Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Sour Cream Pearl Onion Sirloin Tips: Easy Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Sour Cream Pearl Onion Sirloin Tips: Easy Crockpot Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb top sirloin steak tips; 1 cup pearl onions, peeled; 2 cups crinkle-cut carrots; 1 cup sour cream; 1 oz brown gravy mix; 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and buttered

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Tender sirloin tips in creamy sour cream gravy with pearl onions and carrots in a slow cooker

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 6 h
Total: 6 h 10 min
Serves: 6

Tips for success

For extra flavor, sear the sirloin tips in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker.

This adds a browned crust and deeper beefy taste, though it's not necessary. If you have time, this step takes only 5 minutes and elevates the dish.

To make the sauce even richer, stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beef broth before cooking.

For a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Mushroom Sirloin Tips: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the onions and carrots. The mushrooms will release liquid and add an earthy flavor to the gravy. Increase the gravy mix to 1.5 oz to balance the extra moisture.
Red Wine Gravy: Replace 1/2 cup of the sour cream with 1/2 cup dry red wine. The wine adds depth and a slightly tangy note. Cook as directed; the alcohol cooks off, leaving a rich sauce.
Herbed Sirloin Tips: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary with the gravy mix. The herbs infuse the sauce with a fragrant, savory flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Spicy Sirloin Tips: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper with the gravy mix. The spices give the gravy a warm, smoky heat. Serve with a dollop of extra sour cream to cool the palate.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.
Freezer: Freeze 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 heated through. Add a little beef broth if the sauce is too thick.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the gravy will thicken as it cools.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

You can assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Add 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start. This makes it truly a dump-and-forget meal.

Serving ideas

Serve the sirloin tips over a bed of warm buttered egg noodles, with the gravy spooned generously over the top. The noodles soak up the sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

For a low-carb option, serve the beef and vegetables over cauliflower mash or alongside roasted potatoes. The gravy also works well over rice or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, though the dish is delicious as is.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes, but the cooking time and method change. Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release. The sauce may be thinner, so thicken with a cornstarch slurry after cooking.

Why does the sour cream sometimes curdle?

Curdling can happen if the slow cooker is set too high or if the sour cream is low-fat. Use full-fat sour cream and cook on low to prevent separation. Adding the sour cream at the beginning and not stirring also helps it emulsify slowly into the sauce.

Can frozen pearl onions be used without thawing?

Yes, frozen pearl onions can be added directly to the slow cooker. They will thaw and cook during the long simmer. No need to adjust the cooking time, though they may release a little extra liquid, which is fine.

What can be substituted for the brown gravy mix?

If you don't have gravy mix, whisk together 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder, and 1/4 cup water. Stir this into the sour cream before adding. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, though it may be slightly less glossy.

How can the dish be made gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free brown gravy mix or make a slurry with cornstarch and beef broth. Also, choose gluten-free egg noodles or serve over rice or mashed potatoes. Check all labels for hidden gluten.

Recipe card

Sour Cream Pearl Onion Sirloin Tips: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

2 lb top sirloin steak tips
1 cup pearl onions, peeled
2 cups crinkle-cut carrots
1 cup sour cream
1 oz brown gravy mix
12 oz egg noodles, cooked and buttered

Instructions

Place the sirloin steak tips in the bottom of a 7-quart slow cooker in an even layer. Scatter the pearl onions and crinkle-cut carrots over the beef. Dollop the sour cream over the top, then sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly over everything. Do not stir.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or higher. The sauce will thicken as the sour cream melts and combines with the gravy mix. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Once the beef is cooked through, turn off the slow cooker. Let the beef rest in the sauce for at least 3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender slices.
While the beef rests, cook the egg noodles according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and toss with butter. Keep warm until serving.
Spoon the warm buttered noodles onto serving plates. Ladle the sirloin tips, vegetables, and gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

Contains: milk, gluten, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 680
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fat: 32 g

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

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.