Simple No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe – Tender & Juicy Every Time

Here’s Why You’ll Love This No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe

Craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that’s incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This no peeking beef tips recipe is your answer to a delicious, hassle-free meal, even on the busiest weeknights. Imagine tender, juicy beef tips cooked to perfection, without any guesswork or constant lid lifting. This recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, making it perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned pros alike. Let’s dive into this cozy kitchen adventure together and discover just how effortless and satisfying cooking can be!

Ready to transform simple ingredients into a family favorite? Keep reading, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create these delectable no peeking beef tips. You’ll be amazed at the flavor and tenderness you can achieve with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!

Printable Recipe Card: Your Easy No Peeking Beef Tips Guide!

No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe - Tender Beef Tips in Rich Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe

Discover the secret to incredibly tender and juicy beef tips with this simple ‘no peeking’ recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features flavorful beef tips simmered in a rich and comforting sauce of cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, serve these delicious beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For searing and simmering
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For combining sauce ingredients

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Beef Tips cut into 1-inch cubes (sirloin or chuck roast)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can (10.75 ounce) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) Dry Onion Soup Mix
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • to taste Salt
  • optional Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef tips generously with salt and pepper. Sear beef tips on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Return the seared beef tips to the skillet. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Pour over beef tips.
  • Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until beef tips are fork-tender. Resist the urge to peek!
  • Check for tenderness after 2 hours. Continue simmering if needed.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Notes

For richer flavor, use bone-in chuck roast. You can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a heartier meal. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Keyword beef, beef tips, comfort food, easy beef recipe, no peeking, weeknight dinner

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients for This No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe

Ingredients for No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe - Fresh Beef, Vegetables, and Spices
Gather your fresh ingredients for the best beef tips!

Full Ingredient List

  • 1.5 lbs beef tips, cut into 1-inch cubes (sirloin or chuck roast work great)
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Easy Substitutions

  • Beef Tips: If you can’t find pre-cut beef tips, you can easily use a chuck roast or sirloin roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. For a leaner option, try using sirloin.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup works wonderfully as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, try using a cashew cream or a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative.
  • Dry Onion Soup Mix: If you’re out of dry onion soup mix, you can create a quick substitute by combining 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of celery seed.

Budget-Friendly Tips and Finding Ingredients

  • Choose Affordable Beef Cuts: Chuck roast is generally more budget-friendly than sirloin and becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow, making it perfect for this recipe. Look for sales on larger cuts of beef and portion them out for future meals.
  • Utilize Pantry Staples: This recipe relies heavily on pantry staples like canned soup and dry soup mix, which are cost-effective and readily available. Keep an eye out for sales on these items and stock up when you can.
  • Buy in Bulk: Consider buying beef in bulk when it’s on sale and freezing portions for later use. This can save you money and ensure you always have beef on hand for recipes like this one.
  • Vegetarian Option (Adaptation): For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef tips with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Sauté them until browned and follow the rest of the recipe as directed for a flavorful vegetarian stew.

Time to Cook! Your Step-by-Step Guide for No Peeking Beef Tips

Key Cooking Steps for No Peeking Beef Tips - Searing and Simmering
See the simple steps to delicious beef tips!
  1. Get Started: Sear the Beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef tips generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add beef tips in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear on all sides until nicely browned – about 2-3 minutes per side. Searing adds a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible! Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will steam the beef instead of searing it. Remove the browned beef tips and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic is the heart of cozy cooking!
  3. Combine Ingredients. Return the seared beef tips to the skillet with the onions and garlic. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Pour this luscious mixture over the beef tips in the skillet.
  4. Simmer and No Peeking! Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef tips are fork-tender. Important: Resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid on ensures the beef tips cook in their own steam and juices, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. This ‘no peeking’ method is the secret to perfectly cooked beef tips every time.
  5. Check for Tenderness. After 2 hours, check the beef tips for tenderness with a fork. They should easily fall apart. If they’re not quite there yet, continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size and cut of your beef tips.
  6. Thicken Sauce (Optional). If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency.
  7. Serve and Enjoy! Once the beef tips are perfectly tender and the sauce is just right, it’s time to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. These no peeking beef tips are fantastic served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or creamy polenta.

