Dinner · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Sour Cream Asparagus Flank Steak Crockpot Dinner

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 4
This slow cooker dinner is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it. Thin slices of flank steak, fresh asparagus, and smashed garlic cook low and slow in a rich sour cream and brown gravy sauce.
The result is tender, savory, and perfect over egg noodles. Just layer everything in the crockpot, cover, and walk away. Hours later, a comforting, creamy dinner is ready with almost no effort.
Slow cookers are the ultimate tool for busy weeknights, and this recipe makes the most of them. Flank steak, sliced thin, becomes meltingly tender after hours in the moist heat. Fresh asparagus adds a bright, vegetal contrast, while the sour cream and gravy mix create a velvety, savory sauce.
Serve it over buttered egg noodles for a complete meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—even though you didn't. This is a true dump-and-go dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 oz brown gravy mix (dry)
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked for serving
Why this recipe works
The slow cooker's low, steady heat breaks down the collagen in flank steak, turning a tough cut into fork-tender morsels.
Because the meat is sliced thin and cooked submerged in liquid, it stays moist and absorbs the flavors of the garlic and gravy. This method requires no browning or sautéing, making prep almost effortless.
The combination of sour cream and brown gravy mix creates a rich, tangy sauce that clings to the beef and asparagus. The gravy mix thickens as it cooks, while the sour cream adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
Layering the ingredients without stirring allows the flavors to meld gently, resulting in a cohesive, deeply savory dish.
Notes and substitutions
Flank steak is the star here—slice it against the grain into thin strips for the most tender texture. If flank steak isn't available, sirloin or round steak works well. Fresh asparagus is best; if using frozen, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from turning to mush.
The brown gravy mix adds salt and flavor, so taste before adding extra salt. For a lower-sodium version, use a reduced-sodium gravy mix. Sour cream can be replaced with full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce. Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of gravy.
- flank steak: sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced
- fresh asparagus: frozen asparagus spears, thawed (add during 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 (full-fat) for a tangier flavor
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon
- Large pot for noodles
Up next · Part 2 of 3
6 steps · 6 h of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)