No Peek Beef Tips Gravy

No Peek Beef Tips with Gravy and Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate hands-off dinner when you need comfort food without fuss. The beef cooks low and slow in the oven tucked beneath a rich gravy and comes out impossibly tender ready to spoon over fluffy mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day.

My family asks for this every time there is a chill in the air. It was my go-to dish to bring to neighbors after they had a baby and not a single bite was ever left on the plate.

Ingredients

• Stew beef or sirloin tips: These cuts have just the right marbling so the meat gets buttery soft if you give it time
• Cream of mushroom soup: This is the secret for a creamy gravy base choose a classic brand for best flavor
• Brown gravy mix: This brings quick salty depth opt for a low-sodium packet if you prefer
• Beefy onion soup mix: Lends rich onion flavor and helps with thickening pick a well-known brand for the best results
• Water: The liquid that does all the simmering magic filtered water will give the cleanest flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: This is optional but gives real umami and punch always check the date to make sure it is fresh
• Salt and black pepper: A pinch brightens everything grind it fresh if you can
• Olive oil: Optional for browning helps develop rich flavor in the beef you want a good quality for best sear
• Mashed potatoes or egg noodles: Fluffy potatoes soak up the gravy and make it a classic meal whip them with a little butter or cream for extra decadence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

If you have a few extra minutes heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides in batches to get a deep brown crust. This step is optional but it creates incredible flavor in the finished dish.

Mix the Gravy Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl add the cream of mushroom soup brown gravy mix beefy onion soup mix water and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk it together until everything is combined and smooth. You want no lumps.

Combine and Bake:

Preheat the oven to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange all the browned or raw beef chunks in a large casserole pan or baking dish. Pour your gravy mixture on top and use a spoon to stir it together making sure the beef is coated on all sides. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture. This is the key step—no peeking while it bakes.

Bake Low and Slow:

Transfer the covered dish to the oven and let it cook for two and a half to three hours. Do not remove the foil during baking. When you open the dish the beef should pull apart easily with a fork and the sauce will be rich and thick.

Serve:

While it bakes make a pot of your favorite mashed potatoes or cook wide egg noodles. Spoon the beef and gravy generously over each serving of potatoes or noodles. Add extra gravy over top for the full comfort food experience.

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My favorite thing in this meal is the deep flavor that develops from just a handful of pantry staples. Every time I lift the foil and smell the gravy I am whisked back to cold winter nights at home when my mom would serve this right out of the oven. The leftovers taste even better the next day.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely before storing. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage freeze portions of the beef and gravy for up to two months. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered saucepan over low heat so the beef stays tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chuck roast works well in place of stew beef as does any well-marbled cut meant for slow cooking. If you need a gluten-free option use gluten-free soup and gravy mixes. For the creamiest mashed potatoes opt for Yukon Golds. Feel free to swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken if that is what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef tips with mashed potatoes for true comfort food but egg noodles or buttery rice work just as well. Add steamed green beans or a crisp salad for balance and color. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top brightens the whole plate.

Cultural Context

No peek beef tips are a classic American casserole dish known for their convenience and comfort. These oven-baked beef recipes became popular in the mid-twentieth century when home cooks were looking for hearty meals using less expensive cuts and pantry shortcuts. They remain favorites because they deliver on flavor without a lot of fuss.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a slow cooker for beef tips with gravy?

Yes, you can cook the beef tips and gravy on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until tender.

→ What type of beef should I choose?

Stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips work well. Look for well-marbled cuts for best tenderness.

→ Is it necessary to sear the beef before baking?

Searing is optional but adds extra flavor and a deeper color to the finished dish.

→ How do I thicken the gravy?

For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes of baking.

→ How should I serve the beef tips and gravy?

Spoon the beef and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or warm egg noodles for a complete meal.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Feel free to include mushrooms or sliced onions before baking for extra flavor and texture.