Easy No Peek Beef Tips Recipe for Tender Meat

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef Stew Meat: Look for cuts like chuck or round, as they’ll become tender with slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try sirloin tips, but you might lose some tenderness.

Onion Soup Mix: This adds a great flavor base. If you’re avoiding processed foods, you can make your own mix by combining dried onions, garlic powder, and seasonings like parsley and pepper.

Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides creaminess and flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try using homemade mushroom soup or a different cream soup like chicken. Non-dairy options are also available!

Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami and depth. You can replace it with soy sauce for a different flavor profile or omit it if you want a milder taste.

How Can I Ensure My Beef Tips Are Tender?

The key to tender beef tips is low and slow cooking. Here are some tips to achieve perfect tenderness:

• Cook without peeking! When you remove the lid, moisture escapes, and your beef can dry out. Trust the process!
• Use a good quality beef broth or stock for more flavor, especially if you’re using water.
• Cooking time is crucial. Aim for 2.5 to 3 hours—this allows the tough fibers in the meat to break down fully.
• If you want a thicker sauce, remember to mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to avoid lumps.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have delicious, tender beef every time!

Easy No Peek Beef Tips Recipe for Tender Meat

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time. The low and slow method helps tenderize the meat, allowing you to relax while it cooks to perfection!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s warming up, you can prep the beef.

2. Arrange the Beef:

Take a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven. Place the cut beef stew meat in it, spreading it out evenly.

3. Season with Onion Soup Mix:

Sprinkle the onion soup mix on top of the beef evenly to add tons of flavor. This will be the base for your delicious gravy!

4. Mix Up the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, water (or beef broth), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s all well incorporated.

5. Combine It All:

Now pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef tips in the dish. Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the beef is well coated in the mixture.

6. Cover and Cook:

Cover the casserole with a tight-fitting lid or sturdy foil. This is important! Avoid peeking during cooking, as it lets the steam escape and can make the meat less tender.

7. Bake to Perfection:

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as the beef becomes tender and flavorful!

8. Optional Thickening:

If you prefer a thicker gravy, carefully remove the beef tips from the dish once they’re tender and keep them warm. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Then, add this to the cooking liquid in the dish over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens up.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Return the beef tips to the thickened gravy, giving it a gentle mix. Serve the savory beef tips hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Enjoy your comforting, tender meal!

Bon appétit! 😊

FAQ for Easy No Peek Beef Tips Recipe

Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?

While it’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking, you can use frozen beef tips. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure they become tender. Make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the beef while cooking!

What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?

If you’re looking for a substitution, you can use cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. For a healthier option, make your own mushroom sauce or use a non-dairy cream soup alternative if you want to keep it dairy-free.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Can I Make This Dish in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.