No Peek Beef Tips is a simple and tasty dish. It is made with soft, tender beef cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or when you need something quick and easy for the family.
The name “no peek” comes from the cooking method. Once it starts cooking, you don’t lift the lid or foil until it’s ready. This helps keep all the juices and flavors locked in, making the beef soft and full of taste.
People enjoy this recipe because it is easy to make and doesn’t take much effort. It uses a few simple ingredients and works with different cooking tools like an oven, slow cooker, or even an air fryer. Whether it’s for family or guests, this dish always impresses.
Table of Contents
Why We Call This Recipe “No Peek”?
The name “No Peek” comes from the way you cook this dish. Once you start cooking, you don’t open the lid or take off the foil. Keeping it covered traps the steam and juices, making the beef soft and tasty.
This way of cooking is easy because you don’t have to stir or check it. Once it’s in the oven or slow cooker, you can leave it alone. It’s a great choice for busy days or when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Even though it might be hard not to peek, this step is very important. By the time you finish cooking, the beef will be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. This is the secret to why this recipe turns out so delicious every time.
Ingredients You Need for No Peek Beef Tips
You need only a few basic items to make this dish. Each one brings flavor and helps make the beef soft and tasty. Here’s what you need:
- 2 pounds of beef tips: Pick stew meat or sirloin for tender, juicy bites.
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix: This gives the dish its rich, delicious taste.
- 1 packet of onion soup mix: Adds extra seasoning and a mild onion flavor.
- 2 cups of beef broth: Makes the sauce smooth and full of flavor.
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional): Use these for extra flavor and texture, if you enjoy mushrooms.
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes: Serve the beef tips over 4–6 servings of rice or potatoes for a hearty meal.
You can find all of these items at most stores. For example, if you don’t like mushrooms, you can skip them. Or, if you want to try something different, serve the beef tips over egg noodles or crusty bread instead of rice.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by trimming off any tough parts from the beef tips. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the beef to add flavor.
In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and any extra seasonings you like. This gravy will coat the beef and make it delicious.
Step 2: Assemble the Dish
Place the beef tips in a baking dish or slow cooker. Spread them out evenly so they cook well.
Next, pour the gravy over the beef tips. Make sure all the pieces are covered in gravy so the flavors soak in. This step makes the dish extra tasty.
Step 3: The “No Peek” Cooking Method
Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid. This keeps the steam inside and makes the beef soft and juicy.
If you’re using an oven, bake it at 300°F for 2–3 hours. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 6–8 hours. Both methods will give you tender and flavorful beef.
Don’t lift the lid or foil while it’s cooking. Peeking will let the steam out and might make the beef dry. Let it cook without touching it for the best results.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When the beef tips are done, stir the gravy to make it smooth. This mixes all the flavors together.
Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Add a little parsley on top for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Variations and Substitutions
Slow Cooker No Peek Beef Tips
You can use a slow cooker to make the beef extra soft and juicy. Cooking it slowly gives the meat more time to soak up the flavors.
Start by placing the beef tips at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the gravy mix on top, making sure it covers all the pieces. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6–8 hours.
To stop the beef from overcooking, check if your slow cooker runs hot. If the beef looks done earlier, switch it to “keep warm” until you’re ready to serve. This small step keeps the meat perfect.
No Peek Beef Tips in the Air Fryer
The air fryer works well if you’re making a smaller batch of beef tips. It’s quicker and great when you don’t need a big meal.
Place the beef tips and gravy mix in an air fryer safe dish. Make sure the dish fits into your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for 45–60 minutes. Stir halfway through to mix the flavors evenly.
To avoid overcooking, check the beef tips after 45 minutes. If the meat feels tender and the gravy looks thick, it’s ready. Don’t overcrowd the dish, so the heat moves around properly and cooks everything evenly.
3-Ingredient No Peek Beef Tips
If you’re short on time or ingredients, you only need three simple items: beef tips, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix. Even with just three ingredients, this dish tastes amazing.
To make it tastier, you can add some pantry staples. For example, try mixing in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. You could also add a little garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
This version is great when you want something easy but delicious. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t need any fancy extras.
No Peek Beef Tips with Stew Meat
Stew meat is a great choice if you want to save money. Although it’s a bit tougher than other cuts, cooking it slowly makes it soft and flavorful.
