Bourbon Gravy Pearl Onion Beef Bites Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality mushroom-bourbon gravy. If you can't find it, make a quick version by combining a jar of beef gravy with a splash of bourbon and a handful of sliced mushrooms.

The butter adds a silky finish, but you can use unsalted if you prefer to control the salt. If you like a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

To get the most tender beef, always cook on LOW. The longer, slower cooking breaks down the collagen more effectively. If you're short on time, HIGH can work, but the beef won't be quite as tender.

Don't skip the resting step – it's crucial for juicy meat. For a more intense bourbon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of bourbon in the last hour of cooking. The alcohol will mostly cook off, leaving behind the rich, woody notes.

Variations

• Beef and Mushroom: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the beef. The mushrooms will soak up the bourbon gravy and add an earthy depth. You may need a little extra gravy or broth to cover the ingredients.
• Spicy Bourbon Beef: Stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the gravy. This adds a subtle heat that complements the bourbon. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to cool the palate.
• Beef with Potatoes: Add 1 pound of baby potatoes or quartered red potatoes to the slow cooker along with the carrots. The potatoes will cook in the gravy and become soft and creamy. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
• Herb-Infused Gravy: Add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf to the slow cooker before cooking. Remove them before serving. The herbs add a subtle aromatic note that complements the bourbon and beef.

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 a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if it has thickened.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even better the next day. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. The dish also freezes well – see the freezer instructions below.

This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the slow cooker insert with all the ingredients the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting from cold. Alternatively, cook the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving ideas

Serve this bourbon gravy beef over steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for dipping. The dish is rich and savory, so a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances it well. For a complete meal, add a steamed green vegetable like broccoli or green beans. The sweetness of the pearl onions and carrots pairs beautifully with the savory beef.

For a more elegant presentation, spoon the beef and vegetables onto a platter and drizzle with extra gravy. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired (though not in the original recipe). The dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own.

Leftovers can be used to make beef sandwiches – pile the beef and onions on a roll and top with provolone or Swiss cheese, then broil until melted. This is a versatile dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Pearl Onion Beef Bites

Prep 10 minCook 8 hTotal 8 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup peeled pearl onions
• 2 cups crinkle-cut carrots
• 1 jar (12 oz) mushroom-bourbon gravy
• 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats

Instructions

1. Place the beef chuck cubes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the pearl onions and crinkle-cut carrots over the beef. Pour the mushroom-bourbon gravy evenly over the meat and vegetables. Dot the top with the butter pats.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy is bubbling and thickened. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
3. After the cooking time, check the beef for doneness. It should be very tender and pull apart easily with a fork. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes and check again.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the hot gravy for at least 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
5. Spoon steamed white rice onto serving plates. Ladle the beef, onions, carrots, and gravy over the rice. Serve hot.

Contains: milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

28 g

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