No Peek Beef is a simple, delicious dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort. The secret to this dish is baking it covered for hours without peeking, resulting in tender, juicy beef in a savory gravy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal that comes together effortlessly. Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Serving Suggestions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

Introduction

No Peek Beef is the ultimate “set it and forget it” dish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich, savory meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. This dish features tender chunks of beef cooked slowly in a blend of cream of mushroom soup, gravy mix, and onion soup mix. The result is a flavorful beef dish with a thick, comforting gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or noodles. Best of all, there’s no need to fuss over it—just mix, cover, bake, and enjoy.

The magic of No Peek Beef lies in its simplicity. The name says it all: once you put it in the oven, you don’t need to check on it, stir it, or even lift the foil. The result is perfectly tender beef that’s been slow-cooked in its own juices, infused with all the flavors of the gravy and seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a lazy Sunday meal, or whenever you need an easy, hearty dish that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stew meat
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 envelope beefy onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) water

The ingredients for No Peek Beef are straightforward, making it easy to whip up with items you may already have in your pantry. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, and beefy onion soup mix creates a rich, flavorful gravy that coats every piece of beef. You can also customize the ingredients to suit your taste, adding extra spices or vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a 13×9-inch baking dish, combine the stew meat, cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, beefy onion soup mix, and water. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 3 hours. Remember, no peeking during the cooking time to ensure the beef becomes tender and juicy!
4. Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve the beef with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

The instructions for this recipe are incredibly simple, which is part of what makes No Peek Beef such a fantastic choice for busy cooks. There’s no need to stand over the stove or worry about timing multiple components perfectly. Just mix everything together, cover it, and let the oven do the work. The result is a meal that tastes like it took hours of careful preparation, with minimal effort on your part.

Cook Notes & Tips

• No Peeking: It’s important not to open the oven or uncover the dish while it’s baking. Keeping it covered ensures the beef stays tender and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can add diced carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the dish before baking. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the gravy and become wonderfully tender.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker method is great if you want to set it up in the morning and have dinner ready when you get home.
• Tender Beef Tips: Using stew meat is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces. The long cooking time allows the tougher cuts of meat to break down and become tender.

If you’d like to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of minced garlic to the mixture before baking. These additions can deepen the savory flavors and give the dish an extra boost.

Variations

• Creamy Beef Tips: Add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the mixture before baking for a creamy version of this dish. The sour cream adds a tangy richness that complements the beef perfectly.
• Wine Addition: Replace half of the water with red wine for added depth of flavor. The wine adds a complexity to the gravy that makes the dish taste even more luxurious.
• Garlic Beef: Add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic for a deeper, richer flavor. Garlic pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the dish and enhances the overall taste.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. The spice adds a nice contrast to the rich, savory gravy.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite deliciously comforting.
• Egg Noodles: Serve over buttered egg noodles for a classic combination. The noodles add a satisfying texture that complements the tender beef.
• Rice: For a lighter option, serve the beef tips over steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the savory gravy and adds a subtle nuttiness to the dish.
• Vegetables: Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans or carrots, to round out the meal. The freshness of the vegetables balances the richness of the beef and gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes, you can use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces or any other cut of beef suitable for slow cooking. The key is to use a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking to become tender.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making leftovers even more delicious.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, follow the baking instructions, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

4. Can I Freeze No Peek Beef?

Yes, No Peek Beef freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

No Peek Beef is a delicious, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for those days when you need a comforting meal without the hassle. The tender beef and rich gravy make it a hit with the whole family, and the best part is how easy it is to prepare. Just mix, cover, bake, and enjoy a savory dish that’s full of flavor. Whether served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a new family favorite!

No Peek Beef is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort and warmth. The simplicity of the preparation, coupled with the rich, savory flavors, makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, trust the process, and enjoy the delicious results.

Happy Cooking!