Before cooking, you can make the stew meat tender by soaking it in a simple marinade. Use a mix of oil, vinegar, and spices, and let the meat sit for 30 minutes. You can also coat the beef in a little flour before adding it to the dish. This helps thicken the gravy and makes the meat even softer.
Stew meat works well in this recipe because the long cooking time breaks down the tough parts. This turns the meat into soft, melt in your mouth bites. It’s a smart choice for making a filling meal without spending too much.
How to Make Beef Tips Extra Tender
Making beef tips tender is simple if you follow a few tips. First, marinate the beef before cooking. Use Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to add flavor and help soften the meat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to work its magic.
Second, cook the beef slowly at a low temperature. High heat can make the meat tough. Cooking it slowly gives the beef time to break down and become soft and juicy. You can bake it in the oven or use a slow cooker for the best results.
Lastly, don’t overcook the beef. Check it toward the end of cooking to make sure it’s tender but not falling apart. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy soft and tasty beef tips every time.
FAQs About No Peek Beef Tips
Why Are My Beef Tips Chewy?
Beef tips can turn out chewy for a few reasons. One common mistake is using the wrong cut of beef. Tougher cuts, like stew meat, need more time to cook so they can soften.
Another reason could be not cooking the meat long enough. Slow cooking helps soften the tougher parts of the beef. Also, cooking the meat at too high a heat can make it dry and tough. Always use low heat for the best results.
What Cut of Beef is Best for Tips?
The best cuts for beef tips are chuck roast, sirloin tips, or tenderloin. These cuts are naturally soft and work well with slow cooking methods. Sirloin tips are a great choice because they are full of flavor and cook quickly.
You can also use stew meat, which is more budget friendly. However, stew meat is tougher and needs more time to cook. Beef tips are usually smaller cuts from soft parts of the beef, while stew meat often comes from tougher parts like the shoulder.
How Many Calories Are in No Peek Beef Tips?
No Peek Beef Tips have about 250–300 calories per serving. The exact amount depends on the type of beef and gravy you use. Cream-based soups can add extra calories to the dish.
To lower the calories, use a low-fat cream soup or leaner cuts of beef like sirloin. You can also leave out extra butter or heavy cream if the recipe calls for it.
Can I Freeze No Peek Beef Tips?
Yes, you can freeze leftover No Peek Beef Tips for another day. Let the beef tips cool completely before putting them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out extra air to avoid freezer burn.
When you want to eat them, thaw the beef tips in the fridge overnight. Reheat them on the stove or in the oven over low heat. Adding a little beef broth or water will keep the meat moist while reheating.
What to Serve with Beef Tips?
Beef tips taste great with many side dishes. Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are popular choices because they soak up the gravy. These sides are filling and easy to make.
For a lighter option, you can pair the beef tips with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans. The vegetables add color and freshness to the meal. You can also mix and match sides based on what you have at home.
Pro Tips for Perfect No Peek Beef Tips
You can make the best No Peek Beef Tips by following these easy tips. First, use heavy-duty foil or a lid that fits tightly. This keeps all the steam inside and makes the beef soft and juicy.
After cooking, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the gravy to thicken on its own, making it richer and easier to serve. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
For more flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Sprinkle them into the gravy before cooking. These herbs give the dish a fresh and savory taste. Try them out and see which flavors you enjoy the most.
Nutritional Information
A serving of No Peek Beef Tips has about 250–300 calories. The beef provides plenty of protein, but the calories and fat depend on what ingredients you use.
If you want a lighter version, there are simple ways to make it healthier. For example, you can use low-fat cream soup instead of regular. Another good option is lean beef, like sirloin, which has less fat.
You can also choose a low-sodium soup mix if you’re watching your salt intake. These small changes help you enjoy this dish while keeping it healthier. It’s all about finding what works for you!
Share Your No Peek Beef Tips Success!
Have you tried making No Peek Beef Tips? We’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share any fun sides or twists you added to the recipe.
You can also share photos of your dish. Show off your homemade beef tips and inspire others with your ideas. It’s always fun to see how others create this dish in their own way.
Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback helps others decide if they want to try it. Together, we can share ideas, tips, and the joy of cooking delicious meals like this.