Dinner

Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Steak Tips Recipe

ByAiden Wells October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Introduction

These Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Steak Tips are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of bourbon, honey, and savory sauces creates a deliciously rich glaze perfect for a comforting dinner.

A close-up of a wooden spoon holding several pieces of tender, brown beef chunks covered in rich, glossy brown gravy with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The spoon is lifting the beef from a pot filled with the same brown gravy and beef pieces, some visible in the blurry background. The texture of the beef looks soft and juicy, with the sauce thick and slightly shiny on the surface. The photo has a warm and hearty feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds sirloin steak (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup bourbon
¼ cup honey
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
¼ cup water
2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the steak bites in batches until browned on all sides, just to add color—not to cook through.
Step 2: Transfer the seared steak pieces to the slow cooker.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the steak in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the steak is fork-tender. Stir halfway through if possible to mix flavors well.
Step 5: For a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving, then cover and continue cooking.
Step 6: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use sirloin or another tender cut for best results; tougher cuts may become chewy.
Substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
Adding a splash of beef broth can enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the sauce.
For extra garlic flavor, roast the cloves before mincing and adding.

Storage

Store leftover steak tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a dish of richly cooked beef stew with chunks of tender brown meat covered in a thick, glossy dark brown sauce. Small bits of onions and fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding contrast and texture. The stew fills a white bowl, with juicy pieces of beef sitting immersed in the savory sauce, creating a warm and hearty look. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen steak for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh steak for even cooking and better texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before searing and slow cooking.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking to give the dish a spicy kick.

Aiden Wells