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

Tips for success

For the most tender beef, choose well-marbled ribeye and cut it into uniform cubes. This ensures even cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it bubble and thicken before serving.

To make this a complete meal, serve the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or polenta. The gravy is also delicious spooned over crusty bread to soak up every drop.

For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, though the video does not include it. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Variations

• Mushroom Swap: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions and carrots for extra earthy flavor. The mushrooms will release their juices and meld into the gravy beautifully.
• Herb Infusion: Tuck a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary into the slow cooker before cooking. Remove the sprigs before serving. The herbs add a subtle aromatic note that complements the bourbon gravy.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a gentle heat. The spice balances the sweetness of the onions and bourbon.
• Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup of frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. Stir them in gently and let them heat through.

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 until hot.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between.

Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the 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.

You can also cook the full recipe ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days, then reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Serving ideas

Serve the bourbon gravy pearl onion ribeye bites over steamed white rice to soak up the rich sauce. The rice provides a neutral base that lets the beef and gravy shine.

For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables. The dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would brighten the plate.

This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering. The slow cooker keeps everything warm for serving, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.

Ladle the beef and gravy into bowls and let guests help themselves. The tender beef, sweet onions, and glossy gravy are sure to impress, and the minimal effort makes it a weeknight winner.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Pearl Onion Ribeye Bites

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb well-marbled ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup peeled pearl onions
• 1 cup crinkle-cut carrots
• 1 1/2 cups mushroom-bourbon gravy
• 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the cubed ribeye bites in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Scatter the pearl onions and crinkle-cut carrots over the beef.
2. Pour the mushroom-bourbon gravy over the beef and vegetables. Dot the top with the pats of salted butter.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the sauce for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay moist.
5. Spoon the beef, onions, carrots, and gravy over cooked white rice. Serve hot.

Contains: milk, gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

540

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

32 g

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