Cowboy Butter Tenderloin Tips with Carrots & Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful results, choose a good-quality au jus mix—one that lists beef as the first ingredient. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of minced garlic to the butter before placing it in the slow cooker.

You can also add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby note. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility: you can adjust the seasonings to your taste.

To make the gravy extra silky, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter just before serving. This enriches the sauce and gives it a beautiful sheen.

If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon 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, then serve. This is a great trick for turning the cooking liquid into a velvety sauce.

Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms along with the vegetables. They will release their moisture and add an earthy depth to the gravy.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker for a subtle heat that plays well with the buttery sauce.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh thyme and rosemary in place of the dried herbs in the cowboy butter. The fresh herbs will infuse a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
• Root Vegetable Medley: Replace half the potatoes with parsnips or turnips for a more complex root vegetable flavor. Cut them into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. The beef and vegetables will remain tender and flavorful.

This recipe is ideal for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker base and cook as directed. The extra time allows the flavors to meld even more. Just be sure to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy. The tender beef, sweet carrots, and buttery potatoes are hearty enough on their own, but the mashed potatoes add a comforting base that makes it a complete meal. You can also serve it over egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

For a lighter side, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad will cut through the richness of the beef and butter.

A glass of full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the savory flavors beautifully. This is a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cowboy Butter Tenderloin Tips with Carrots & Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef tenderloin tips
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 1/2 lb red bliss potatoes, quartered
• 2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter
• 1 oz au jus mix

Instructions

1. Place the beef tenderloin tips in the bottom of a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Scatter the baby carrots and quartered red potatoes over the beef. Place the sticks of garlic-herb cowboy butter on top, then sprinkle with the au jus mix.
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 vegetables 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. Let the beef rest for at least 3 minutes before serving. Spoon the beef, carrots, and potatoes over creamy mashed potatoes, and ladle the gravy over the top.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

30 g

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