Imagine beef so tender it practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a rich, savory gravy, all with minimal effort on your part. That’s the magic of No Peek Beef Tips. This beloved comfort food classic earns its name because once it’s in the oven, you don’t “peek” at it until it’s done. The sealed environment of the casserole dish creates a self-braising effect, ensuring every bite of beef is incredibly juicy and infused with deep flavor. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out, reminiscent of home-cooked Sundays and effortless deliciousness. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a truly satisfying, set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers big on taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

This No Peek Beef Tips recipe is a true hero in my kitchen, and here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Effortless Tenderness: The “no peek” method guarantees unbelievably tender beef without constant monitoring.
• Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The beef cooks in its own juices and a savory broth, creating a deeply flavorful sauce perfect for serving over starches.
• Minimal Prep: Once assembled, the oven does all the hard work, freeing you up for other tasks.
• Versatile: It’s fantastic served with a variety of sides, making it easy to adapt to your preferences.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s hearty, satisfying, and evokes that cozy, home-cooked feeling.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredibly tender and flavorful No Peek Beef Tips:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (or beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet (0.9 oz) dry onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup (or another cream of mushroom)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for serving
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Beef: Beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into 1-inch pieces are ideal for this recipe as they become incredibly tender with long, slow cooking. Sirloin tips can also be used, but cook time might be slightly less.
• Cream Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of celery create a classic rich gravy. You can use two cans of the same soup (e.g., two cream of mushroom) if you prefer, or explore other cream of soups like cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
• Dry Onion Soup Mix: This is key for adding a fantastic savory depth and seasoning. Do not skip this!
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth gives you more control over the saltiness. Water can be used, but broth adds more flavor.
• Seasoning: The soup mixes and broth provide a good base, but always taste before and after cooking to adjust salt and pepper.
• Vegetables: While not traditionally included in this “no peek” method, you could add chopped carrots or potatoes directly to the casserole dish, though they might be very soft. For firmer vegetables, add them about halfway through the baking time.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is essential for slow, tender cooking.
2. Prepare Beef: Lightly pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels. Season the beef generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. While not strictly necessary for tenderness in this recipe, searing the beef beforehand (in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides) can add an extra layer of flavor and color. If doing so, transfer to the casserole dish after searing.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or directly in your casserole dish, combine the seasoned beef, condensed cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, condensed cream of celery soup, and beef broth. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a large oven-safe casserole dish (a 9×13 inch dish or similar size is ideal). Ensure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Cover Tightly: This is the “no peek” secret! Cover the casserole dish very tightly with a lid or with aluminum foil. Make sure it’s sealed completely to trap the steam and create that tenderizing environment.
6. Bake (No Peeking!): Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Resist the urge to peek! Opening the lid releases the steam and can extend cooking time and affect tenderness.
7. Rest & Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest, still covered, for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to thicken slightly. Give the sauce a good stir. Serve the No Peek Beef Tips hot over cooked egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this tender, juicy, and flavorful meal!

Tips for Success

• Seal Tightly: This cannot be stressed enough. A tight seal is the key to the “no peek” method’s success for tender beef.
• Low and Slow: The lower oven temperature and longer cooking time are crucial for breaking down the tough fibers in stew meat, resulting in fall-apart tenderness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Use a casserole dish large enough so the beef is in a relatively even layer and not too piled up.
• Adjust Broth: If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add a little more beef broth towards the end (after the initial bake time and rest). For a thicker gravy, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the hot gravy, then simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes until thickened.
• Taste Before Serving: The soup mixes and broth contribute a lot of salt, so taste the gravy before adding more salt.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This hearty dish is a complete meal, often served over a starch:

• Classic Starches:
  • Egg Noodles: The most popular choice for soaking up that rich gravy.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for absorbing the sauce.
  • White Rice: Fluffy rice is another excellent option.
• Vegetables:
  • Steamed green beans or asparagus.
  • Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts.
  • A simple side salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the gravy.
• Beverage Pairings: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, or a rich amber ale.

Storage and Leftover Tips

No Peek Beef Tips make fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

• Storage: Store any cooled leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the gravy if it’s too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the comforting, slow-cooked goodness of these Beef Tips, you’ll definitely want to check out these other hearty and easy meals from Chefmaniac:

• For another incredibly comforting one-pot meal, try my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• If you’re a fan of easy pasta dishes, my Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta comes together in just 20 minutes!
• For a true crowd-pleaser that simplifies a classic, my Instant Pot Lasagna is a game-changer.
• And for another reliable family dinner, try my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Final Thoughts

This No Peek Beef Tips recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a clever cooking method to create something truly exceptional. It’s hearty, incredibly flavorful, and so unbelievably tender, making it the perfect fuss-free meal for any occasion. Give it a try, and discover your new favorite way to cook beef!

Did you make these tender beef tips? What did you serve them with? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more amazing recipes and comfort food classics!