Crockpot French Onion Sirloin Tips with Gruyère Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality beef consommé. If you only have beef broth, you can enhance it with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried thyme.

The consommé adds depth that plain broth lacks. Also, don't skip browning the beef if you have time — it adds a rich crust that deepens the flavor, though the slow cooker still works without it.

To make this dish even easier, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just place it in the slow cooker and turn it on.

If you're short on time, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW. The results are still good, but LOW yields the most tender meat.

Variations

• Mushroom Swiss: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions. Substitute Swiss cheese for Gruyère. The earthy mushrooms complement the beef beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions. Use pepper jack cheese instead of Gruyère for a spicy, melty topping.
• Herb Infusion: Add 2 sprigs fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf with the consommé. Remove before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for brightness.
• Beer-Braised: Replace half the consommé with a dark beer, like stout or porter. The beer adds malty depth. Omit if avoiding alcohol.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze the beef mixture (without brioche) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

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

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

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook it up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

The brioche can be toasted just before serving. You can also freeze the beef mixture (without the brioche) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Serving ideas

Serve the sirloin tips over toasted brioche for a classic French onion experience. The bread soaks up the savory sauce, making every bite satisfying.

For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower mash or steamed rice. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

This dish is rich, so pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A glass of red wine, like Pinot Noir or Merlot, complements the beef and cheese beautifully. For a casual dinner, set out the slow cooker and let everyone serve themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot French Onion Sirloin Tips with Gruyère

Prep 15 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb top sirloin steak tips, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 large Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 6 slices thick-cut brioche bread, toasted

Instructions

1. Place the sirloin steak tips in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Scatter the sliced Vidalia onions over the beef, then pour the beef consommé over the top. Add the softened cream cheese in dollops and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère over everything.
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 onions are soft and caramelized. Stir gently halfway through if possible. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
3. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the warm sauce for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the meat stays moist.
4. While the beef rests, toast the brioche slices until golden and crisp. Place one slice on each serving plate.
5. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, pile the sirloin tips and onions onto the toasted brioche. Ladle the creamy Gruyère sauce generously over the top.
6. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired. The dish is rich and satisfying on its own.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

37 g

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