Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Crockpot Bourbon Gravy French Onion Ribeye Bites Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Crockpot Bourbon Gravy French Onion Ribeye Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb well-marbled ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced; 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé; 1 jar (12 oz) mushroom-bourbon gravy; 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats; fluffy white rice, for serving

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Slow cooker full of ribeye bites and caramelized onions in rich bourbon gravy

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 6 h
Total: 6 h 15 min
Serves: 6

Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

For the best flavor, sear the ribeye cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

This adds a deep, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste. If you skip this step, the dish will still be delicious, but searing takes it to the next level.

To thicken the gravy further, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it bubble and thicken before serving. This is especially helpful if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Variations

Add Mushrooms: Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for extra earthy flavor. They'll cook down and meld into the gravy beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a subtle heat that complements the bourbon.
Cheesy Topping: After serving, sprinkle with shredded provolone or mozzarella and broil until melted for a French onion soup-inspired finish.
Herb Infusion: Add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf with the butter. Remove before serving for an aromatic depth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Freeze 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. Or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring between.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

The ingredients can be assembled in the slow cooker insert and refrigerated overnight, then cooked the next day.

Alternatively, cook the full recipe, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat in the slow cooker on LOW or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Serving ideas

Serve the Bourbon Gravy French Onion Ribeye Bites over steamed white rice to soak up the rich gravy. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are also excellent choices. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables.

Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the savory sauce.

This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin or chuck roast can be substituted. Sirloin is leaner and may cook faster; check for tenderness at 5 hours. Chuck roast is more forgiving and will become very tender, but may require an extra hour. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Can the cooking time be adjusted?

The recipe calls for 6-7 hours on LOW. If short on time, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, but the beef may be slightly less tender. The slow cooker's low setting is recommended for the best texture. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.

What can be served with these ribeye bites?

The dish is traditionally served over rice, but mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or polenta are also excellent. Crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the extra gravy. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad adds freshness.

Can the gravy be thickened?

If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. Let it cook until the gravy bubbles and thickens. Alternatively, remove the beef and onions and reduce the sauce on the stovetop.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It depends on the ingredients used. Check the labels of the beef consommé and mushroom-bourbon gravy. Many commercial gravies contain wheat flour as a thickener. For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free versions or make a homemade gravy with cornstarch.

Recipe card

Crockpot Bourbon Gravy French 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
2 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
1 jar (12 oz) mushroom-bourbon gravy
4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats
fluffy white rice, for serving

Instructions

Place the cubed ribeye bites in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer. Scatter the sliced Vidalia onions over the beef. Pour the beef consommé and the mushroom-bourbon gravy over the top. Dot with the butter pats. Do not stir; the layers will meld during cooking.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set to LOW. Cook for 6 to 7 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the onions are caramelized. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steady heat. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
After 6 hours, test a piece of beef with a fork. It should shred easily or cut with no resistance. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). Let the beef rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the warm gravy for at least 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Spoon fluffy white rice onto serving plates. Ladle the ribeye bites and caramelized onions over the rice, spooning extra bourbon-mushroom gravy on top. Serve hot.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 620
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 40 g

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

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.