The Foil-Baked Beef Dinner That Never Gets Old


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking tray and set the beef in the center. Pat the meat dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Add the Onions

Pile the sliced onions directly on top of the beef. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—onions shrink as they cook and will become soft and sweet, soaking up all the juices.

Step 3: Top with Butter and Garlic

Scatter small cubes of butter over the onions. Sprinkle minced garlic or garlic seasoning evenly across the top. If you like extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or steak seasoning at this stage.

Step 4: Seal It in Foil

Bring the edges of the foil up and fold them tightly to create a sealed packet. This step is crucial—it keeps steam inside so the beef stays tender while baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Place the foil-wrapped beef into the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, depending on the thickness of the cut. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Carefully open the foil (watch for hot steam) and let the beef rest for a few minutes. Spoon the buttery onion mixture over the meat before serving.


Serving Ideas

This baked beef pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the juices. You can also slice or shred the meat and serve it over rice or noodles.


A Recipe Worth Repeating

What makes this dish special is how effortless it is. With minimal prep and almost no cleanup, you end up with a meal that tastes rich, slow-cooked, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that sometimes, all you need is beef, onions, butter, and a little patience to create a supper you’ll keep coming back to.