Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Broccoli Beef Bites: Easy Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Bourbon Gravy Broccoli Beef Bites: Easy Crockpot Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 cups broccoli florets; 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 1 1/2 cups bourbon-mushroom gravy (from a jar); 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats; 4 cups cooked white rice, for serving

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Crockpot Bourbon Gravy Broccoli Beef Bites in a black slow cooker, with steam rising

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 8 h
Total: 8 h 10 min
Serves: 6

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a high-quality bourbon-mushroom gravy. The bourbon adds a subtle sweetness and complexity that pairs beautifully with the beef.

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can swap the beef for pork shoulder or even chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

The broccoli can be replaced with green beans or asparagus. The key is to keep the liquid ratio the same. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious gravy.

Variations

Spicy Bourbon Beef: Add 1-2 minced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients for a spicy kick. The heat balances the sweetness of the bourbon gravy.
Mushroom Lover's: Double the mushrooms and use a mix of baby bella and shiitake. Sauté them briefly in butter before adding to the slow cooker for extra depth.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef and gravy over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice. The dish is naturally low-carb without the rice.
Herb-Infused: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary along with the butter. The herbs infuse the gravy with aromatic flavor. Remove before serving.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy is too thick.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings. Just add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the Bourbon Gravy Broccoli Beef Bites over steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich gravy. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, though it is not necessary. The dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.

For a family-style dinner, transfer the beef and gravy to a large serving platter with the rice on the side. Let everyone serve themselves.

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. It is satisfying and comforting, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this in a Dutch oven. Brown the beef first, then add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Check occasionally and add a little broth if needed.

What if the gravy is too thin?

If the gravy is too thin at the end of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, remove the beef and vegetables and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce.

Can this recipe be made with chicken instead of beef?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Reduce the cooking time to 4 hours on low, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken will be tender and soak up the gravy nicely.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy if needed. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker?

No, browning is not necessary for this recipe. The slow cooker does all the work, and the beef becomes tender without browning. However, if you have time, browning the beef in a skillet adds extra flavor from the Maillard reaction.

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Broccoli Beef Bites: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 8 hTotal 8 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

2 lb beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups broccoli florets
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups bourbon-mushroom gravy (from a jar)
4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats
4 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

Place the beef chuck cubes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer. Scatter the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms over the beef. Pour the bourbon-mushroom gravy over the top, then dot with the butter pats. Do not stir.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for whole-cut beef, but slow cooking will take it well beyond that. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
After the cooking time, check the beef for doneness. It should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. If the beef is not yet tender, cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the gravy for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Spoon the hot cooked rice onto plates. Ladle the beef, broccoli, mushrooms, and bourbon gravy over the rice. Serve immediately.

Contains: gluten, milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 520
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 22 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.