Introduction
This recipe is the ultimate “dump-and-bake” comfort food. By combining tender cubes of beef with savory mushroom soup and onion seasonings, you create a melt-in-your-mouth dinner with almost zero prep time. The “No Peek” rule is the secret—keeping the foil sealed tight traps the steam, ensuring the beef becomes incredibly tender without drying out.
Meta Description
Learn how to make “No Peek” Beef Tips with this easy oven-bake recipe. Featuring tender beef cubes and a rich cream of mushroom gravy, it’s the perfect hands-off family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef stew meat (or sirloin tips, cubed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) Dry onion soup mix (e.g., Lipton)
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) Brown gravy mix
- 1 cup Water (or beef broth for extra richness)
- Optional: 1 small yellow onion, diced (as seen in your photo)
- Optional: 1 small can of sliced mushrooms, drained
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch glass baking dish.
- Arrange Beef: Place the raw beef cubes in the bottom of the baking dish in a relatively even layer. If using fresh diced onions, sprinkle them over the beef now.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, the dry onion soup mix, the brown gravy mix, and the water until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the mixture directly over the beef tips. Stir gently within the pan to ensure every piece of meat is well-coated.
- Seal It Tight: This is the most important step! Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ensure the edges are crimped well so no steam escapes.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 3 hours.
- The Rule: Do not peek! Opening the foil releases the heat and moisture needed to tenderize the meat.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven, carefully vent the foil (watch out for steam!), and give it a good stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken slightly.
Service Suggestions
- Over Carbs: Serve the beef and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles, or white rice.
- Vegetables: Pairs perfectly with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad to cut through the richness.
- Bread: A warm piece of crusty bread or a dinner roll is essential for mopping up the extra gravy.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes! If you prefer a “Hamburger Bake,” you can use 1.5 lbs of ground beef. However, you should brown the hamburger in a skillet first, drain the grease, and then follow the same mixing steps. It will only need to bake for about 30–45 minutes at 350°F.
What if my gravy is too thin?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can stir in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) right after taking it out of the oven while it’s still bubbling.
Can I make this in a Crockpot?
Absolutely. Follow the same assembly steps but cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4 hours.
Conclusion
Whether you call it a mushroom bake or “No Peek” beef, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It turns humble ingredients into a sophisticated, hearty meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Enjoy the tender beef and that “liquid gold” gravy!