I first encountered this dish during a family reunion, where it was lovingly prepared by my grandmother. Her version was a staple at our gatherings, and the sight of that bubbling casserole dish, with its irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen, is a memory I cherish. The tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked to perfection, melded beautifully with a savory gravy that seemed to make every bite comforting and satisfying.
Over the years, I’ve adapted the recipe to fit various cooking methods, ensuring that it remains a reliable option whether you’re using the oven or a slow cooker. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making No Peek Beef Tips & Gravy, ensuring you achieve that perfect, tender result every time.
Ingredients
2 lbs of stew meat, cubed
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 packet onion soup mix
Water, as required
Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Oven Version
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking temperature is key to achieving tender, flavorful beef.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet of brown gravy mix, 1 packet of onion soup mix, and 1 cup of water. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, well-blended consistency. This mixture will form the base of your rich gravy.
Prepare the Beef
Place the cubed stew meat in a casserole dish. Ensure the beef is spread out evenly to allow the sauce to coat each piece thoroughly.
Combine and Cover
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring all the pieces are well-covered. This helps in infusing the flavors into the meat as it cooks. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure no part of the dish is exposed. This “no peek” method ensures that the steam and flavors remain sealed inside, tenderizing the meat.
Bake to Perfection
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 3 hours. Resist the urge to peek during this time, as opening the oven can release the steam and affect the cooking process. The result will be tender beef tips simmered in a rich gravy.
Serve
Once the beef tips are cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the beef tips over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. The gravy will complement the meat beautifully, making every bite delectable. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
Slow Cooker Version
Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a mixing bowl, blend together 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet of brown gravy mix, 1 packet of onion soup mix, and 1 cup of water. Whisk until smooth to create your gravy base.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the cubed stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat, ensuring it is evenly covered. The slow cooker will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender over an extended period.
Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process will make the beef tips incredibly tender and flavorful. The extended cooking time allows the beef to absorb the rich gravy, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and give the beef tips a gentle stir. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles. Drizzle with the rich gravy and garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
Beef Cuts: While stew meat is ideal for this recipe due to its ability to become tender through slow cooking, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or round steak. Just be sure to cut the meat into cubes for even cooking.
Soup Variations: If cream of mushroom soup isn’t to your liking, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture of the gravy.
Spice It Up: For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of paprika. You can also incorporate vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms into the dish to make it a complete meal.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free gravy mix and cream of mushroom soup. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Low-Fat Version: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat or reduced-fat version, and use a low-fat gravy mix to make the dish lighter while still delicious.
Conclusion
No Peek Beef Tips & Gravy is a quintessential comfort food that combines ease of preparation with rich, satisfying flavors. The methodical cooking process, whether in the oven or slow cooker, ensures that the beef becomes tender and the gravy perfectly melds with the meat, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both delicious and memorable. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy weeknight meal, these beef tips and gravy are sure to please.
With its flexibility for different cooking methods and variations, No Peek Beef Tips & Gravy is a versatile recipe that you can adapt to suit your taste and dietary preferences. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction, making it a beloved addition to any meal rotation. Enjoy the rich flavors, tender beef, and the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.