Cowboy Butter Pepper Sirloin Tips Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful sauce, consider searing the steak tips in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This isn’t shown in the video, but it adds a deep, caramelized flavor that enhances the dish.

If you do sear, do it in batches to avoid crowding the pan, and then deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth to capture all the browned bits—add this liquid to the slow cooker for an even richer sauce.

To make your own cowboy butter, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth, then shape into a log and chill until firm. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick. Store any extra butter in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for later use.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the peppers for a spicy version. You can also use pepper jack cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
• Mushroom Medley: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the peppers for an earthy flavor. The mushrooms will release extra liquid, so you may want to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry at the end.
• Herb Swap: Replace the cowboy butter with a mix of 4 tablespoons butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme. This gives a different herbal note that pairs well with the beef.
• Beef and Broccoli: Swap the bell peppers for 3 cups broccoli florets and add 1 cup beef broth. Cook as directed, but add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes to keep it bright and crisp-tender.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker base and cook as directed—just add 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start.

Alternatively, cook the dish fully, let it cool, and refrigerate or freeze it. Reheat gently before serving. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for serving a crowd without last-minute fuss.

Serving ideas

Serve the cowboy butter pepper sirloin tips over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce. For a low-carb option, spoon the beef and vegetables over cauliflower mash or serve them alongside roasted vegetables.

The dish is also delicious piled onto crusty bread or into warm tortillas for a hearty sandwich or taco. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if you like, though the dish is plenty flavorful on its own.

For a complete meal, add a simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side. The richness of the beef and butter sauce pairs well with something bright and acidic, like a lemon vinaigrette. You can also serve the dish with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. The leftovers are great for next-day lunches—try them over a baked potato or mixed into pasta.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cowboy Butter Pepper Sirloin Tips Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb top sirloin steak tips, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced into thick strips
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter, softened (see note)
• 1 oz au jus gravy mix (1 packet)

Instructions

1. Place the sirloin steak tips in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Scatter the sliced bell peppers and red onion wedges over the beef, spreading them out so they cover the meat evenly.
2. Place the softened cowboy butter on top of the beef and vegetables, breaking it into pieces if needed. Sprinkle the au jus mix evenly over everything.
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. The butter will melt into a rich sauce with the au jus and vegetable juices. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Once the beef is tender, turn off the slow cooker. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef and vegetables to a serving platter, then spoon the sauce over the top. Let the beef rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk, gluten, celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

26 g

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