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This no-peek beef tips recipe transforms simple stew meat into a mouthwatering dish with rich gravy that slowly cooks to perfection in your oven. The hands-off cooking method ensures incredibly tender beef that will become your new favorite comfort food for family dinners.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic holiday season when I needed something delicious but couldn't stand at the stove. Now it's my go-to for Sunday family dinners when everyone raves about the tender beef.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat or tenderloin tips: selecting tougher cuts like chuck or round actually works better as they break down beautifully during long cooking
- Beef broth: forms the liquid base and adds depth to the gravy
- Cream of mushroom soup: provides creaminess and thickening without any effort
- Beefy onion soup mix: contains all the seasoning you need in one packet
- Brown gravy mix: adds extra richness and helps thicken the final sauce
- Kitchen bouquet (optional): adds beautiful color and depth to the gravy
- Black pepper: fresh cracked provides the best flavor
- Fresh parsley: adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Cut your stew meat into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. If using pre-cut stew meat from the butcher check the pieces and trim any that are significantly larger than others. Arrange the beef in a single layer in your baking dish which gives each piece direct contact with the gravy.
- Create the Gravy Mixture:
- Combine all the liquid ingredients and seasonings in a mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly until no lumps remain. This blending step is crucial as it distributes all the flavors evenly and ensures the gravy will cook uniformly. The combination of soup mixes creates complexity without measuring multiple spices.
- Cover and Bake:
- Pour the mixture over the beef ensuring all pieces are coated thoroughly. Cover the dish tightly with foil creating a complete seal around all edges. This steam environment is essential for breaking down the tough meat fibers. Place in your preheated oven and resist the temptation to check on it during cooking.
- Rest and Serve:
- After the full cooking time allow the dish to rest briefly before uncovering. This resting period lets the meat fibers relax and the gravy thicken slightly. The finished beef should be fork tender and the gravy rich and flavorful.
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The beefy onion soup mix is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its magical properties years ago when attempting to recreate my grandmother's pot roast. The combination of dehydrated onions and concentrated beef flavor creates depth that would normally require hours of traditional stock making.
Storage and Reheating
The beef tips actually improve with time as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. The dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months making it perfect for meal prep. Portion into individual containers for quick dinners on busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
While mashed potatoes are the classic pairing for beef tips this versatile dish works wonderfully with many starches. Try serving over buttered egg noodles rice or even creamy polenta for a twist on tradition. For a complete meal add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the beef. A slice of crusty bread for soaking up extra gravy is always welcome at the table.
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Slow Cooker Adaptation
This recipe transitions perfectly to a slow cooker with minimal adjustments. Layer the ingredients exactly as you would for the oven method but cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker version produces an even more tender result especially with tougher cuts of meat. If your gravy seems too thin after cooking remove the lid for the final 30 minutes to allow some evaporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use beef tenderloin tips or other cuts suitable for slow cooking such as chuck roast or top round. Stew meat also works well.
- → What sides pair well with beef tips?
Mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or even buttered egg noodles are great options to serve with these flavorful beef tips.
- → Can I make this dish in a crock pot?
Yes! Cook the beef tips in a crock pot on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for equally tender results.
- → Is it necessary to use the kitchen bouquet?
No, the kitchen bouquet is optional. It adds a deeper color and additional flavor, but you can skip it if preferred.
- → How can I make the dish less salty?
Use low-sodium beef broth and soup mixes to control the salt level in the dish. Adjust the seasoning to taste.