Our Best Tips & Tricks for a Perfect No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe

Pro Tip for No Peeking Beef Tips - Sear Beef in Batches for Browning
Expert tip: Sear in batches for perfect browning!
  • Quality Beef Matters: While chuck roast is budget-friendly and works great, using a higher quality cut like sirloin will result in even more tender and flavorful beef tips. Choose the best beef you can afford for the most satisfying results.
  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the beef tips before simmering is a crucial step that adds a rich, browned flavor to the dish. It creates a delicious crust on the meat that enhances the overall taste.
  • Low and Slow is Key: The ‘no peeking’ simmering process is what makes these beef tips incredibly tender. Cooking them low and slow breaks down the connective tissues in the beef, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be patient and let them simmer undisturbed.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Make it Ahead: These no peeking beef tips are perfect for meal prepping! They taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare them ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.

What to Serve with Your Delicious No Peeking Beef Tips: Perfect Pairings

Serving Suggestions for No Peeking Beef Tips - Mashed Potatoes, Polenta, Noodles
Serve it your way! Beef tips for every palate.

These hearty and flavorful no peeking beef tips are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

  • Classic Comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Egg noodles or buttered pasta are also fantastic choices for a comforting and classic pairing.
  • Vegetable Sides: Balance the richness of the beef tips with some fresh or roasted vegetables. Steamed broccoli, green beans, roasted carrots, or asparagus are all excellent options. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast.
  • Bread for Sopping: Don’t forget some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that flavorful sauce!
  • Creamy Polenta or Grits: For a slightly different texture, serve your beef tips over creamy polenta or cheesy grits. These creamy bases complement the tender beef beautifully.
  • Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with beef tips. For a lighter option, a Pinot Noir or a robust rosé would also be delicious.

How to Store and Reheat Your Delicious No Peeking Beef Tips

Storing and Reheating No Peeking Beef Tips - Fridge and Stovetop
Store and reheat like a pro!

Lucky you, if you have any leftover no peeking beef tips, they store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for enjoying again later in the week. Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:

  • Storing: Allow the beef tips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label and date your container for easy reference!
  • Reheating on the Stovetop: The best way to reheat beef tips is on the stovetop. Place the leftover beef tips and sauce in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the beef.
  • Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, you can reheat beef tips in the microwave. Place a portion of beef tips in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented). Reheat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as microwaves can sometimes dry out meat.
  • Reheating from Frozen: If reheating from frozen, thaw the beef tips in the refrigerator overnight for best results. If you’re short on time, you can reheat them directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more beef broth or water to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Microwaving from frozen is not recommended as it can lead to uneven heating.

Your No Peeking Beef Tips FAQ: Simple Answers for Confident Cooking

Frequently Asked Questions about No Peeking Beef Tips Recipe
Still have questions? Dive back in!
  • What kind of beef is best for beef tips?
    • Chuck roast or sirloin are excellent choices. Chuck roast is more budget-friendly and becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking, while sirloin is leaner and still very flavorful. Pre-cut beef tips are also convenient if available.
  • Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
    • Yes, absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, sear the beef tips as directed, then transfer them to your slow cooker along with the onions, garlic, and sauce mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The ‘no peeking’ principle applies to the slow cooker too – resist lifting the lid!
  • Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
    • Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions. Add root vegetables (like carrots and potatoes) at the beginning with the onions, and add softer vegetables (like mushrooms) in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking so they don’t become mushy.
  • What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
    • No problem! Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup are great substitutes. You can also use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or cashew cream for dietary preferences.
  • How do I know when the beef tips are done?
    • The beef tips are done when they are fork-tender. This means you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork and they should fall apart with minimal pressure. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the cut and size of your beef, so check for tenderness after 2 hours and adjust cooking time as needed.

Time to Savor Your Delicious No Peeking Beef Tips and Share the Joy

Enjoy Delicious No Peeking Beef Tips - Finger Licking Recipes
Ready to cook up some comfort?

Congratulations! You’ve just created a batch of incredibly tender and flavorful no peeking beef tips with ease and confidence. This recipe proves that delicious home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s all about simple steps, quality ingredients, and a little bit of patience.

Now it’s your turn to share the joy! Rate this recipe below, snap a photo of your culinary creation, and share it with our friendly community. We’d love to see your delicious no peeking beef tips and hear about your experience. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!