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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Cowboy Butter Garlic Potato Tenderloin Tips Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Slow cooker full of tender beef tips and golden potatoes in a buttery au jus
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a slow cooker on the low setting rather than high. The gentle heat allows the beef to become tender without becoming stringy.

If you are short on time, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but check the beef frequently to avoid overcooking.

The sauce is delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

To thicken it further, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the hot liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a richer, gravy-like consistency.

Variations

  • Add Mushrooms: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms along with the potatoes. They will cook down and add an earthy depth to the sauce.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño into the butter before adding to the pot for a subtle heat.
  • Herb Swap: Use rosemary or thyme in place of the parsley in the cowboy butter for a different aromatic profile.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks, along with the potatoes. They will become tender and sweet.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezer
Freeze cooked and cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheat
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Store 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. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

You can prep the ingredients the night before: trim the beef, halve the potatoes, and measure the garlic and butter.

Store them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, layer everything in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef and potatoes with a generous ladle of the buttery au jus over the top. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed green beans or a simple green salad. The rich sauce is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.

For an extra-indulgent presentation, spoon the beef and potatoes over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

The juices soak into the mash, creating a comforting, hearty plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, though the dish is delicious as-is.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, the dish can be fully cooked and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal.
What is cowboy butter?
Cowboy butter is a compound butter flavored with garlic, herbs, and sometimes spices. It is sold in sticks or tubs in many supermarkets. If unavailable, mix softened butter with minced garlic and your favorite dried herbs.
Can the cooking time be reduced?
Yes, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours instead of low for 6 to 7. However, the beef may be slightly less tender. Always check that the beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
What can be used instead of beef tenderloin tips?
Sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes is a good substitute. Chuck roast, cut into chunks, also works well and becomes very tender. Adjust the cooking time if using a tougher cut.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe card

Cowboy Butter Garlic Potato Tenderloin Tips

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6
Slow cooker full of tender beef tips and golden potatoes in a buttery au jus

Ingredients

  • 2 lb beef tenderloin tips
  • 1 1/2 lb baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 oz dry au jus mix

Instructions

  1. Place the beef tenderloin tips in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the halved baby potatoes over and around the beef. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top.
  2. Place the pieces of garlic-herb cowboy butter on top of the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle the dry au jus mix over everything.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife. Do not open the lid during cooking except to check doneness near the end. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
  4. Turn off the slow cooker. Let the beef rest in the hot liquid for at least 3 minutes. Then serve the beef and potatoes with a generous spoonful of the buttery au jus.
Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
580
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fat
35 g
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/cowboy-butter-garlic-potato-tenderloin-tips/part-3