Cowboy Butter Asparagus Tenderloin Tips: One-Pot Slow Cooker

This slow cooker recipe delivers fork-tender beef tenderloin tips and crisp-tender asparagus in a rich, garlicky butter au jus. With just five ingredients and five minutes of prep, it’s the kind of dinner that feels special but requires almost no effort.

The cowboy butter melts into the sauce, coating every bite with savory herb flavor. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, comforting meal that will become a weeknight favorite.

Slow cooker meals are the ultimate hands-off dinner, and this one is no exception. Tender beef tenderloin tips are paired with fresh asparagus and smashed garlic, then topped with two sticks of garlic-herb cowboy butter and a packet of au jus mix.

As the slow cooker works its magic, the butter melts into a luscious sauce that infuses the beef and vegetables with deep, savory flavor. The result is a one-pot dish that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker is ideal for tougher cuts of beef, but here it works beautifully with tenderloin tips because the low, moist heat keeps them incredibly tender without drying out.

The butter and au jus create a rich, flavorful liquid that gently poaches the meat and asparagus, infusing them with garlic and herbs. The result is a restaurant-quality dish with almost no effort.

Using whole butter sticks may seem unconventional, but they melt slowly and emulsify with the au jus to create a silky, glossy sauce. The asparagus cooks just enough to stay bright and slightly crisp, providing a fresh contrast to the rich beef. This method is foolproof—just layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let time do the work.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, choose beef tenderloin tips that are already trimmed and cut into uniform pieces. If you can’t find them, beef stew meat or sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes work well.

Fresh asparagus is essential; look for spears that are firm and bright green. Smashed garlic cloves add a mellow, sweet flavor—don’t chop them too finely, as they will soften during cooking.

Garlic-herb cowboy butter is available in many grocery stores, or you can make your own by mixing softened butter with parsley, garlic, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. The au jus mix adds depth and a savory umami note; if you prefer a less salty sauce, use a low-sodium version. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or even egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

• beef tenderloin tips: beef sirloin or chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; adjust cooking time as needed
• fresh asparagus: frozen asparagus (thawed) or green beans
• garlic-herb cowboy butter: 4 oz (1 stick) salted butter mixed with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• au jus gravy mix: 1 cup beef broth plus 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and 1 tsp soy sauce

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring spoons
• Serving spoon
• Serving plates