No Peek Beef Tips is the ultimate comfort food dish for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy beef simmers in a creamy onion and mushroom sauce while cooking slowly over uncooked rice, absorbing all the savory flavors. When the timer goes off and the foil is lifted, a fragrant, hearty meal emerges, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t have to stand over the stove stirring or constantly checking—just assemble, cover, and bake. The combination of beef, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and soy sauce creates a rich, deeply satisfying gravy that naturally melds with the rice. Each bite is tender beef paired with fluffy, flavorful rice, delivering both comfort and ease in one dish. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves easy weeknight dinners that feel indulgent without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hands-off cooking: Just mix, cover, and bake—no stirring or peeking required.
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Family-approved comfort food: Tender beef and creamy sauce appeal to both kids and adults.
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One-dish meal: Beef, gravy, and rice cook together for convenience and minimal cleanup.
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Flavor-packed: Onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup create a rich, savory gravy.
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Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable beef cuts.
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Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Beef stew meat or beef tips: Provides tender, flavorful bites that become melt-in-your-mouth when slow-baked.
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Onion soup mix: Adds seasoning, depth, and savory onion flavor without extra prep.
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Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that clings to the beef and rice.
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Beef broth: Enhances the meatiness of the dish and keeps the rice moist.
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Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the creaminess.
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Garlic powder: Gives a subtle aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
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Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the sauce.
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White rice: Absorbs the rich gravy, becoming tender and flavorful.
Pro Tips
Pro Tips-
Use even-sized beef pieces: Ensures uniform cooking and tender results.
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Grease the baking dish well: Prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
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Do not lift the foil during baking: This keeps the rice from drying out and allows the flavors to meld.
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Let the dish rest after baking: Five minutes of resting lets the rice fully absorb the sauce.
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Choose long-grain rice: It stays fluffy and separates nicely in the final dish.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Different proteins: Substitute chicken chunks or turkey tips for a lighter version.
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Vegetable boost: Add diced carrots, peas, or green beans before baking for extra nutrition.
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Low-sodium option: Use reduced-sodium broth and onion soup mix.
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Gluten-free: Ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or make a homemade thickened sauce.
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Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve No Peek Beef Tips hot from the oven with a garnish of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the flavorful gravy. This dish also works perfectly as a cozy weeknight dinner for two or a family-style meal for gatherings.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Assemble ahead: Combine the ingredients in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish freezes well. Bake, cool completely, and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the rice has dried slightly.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Slow-baked beef and rice dishes have long been a staple in American home cooking, often associated with mid-century “dump” casseroles that relied on pantry staples like canned soups and pre-packaged seasoning mixes. The “No Peek” method became popular for its simplicity—letting rice and meat cook together under foil, creating tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. This recipe combines classic comfort food techniques with modern convenience, making it a beloved dish across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but adjust the liquid slightly and increase baking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Do I need to cut the beef into small pieces?
Yes, small or bite-sized beef pieces ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add rice during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best way to prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Do not lift the foil during baking, and measure the rice and liquid carefully. Fluff the rice gently after baking.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a simple homemade thickened sauce. Ensure your onion soup mix does not contain wheat.
No Peek Beef Tips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Place uncooked rice in a greased 9x13-inch dish, top with beef tips, and pour soup mixture over.
- Cover with foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours—no peeking!
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the beef tips and gravy.