Bourbon Gravy Pepper Tenderloin Tips: Easy Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most tender beef, choose tenderloin tips that are uniform in size so they cook evenly. If using a tougher cut like chuck, consider cutting it into smaller chunks and increasing the cooking time.

The gravy is the flavor powerhouse—don't be shy with it. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up every drop.

To thicken the gravy at the end, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker; cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until thickened.

If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. For a richer flavor, you can stir in a tablespoon of bourbon just before serving.

Variations

• Mushroom & Onion: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and an extra onion along with the peppers for a more mushroom-forward dish. Sauté the mushrooms in butter before adding to the slow cooker for deeper flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 minced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the vegetables for a spicy twist. The heat mellows during slow cooking, leaving a gentle warmth.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf before cooking. Remove them before serving for an herby aroma that complements the bourbon gravy.
• Smoky Bourbon: Replace the butter with 2 tbsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp liquid smoke, or use a smoked bourbon gravy if available. This adds a subtle smoky depth to the sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

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 bubbly. Add a little beef broth if the gravy 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 more delicious the next day.

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

You can prepare the ingredients the night before: cut the peppers and onion, pat the beef dry, and store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply layer them in the slow cooker, pour the gravy, add the butter, and set it to cook. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve the Bourbon Gravy Pepper Tenderloin Tips over fluffy white rice to absorb the rich gravy. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed green beans. A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

The dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also works well as a filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for egg noodles. For a steakhouse feel, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme before serving. This is comfort food at its best—warm, savory, and satisfying.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Pepper Tenderloin Tips: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef tenderloin tips
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into thick strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thick strips
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 jar (12 oz) bourbon mushroom gravy
• 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the beef tenderloin tips in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the green and red bell pepper strips and red onion wedges over the beef. Pour the bourbon mushroom gravy over everything, then top with the butter pats.
2. 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 and the gravy is bubbling and thickened. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
3. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the gravy for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender, flavorful bites.
4. Spoon the beef, peppers, and gravy over cooked white rice on individual plates. Ladle extra gravy over the top and serve hot.
5. For the most flavorful presentation, spoon a little extra gravy from the slow cooker over each serving just before bringing the plate to the table.

Contains: milk, gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

24 g

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