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Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Crockpot Sour Cream French Onion Tenderloin Tips Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Sour cream French onion tenderloin tips in a slow cooker, topped with gravy
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality beef consommé and a brown gravy mix that you like. The consommé adds a rich, savory depth that plain broth can't match.

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give you a glossy, spoon-coating sauce that clings to the beef and noodles.

Don't skip the resting time after cooking. Letting the beef rest for at least 3 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite more tender and flavorful.

If you're serving a crowd, keep the slow cooker on the WARM setting and stir occasionally. The dish will stay moist and delicious for hours, making it perfect for parties or family dinners.

Variations

  • Mushroom Add-In: Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions. They'll cook down and add an earthy depth that complements the beef and gravy beautifully.
  • Herb Infusion: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary over the top before cooking. The herbs will infuse the sauce with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the consommé for a subtle heat that balances the creamy sauce.
  • Cheesy Finish: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra-rich, cheesy gravy.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer
Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. Add a little beef broth or water 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, and the reheated dish tastes just as good as fresh. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

You can assemble the uncooked 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.

You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting from cold. This makes it a true dump-and-go meal for busy weeknights.

Serving ideas

Serve the tenderloin tips over warm, buttered egg noodles for a classic pairing. The noodles soak up the rich gravy and add a comforting, hearty element. You can also serve this over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side adds freshness and balance.

For a low-carb option, serve the beef and gravy over cauliflower mash or alongside roasted vegetables. The dish is rich and satisfying on its own, so you don't need much else.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if you like, though it's delicious as is. This is a meal that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal effort.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin tips or chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes work well. Chuck roast has more connective tissue, so it becomes very tender with long cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed—chuck may need an extra hour on LOW.
Why does the sauce sometimes turn out thin?
The sauce may be thin if the slow cooker is on HIGH too long or if the lid is removed frequently. To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it cook uncovered to reduce.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative or full-fat coconut milk. The gravy mix may contain dairy, so check the label. Use a dairy-free gravy mix or thicken with cornstarch and beef broth.
How should leftovers be reheated?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until warmed through.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, double all ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts). Cooking time may need to be increased by 30-60 minutes on LOW. Check for doneness with a fork.
Recipe card

Crockpot Sour Cream French Onion Tenderloin Tips

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6
Sour cream French onion tenderloin tips in a slow cooker, topped with gravy

Ingredients

  • 2 lb beef tenderloin tips, trimmed
  • 2 medium Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 oz brown gravy mix (1 packet)

Instructions

  1. Place the beef tenderloin tips in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the sliced Vidalia onions evenly over the beef. Pour the beef consommé over the onions and beef. Spoon the sour cream over the top, then sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly over everything. Do not stir.
  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. The sauce will darken and thicken as the onions caramelize and the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving, but be careful not to break up the beef too much. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
  3. Spoon the beef and gravy over warm buttered egg noodles. Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving, then ladle generously over the noodles. The beef should be fork-tender and the gravy silky. Serve hot.
Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
420
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
22 g
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/crockpot-sour-cream-french-onion-tenderloin-tips/part-3