Cowboy Butter Sirloin Tips with Green Beans and Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, sear the sirloin tips in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a caramelized crust that deepens the savory taste.

If you have the time, it's worth the extra step. You can also use the same skillet to deglaze with a little beef broth and pour that into the slow cooker for extra richness.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Let it bubble and thicken before serving. For a brighter finish, stir in a handful of fresh parsley just before serving—it adds color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Variations

• Add Mushrooms and Onions: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms and 1 chopped onion in butter until golden, then add to the slow cooker with the beef. The earthy mushrooms and sweet onions deepen the savory flavor and make the dish even more hearty.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a subtle heat. The spice cuts through the richness of the butter and au jus, giving the dish a lively edge.
• Beer-Braised Version: Replace the water with 1/2 cup of your favorite dark beer, such as stout or porter. The beer adds a malty, slightly bitter note that pairs beautifully with the beef and herbs. Simmer for an extra 30 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
• Vegetable Swap: Use carrots and parsnips instead of green beans for a root vegetable version. Cut them into 1-inch chunks and add them with the potatoes. The natural sweetness of the carrots and parsnips balances the savory sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooled leftovers 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 hot and bubbling.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The sauce will thicken as it cools; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to loosen it. The flavors continue to meld, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

You can prepare the ingredients the night before: trim and cut the beef, chop the potatoes, trim the green beans, and whisk the au jus with water.

Store everything separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, layer it all in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish straight from the slow cooker for a casual family dinner. Use a slotted spoon to pile the beef, green beans, and potatoes onto plates, then spoon the sauce over the top. A side of crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the gravy.

For a more dressed-up presentation, serve the sirloin tips over creamy mashed potatoes, as shown in the video. The mashed potatoes provide a soft bed for the beef and vegetables, and the sauce pools around the edges. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness nicely.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cowboy Butter Sirloin Tips with Green Beans and Potatoes

Prep 15 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb top sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 1/2 lb russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter, softened
• 1 oz dry au jus mix
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Place the sirloin tips in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Scatter the green beans and potatoes over the beef. In a small bowl, whisk the au jus mix with the water until dissolved, then pour over the ingredients. Dot the cowboy butter over the top.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. The butter will melt and blend with the au jus to create a rich gravy. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
3. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the sauce for 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef, green beans, and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Serve warm, with mashed potatoes if desired.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

28 g

Sodium

800 mg

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