When life gets busy, and you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal, this No-Peek Beef Tips recipe is a lifesaver. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require constant attention, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner. This recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish, offering tender beef tips in a rich, flavorful gravy with minimal effort. Whether you use your slow cooker or opt for the oven method, the result is the same – mouth-watering beef tips that practically melt in your mouth. Pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even a slice of thick, buttered toast for a truly comforting meal. You can easily customize this dish by adding veggies like mushrooms or onions, and even a splash of red wine for extra depth. What makes this recipe stand out is its ease – no peeking required! Once it’s in the cooker or oven, you can relax knowing that dinner is being perfectly prepared.
Ingredients (4–6 servings):
- 1 can water (measured using the cream of mushroom soup can)
- Salt & pepper to taste (optional)
- 1 envelope Beefy Onion Soup Mix (1.25 oz)
- 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
- 1 packet brown gravy (0.87 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the cubed beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- In a medium bowl, mix the brown gravy packet, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Beefy Onion Soup Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the beef tips, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours until the beef is tender and the gravy is thickened.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the beef tips in a single layer in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- In a bowl, combine the beefy onion soup mix, brown gravy, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir until smooth, then pour over the beef tips, coating them evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2½ to 3 hours. Be sure not to peek during baking to let the beef cook properly.
- Carefully remove the foil, watching out for the hot steam, and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These beef tips pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even over thick toast. Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Notes:
- Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles, a bed of rice, or even thick slices of toasted bread for a hearty and comforting meal.
- For side dishes, consider pairing the dish with steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or a mix of your favorite veggies. A crisp garden salad also complements the richness of the beef tips.
TIPS:
- If you’re watching your sodium intake, using reduced-sodium versions of soups and gravy mixes is a great way to lower the salt content. You can also skip adding extra salt altogether.
- If you can’t find Beefy Onion Soup Mix, you can swap it for Dry Onion Soup Mix.
- Browning the beef before cooking adds a deeper, more developed flavor to the dish, though it’s optional if you’re pressed for time.
- Want to add more complexity to the flavor? Swap half the water with red wine, which adds a rich depth to the gravy.
- Mushrooms are a tasty addition. Fresh or canned mushrooms (about 1 cup) will add a hearty texture.
- Chopped onions can bring an extra layer of flavor. If adding onions, cook them in oil or butter until they’re translucent before mixing them into the dish. About ½ cup of sautéed onions works well.
- Prefer cooking from scratch? You can make your own versions of the soups and gravy mix! Try making a homemade brown gravy, condensed cream of mushroom soup, or a DIY dry onion soup mix.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
This dish is rich in protein due to the beef, making it satisfying and filling. The cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix add a savory flavor, though they also contribute to the sodium content. For those mindful of salt intake, using reduced-sodium options is recommended. The recipe can also be customized to suit your dietary needs by omitting or adjusting certain ingredients, like using gluten-free gravy or homemade soup mixes to control ingredients better.
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