks can also create a wonderfully rich and tender dish with slow baking.
Do I really have to avoid peeking during baking?
Yes, keeping the dish tightly covered traps steam and heat that slowly tenderizes the beef. Peeking releases moisture and heat, which can lead to tougher meat.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding mushrooms, pearl onions, or diced carrots before baking is a fantastic way to boost flavor and add texture. Just toss them in with the beef and soup mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
For sure. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. The no-peek concept translates perfectly since the slow cooker lid stays on throughout cooking.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy is naturally creamy and moderately thick from the soup, but if you want it thicker, the cornstarch slurry is the perfect finishing touch for a richer consistency without altering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the No-Peek Beef Tips Recipe—it’s simple, delicious, and delivers that home-cooked warmth everyone craves. Give yourself the joy of setting it in the oven and walking away, then returning to a dinner that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it truly did. Trust me, this one quickly becomes a favorite whenever you need an easy, cozy crowd-pleaser on the table.
Print
No-Peek Beef Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
No-Peek Beef Tips is a comforting and easy-to-make oven-baked dish featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a creamy mushroom and onion soup sauce. Perfect for hearty family dinners or make-ahead meals, this recipe delivers rich flavors and a fork-tender texture without the need to lift the lid during baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips (cut into chunks)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for slow baking the beef tips.
- Prepare 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful sauce.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Place the beef tips into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large covered casserole dish. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef, stirring gently to coat the meat evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a fitted lid. It is important not to lift or peek during baking to maintain moisture and tenderness. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker gravy, about 10 minutes before the end of the baking time, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the beef mixture. Continue baking uncovered for the remaining time.
- Serve: Once the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from the oven and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish is ideal for make-ahead meals or comforting Sunday dinners.
- Do not lift the foil during cooking to keep the beef moist and tender.
- For added flavor, consider adding mushrooms or diced onions before baking.
