Slow-Cooker Sour Cream Asparagus Sirloin Tips Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most tender beef, choose sirloin tips that are well-marbled. If you can only find lean cuts, consider adding a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the slow cooker to keep them moist. Also, don't skip the rest time after cooking—it's a crucial step for any meat.

This recipe is forgiving. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours instead of low for 6. The beef will still be tender, though the sauce might be slightly thinner.

To thicken, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations

• Mushroom Stroganoff: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms along with the asparagus. The mushrooms will release moisture and add an earthy depth. Increase the gravy mix to 1.5 oz to accommodate the extra liquid.
• Herb-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary with the garlic. The herbs will infuse the sauce with a woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with the beef.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño with the garlic. The heat will cut through the richness of the sour cream, giving the dish a subtle warmth.
• Beef and Broccoli: Swap the asparagus for 1 lb broccoli florets. Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it stays crisp-tender. The gravy will coat the broccoli just as well.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze the beef and gravy (without noodles) 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 bubbling.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and asparagus will continue to soak up the gravy, making the flavors even richer.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. The noodles are best reheated separately or added fresh.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the raw 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 if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this slow cooker sirloin tips over a bed of warm, buttered egg noodles. The wide, twisted noodles catch the rich gravy beautifully. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed greens. A side of crusty bread is also great for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

The creamy, savory flavors are balanced by something bright and acidic, like a lemon vinaigrette. For a cozy dinner, serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Sour Cream Asparagus Sirloin Tips

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb top sirloin steak tips
• 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 oz brown gravy mix (1 packet)
• 8 oz buttered twisted egg noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the sirloin steak tips in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears on top of the beef, then scatter the smashed garlic cloves over everything.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and brown gravy mix until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the beef and asparagus, spreading it as evenly as you can.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the asparagus is tender but still bright green. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the sauce for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
5. Spoon the beef, asparagus, and gravy over hot buttered egg noodles. Serve immediately.

Contains: milk, gluten, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

48 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

30 g

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