Slow-Cooker Sour Cream Asparagus Tenderloin Tips

This slow cooker recipe turns just a handful of ingredients into a dinner that feels like a steakhouse splurge. Beef tenderloin tips simmer low and slow with fresh asparagus and garlic in a rich sour cream gravy, all with zero hands-on time.

Just layer everything in the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a bubbling, aromatic meal. Serve it over buttered noodles for a complete and satisfying supper.

Tender beef tenderloin tips and asparagus in a velvety sour cream stroganoff gravy — this is the kind of dinner that feels special but couldn't be easier. The slow cooker does all the work while the flavors meld into a rich, savory sauce.

It's a dump-and-go recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday meal. The beef comes out fork-tender, the asparagus keeps a little bite, and the gravy is pure comfort.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker is the perfect tool for beef tenderloin tips. The gentle, moist heat breaks down the meat's connective tissue, turning it meltingly tender without any effort. Because the beef is cooked in a covered pot, it essentially braises in its own juices and the sour cream gravy, which keeps it moist and flavorful.

The layering method matters. Placing the beef on the bottom lets it sit in the savory juices, while the asparagus on top steams gently and stays bright. The sour cream and gravy mix create a thick, glossy sauce as they cook together, coating every bite. No browning, no stirring — just layer and forget.

Notes and substitutions

Beef tenderloin tips are the star here. They're already tender, so they don't need a long cook time to become soft — just enough to absorb the gravy and stay juicy.

If you can't find tenderloin tips, sirloin steak cut into cubes works well. The asparagus should be trimmed to remove the woody ends; aim for spears that are about the same thickness so they cook evenly.

This recipe calls for a packet of brown gravy mix, which adds deep savory flavor and thickens the sauce as it cooks. Sour cream provides tang and richness.

Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture. The dish is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free gravy mix — check the label. Serve over buttered egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

• beef tenderloin tips: sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (cook time may need to be reduced by 1 hour)
• fresh asparagus: frozen asparagus spears (thawed and patted dry, add during the last 30 minutes)
• brown gravy mix: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 cup beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• sour cream: plain Greek yogurt (add during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling)

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife