I am so excited to share with you my absolute favorite comfort food: the No Peek Beef Tips Recipe. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, tender beef cooked low and slow with creamy mushroom soup and that magical onion soup mix. What I love most is the simplicity—just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, but the flavor that develops after sitting in the oven for a few hours is nothing short of spectacular. If you have a busy day ahead but want to come home to a melt-in-your-mouth dinner, this recipe is a real game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This No Peek Beef Tips Recipe
When I make this No Peek Beef Tips Recipe, what always amazes me is the depth of flavor that comes from such simple ingredients. The beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the savory mushroom and onion notes perfectly. It’s like all the flavors get a chance to meld quietly without any fuss, resulting in a luscious, hearty dish that’s satisfying in every bite. The creamy texture of the mushroom soups makes the sauce feel indulgent but never heavy.
Another thing I love about this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare. After just mixing everything together and covering it tightly, the oven does all the work while I get on with other things. No stirring or checking every few minutes—just a patient wait and then pure reward. Whether I’m cooking for a casual family dinner or a relaxed weekend get-together, it always impresses without requiring me to stand over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this No Peek Beef Tips Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in building the tender texture, rich flavor, and beautiful color of the finished dish.
- 3 pounds stew meat or cubed chuck roast: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 10 oz cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy texture and deep mushroom flavor to the sauce.
- 10 oz beefy mushroom soup or beef broth: Provides a savory beef base to complement the meat and balance richness.
- 1 oz onion soup mix: Infuses the dish with a burst of oniony, herby seasoning that maximizes flavor with minimal effort.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300º F. This low temperature is the secret to tender beef, allowing it to slowly cook without drying out.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beefy mushroom soup (or beef broth), and onion soup mix until they are completely blended. This mixture will form the flavorful sauce that coats the beef.
Step 3: Place your stew meat or cubed chuck roast into a large mixing bowl or directly into your baking dish. Pour the soup mixture over the beef and gently stir until each piece is well coated with sauce.
Step 4: Spread the coated beef evenly into a 13×9 inch casserole dish. Make sure it’s laid out in a single layer for even cooking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and flavors within.
Step 5: Place the covered dish into the preheated oven and resist the urge to peek! Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. During this time, the beef becomes perfectly tender and infused with all those wonderful mushroom and onion flavors.
Step 6: Once the cooking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the sauce and beef together one last time before serving.
Servings and Timing
This No Peek Beef Tips Recipe serves approximately 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. The prep time is incredibly short—about 5 minutes to gather and mix everything. Cooking time is longer at 2 1/2 to 3 hours due to the slow oven method, but this hands-off approach frees you up to do other things during the wait. Total time is roughly 3 hours with no additional resting time required after cooking, so you can serve it straight away while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve This No Peek Beef Tips Recipe
I love serving these beef tips over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or creamy egg noodles to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. The beautiful, thick gravy that develops pairs wonderfully with starchy sides, making each bite rich and satisfying. For a bit of freshness, I often add a side of steamed green beans or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness.
When it comes to presentation, I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of brightness. Serving it in individual bowls works really well for cozy dinners, and the portion size naturally stretches to satisfy hungry appetites.
For drinks, I find a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the beef tips perfectly. If wine isn’t your thing, a bold iced tea or even a classic root beer pairs nicely, especially with the savory mushroom flavor. This dish is ideal for casual weeknights, but it also shines on holiday tables or during weekend family gatherings where warm, comforting food is the highlight.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the No Peek Beef Tips Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you prefer a different protein, substituting stew meat with boneless pork shoulder or even chicken thighs can work beautifully—just keep cooking times in mind. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soup mixes or make your own mushroom sauce with fresh ingredients.
If you want to amp up the flavor, I sometimes add garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture before baking. This adds extra depth without complicating the process. For a vegetarian twist, you could swap the beef for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, though the texture and taste will be different but still delicious.
Instead of baking, I’ve also used a slow cooker for this recipe, which makes it even easier. Just combine everything, set it on low for 6-8 hours, and enjoy tender beef tips with minimal hands-on time. No matter which path you choose, this recipe welcomes your personal touch with open arms.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. The beef tips will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 or 4 days. I recommend using glass containers to prevent any unwanted odors and to help retain moisture, ensuring the beef remains tender when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for later. Transfer cooled beef tips to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the package with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the beef tips gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the beef tender and the sauce creamy. You can also microwave leftovers covered, using short intervals to avoid drying out the meat. Avoid reheating at too high a temperature or for too long, as this can toughen the beef and change the texture of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or cubed chuck roast is ideal for tender results, other cuts like sirloin tip or even brisket can be used. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts benefit most from the slow cooking method to become tender.
Is it necessary to cover the dish tightly with foil?
Yes, covering the dish tightly traps steam and moisture, which helps tenderize the beef and meld the flavors. If you don’t cover it properly, you risk the meat drying out during the long cook time.
Can I make this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, you can! Combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This method is super convenient and produces similarly tender and flavorful beef tips.
What should I serve with No Peek Beef Tips Recipe?
I love it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up that delicious gravy. Adding a side of green veggies or a simple salad brightens the meal nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the casserole dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just place it in the oven and increase the cooking time slightly since the beef will be cold.
Conclusion
I truly hope you give this No Peek Beef Tips Recipe a try—it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen for good reason. The hands-off cooking, rich flavors, and tender beef always bring comfort and smiles around my table. Once you’ve tasted it, I’m confident it will find a special place in your recipe rotation too!
