Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

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

Name: Bourbon Gravy Green Bean 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; 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 1/2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 1/2 cups mushroom-bourbon gravy (jarred); 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Slow cooker filled with beef, green beans, and potatoes in bourbon gravy

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

Tips for success

For the best flavor, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a deep, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste. If you have time, this extra step is worth it.

To thicken the gravy further, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This will create a thicker, more luxurious sauce. Alternatively, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Variations

Mushroom Lover's: Add 8 oz (225 g) of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the other ingredients. They will cook down and add even more earthy flavor to the gravy.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the gravy for a subtle heat that complements the bourbon sweetness.
Herb Infusion: Add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf to the slow cooker before cooking. Remove them before serving for a subtle herbal note.
Root Vegetable Swap: Replace the potatoes with an equal amount of peeled and diced carrots or parsnips for a different texture and sweetness.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy, as it will thicken when chilled.

This recipe can be assembled the night before. Layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, place the insert into the slow cooker and cook as directed. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients start cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this bourbon gravy green bean beef bites over steamed white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

A side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, though the video does not show this.

For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The rich, savory flavors of the dish are balanced by a light, crisp side. This hearty meal is satisfying on its own, but the rice is the classic accompaniment.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes, this can be adapted for a pressure cooker. Sear the beef on sauté mode, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release. Check the temperature and adjust as needed.

Can the green beans be added later?

If a firmer texture is preferred, add the green beans during the last 2 hours of cooking instead of at the beginning. This will keep them more crisp-tender.

What if the gravy is too thin?

If the gravy is too thin after cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled, but ensure the slow cooker is not more than two-thirds full. Cooking time may need to be increased by 30-60 minutes, and the internal temperature of the beef should be checked.

What can be used instead of mushroom-bourbon gravy?

If mushroom-bourbon gravy is not available, use 1 1/2 cups of beef broth mixed with 2 tablespoons of bourbon and 1 teaspoon of mushroom powder. Alternatively, use a jarred beef gravy and add a splash of bourbon.

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Green Bean 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
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 1/2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups mushroom-bourbon gravy (jarred)
4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats

Instructions

Place the cubed beef chuck in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the trimmed green beans and diced russet potatoes over the beef. Pour the mushroom-bourbon gravy evenly over the top, then dot with the butter pats. Do not stir.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are easily pierced. Do not open the lid during cooking to retain heat. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
After the cooking time, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef cubes. It should read at least 145°F (63°C). If not, continue cooking and check again after 30 minutes. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Once the beef is cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest, covered, for at least 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the gravy to settle.
Spoon the beef, green beans, and potatoes over steamed white rice. Ladle the bourbon-mushroom gravy generously over each serving. Serve hot.

Contains: milk, gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 480
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 23 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.