Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Bourbon Gravy French Onion Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Bourbon Gravy French Onion Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker 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; 2 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé; 1 jar (12 oz) mushroom-bourbon gravy; 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats; 3 cups cooked white rice, for serving

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Slow cooker beef and onions in rich bourbon gravy, topped with butter pats

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

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality beef consommé and a jarred gravy that you enjoy. The sauce will be the backbone of the dish, so choose brands with a rich, savory profile.

If you have time, you can make your own mushroom-bourbon gravy, but the jarred version works beautifully.

To make the dish even more indulgent, add a splash of bourbon along with the gravy, or stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard at the end for a tangy kick.

Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles instead of rice if you prefer.

Variations

Mushroom and Herb: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions, and stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme before cooking. The mushrooms will absorb the gravy and add an earthy depth.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky heat. Serve with pickled jalapeños on the side.
Cheesy Toasts: Serve the beef over toasted baguette slices topped with melted Gruyère or provolone, mimicking French onion soup. Broil until bubbly for a crispy, cheesy topping.
Bourbon-BBQ Twist: Replace the mushroom-bourbon gravy with 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce and add 2 tablespoons bourbon. The result is a sweeter, smokier version that's great on buns.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen overnight.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

You can assemble the entire slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes the recipe even more convenient—just set it and walk away.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef bites over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich bourbon gravy. The rice provides a neutral base that lets the beef and onions shine. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables.

This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

For a complete meal, add a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. The leftovers are excellent in sandwiches or over mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made without a slow cooker?

Yes, this can be made in a Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches, then add all ingredients and cover. Cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Check occasionally and add a splash of broth if needed.

What is the best cut of beef for this recipe?

Beef chuck is the best choice because it has enough marbling to stay moist during long cooking. Other good options include brisket or round. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can dry out and become tough.

Can this be made gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free mushroom gravy and ensure the consommé is gluten-free. Many brands are, but always check labels. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes instead of wheat-based sides.

How can the sauce be thickened?

After cooking, remove the beef and onions with a slotted spoon. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and whisk into the sauce. Simmer on the stovetop until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Return the beef to the sauce.

Can the beef be cooked on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours instead of LOW for 8 hours. The result will be similar, but the beef may be slightly less tender. Always check that the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy French Onion Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 8 hTotal 8 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

2 lb beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
1 jar (12 oz) mushroom-bourbon gravy
4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats
3 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

Place the cubed beef chuck in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the sliced Vidalia onions evenly over the beef. Pour the beef consommé over the onions and beef. Add the mushroom-bourbon gravy and top with the butter pats.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
After 8 hours on LOW, check the beef by piercing a cube with a fork. It should shred easily and be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). If not tender, continue cooking for 30 minutes. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the sauce for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay moist.
Spoon the cooked white rice onto serving plates. Ladle the beef and bourbon gravy over the rice, making sure to include the caramelized onions.

Contains: gluten, milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 480
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 24 g

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

Next recipe

Bubbling crockpot of beef bites and onions in golden au jus

Dinner · 8 h 10 min

Cowboy Butter French Onion Beef Bites

See the recipe → →

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.