If you’re looking for an easy, yet incredibly tasty dinner, No Peek Beef Tips are a fantastic choice. This dish combines tender beef with a savory gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and the hands-off cooking method that ensures a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds stew meat
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 envelope (1 oz) beefy onion soup mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can for measuring)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will allow the beef to cook slowly and become incredibly tender.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Combine the Sauces and Seasonings:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, beefy onion soup mix, and can of water. Stir well until the ingredients are fully mixed and the gravy mix is dissolved.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This size pan provides ample space for the beef to cook evenly.
- Add the Beef:
- Place the stew meat into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Pour the Mixture:
- Pour the combined sauce mixture over the beef. Ensure that the beef is well-coated with the sauce.
4. Bake:
- Cover and Cook:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents moisture from escaping and keeps the beef tender.
- Cooking Time:
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3 hours. It’s important not to peek during the baking time as this can release the steam that helps tenderize the meat.
5. Serve:
- Final Touches:
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. The beef should be tender and the gravy thickened.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. The rich gravy pairs perfectly with these sides, soaking into the potatoes or noodles for added flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: If you’d like to add vegetables to the dish, consider including carrots, potatoes, or onions. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the baking dish along with the beef and sauce mixture.
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the beef from the pan once it’s done, and then simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Beef Alternatives: If you don’t have stew meat, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if needed.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and the beef will remain tender.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until hot.
No Peek Beef Tips are an effortless and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. The slow cooking process ensures tender, flavorful beef that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the comfort of a home-cooked meal with this simple recipe.
