Ingredients:
- 2 lbs stew meat
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 envelope beefy onion soup mix
- 1 can (approximately 10.5 oz) water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Mashed potatoes or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare the Meat:
- Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the meat evenly in a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, beefy onion soup mix, and a can of water until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour Over Meat:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the stew meat in the baking pan, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking pan tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours. Resist the temptation to peek during the baking time; this helps to trap the steam and keep the meat tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the foil and give the dish a gentle stir. The meat should be fork-tender, and the sauce thick and flavorful. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve with Accompaniment:
- Serve these savory beef tips over a bed of mashed potatoes or noodles, allowing them to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Enjoy the Tenderness:
- Delight in the fork-tender, flavorful beef tips that have been slow-baked to perfection.
Note:
- Feel free to customize the seasoning and add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder for additional flavor.
- Experiment with serving options; try pairing the beef tips with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a delightful meal.
This slow-baked beef tips recipe promises a tender and savory dinner without any peeking! Enjoy the delicious outcome with your chosen accompaniment.
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to the Savory Slow-Baked Beef Tips Delight:
1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
- Yes, you can use a different cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or sirloin tips. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut used.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the beef tips a day in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat in the oven before serving.
3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
- You can use cream of celery, cream of chicken, or any other cream-based soup that complements the flavor of the beef.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the baking pan for a complete one-pan meal.
5. Can I use homemade gravy instead of a packet?
- Certainly! You can use homemade beef gravy in place of the packet. Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency.
6. How do I prevent the meat from drying out?
- Ensuring the pan is tightly covered with foil during baking helps trap steam, keeping the meat moist. Additionally, using a well-marbled cut of meat helps prevent dryness.
7. Can I cook this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.
8. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
- If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
9. What sides go well with these beef tips?
- Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread are popular choices to serve alongside these beef tips. The sauce is versatile and complements various side dishes.
10. Can I freeze leftovers? – Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
11. Can I use low-sodium soup and gravy mix for a healthier option? – Absolutely! Using low-sodium varieties allows you to control the salt content while still enjoying the flavors.
12. How do I know when the beef tips are done? – The beef tips are done when the meat is fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce the meat with a fork.
Feel free to adapt these answers to suit your preferences and enjoy the delightful flavors of the Savory Slow-Baked Beef Tips!
Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Choose the Right Cut:
- Opt for a well-marbled cut of beef, such as stew meat or chuck roast. The marbling adds flavor and ensures tenderness during the slow baking process.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor:
- For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the stew meat in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Use a simple marinade with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs.
- Sear the Meat:
- Before placing the meat in the baking pan, consider searing it in a hot skillet to develop a rich, caramelized crust. This enhances the overall flavor of the beef.
- Homemade Gravy Enhancement:
- If using a packet for gravy, enhance it with homemade touches. Sauté onions or mushrooms and deglaze the pan with a bit of red wine or beef broth before adding the gravy mix.
- Fresh Herbs for Aroma:
- Toss in a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking. The aroma infuses into the meat, creating a fragrant and savory dish.
- Add Umami with Tomato Paste:
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce mixture. The umami from the tomato paste adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Control Salt Content:
- Be mindful of salt content in pre-packaged ingredients. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly to avoid over-salting.
- Customize with Vegetables:
- Introduce vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the pan. They not only add flavor but also absorb the delicious juices from the beef.
- Bake Low and Slow:
- The magic of slow-baking happens at a low temperature. Maintain patience and bake at 300°F (150°C) for the full 3 hours for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the beef tips to rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Skim Excess Fat:
- After baking, skim off excess fat from the surface of the sauce for a cleaner and more appealing presentation.
- Garnish for Freshness:
- Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. It adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Tangy Element:
- Accompany the dish with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon for a tangy contrast to the savory beef.
- Experiment with Wine:
- Consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce for richness and complexity. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking to ensure a harmonious flavor.
Remember, cooking is a creative process, and these tips can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the journey of creating the perfect Savory Slow-Baked Beef Tips Delight!
Tips Delight even more delightful, consider these additional tips:
- Caramelize Onions for Sweetness:
- Before mixing the sauce, caramelize thinly sliced onions in a skillet. The natural sweetness from caramelized onions adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Deglaze with Red Wine:
- Deglaze the skillet used for searing or the baking pan with a splash of red wine before adding it to the sauce. This adds richness and complexity to the dish.
- Include Diced Bacon:
- Sauté diced bacon until crispy and mix it into the beef and sauce. The smoky flavor of bacon adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Use Freshly Ground Pepper:
- For a burst of freshness, use freshly ground black pepper instead of pre-ground pepper. The aromatic oils in freshly ground pepper enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with Different Mushrooms:
- If you’re a mushroom lover, experiment with different mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for varied textures and flavors.
- Add Worcestershire Sauce:
- Enhance the savory depth of the sauce by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It adds a tangy and umami-rich element.
- Fresh Garlic Over Garlic Powder:
- Use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor. Sauté the garlic briefly before mixing it into the sauce.
- Grate Fresh Parmesan on Top:
- Just before serving, grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top of the beef tips. The nuttiness of Parmesan complements the savory flavors.
- Infuse with Fresh Rosemary:
- If you enjoy the flavor of rosemary, infuse the sauce with a sprig of fresh rosemary during baking. Remember to remove it before serving.
- Serve with Herb-Infused Buttered Noodles:
- Instead of plain noodles, toss the cooked noodles with herb-infused butter. Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added layer of flavor.
- Sprinkle Gremolata Before Serving:
- Create a simple gremolata by mixing finely chopped fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. Sprinkle this over the beef tips just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Pair with Creamy Polenta:
- Serve the beef tips over a bed of creamy polenta. The velvety texture of polenta complements the savory sauce.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle:
- Reduce balsamic vinegar to a glaze and drizzle it over the beef tips before serving. It adds a sweet and tangy note.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on Top:
- Roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spoon them over the beef tips for a burst of juicy sweetness.
Remember to adjust these tips based on your preferences, and have fun exploring different flavors to make your Savory Slow-Baked Beef Tips Delight truly delightful!
