Crockpot Honey Bourbon Steak Tips

ByJaclyn Shimmel On08/04/202508/04/2025

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Honey bourbon steak tips are one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that feel special—but are secretly so simple. The meat turns fork-tender, coated in a sweet-and-savory sauce that thickens into a glossy glaze, kind of like barbecue sauce—with a little something extra from the bourbon.

A wooden spoon lifting several glossy, honey bourbon steak tips garnished with parsley from a crockpot filled with more steak bites.

I’m not one to sip bourbon straight, but it works magic in this dish. Like wine or beer in cooking, it brings depth and richness without overpowering the meat.

If you love steak bites as much as I do, be sure to check out my Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a quick stovetop option, and Crockpot Steak Bites for another slow cooker favorite with a different flavor spin. This honey bourbon version is just one more delicious way to make budget-friendly cuts of beef taste amazing.

Close-up of tender honey bourbon steak bites simmering in a thick brown sauce, garnished with small parsley pieces, inside a slow cooker.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Just 10 minutes of hands-on time—your slow cooker does the rest.
A great way to enjoy steak without the grill.
No marinade needed; flavors build as they cook.
Can be served as a main dish or appetizer.
Works with a variety of beef cuts, so it’s flexible and budget-friendly.

Ingredients for Bourbon Steak Tips

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Overhead photo of ingredients, including raw sirloin steak chunks, bourbon, honey, ketchup, low-sodium soy sauce, olive oil, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, cornstarch, garlic cloves, and salt and pepper.

Sirloin steak and oil – Cut into bite-size pieces. Use olive oil or vegetable to sear the bites before adding to the slow cooker.
Bourbon – Any classic American bourbon whiskey works. Sub with apple juice or beef broth for an alcohol-free version.
Honey -Adds sweetness and creates a beautiful glaze.
Ketchup – Adds color, body, and a touch of tang.
Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce– Adds umami. I recommend low-sodium soy sauce.
Apple cider vinegar – The acidity helps to tenderize the meat and balance sweetness.
Light brown sugar – Enhances that barbecue-style flavor.
Minced garlic – An aromatic to round out the flavors.
Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
Cornstarch + water (optional) – For thickening the sauce at the end.
Fresh parsley – Optional garnish.

How to Make Bourbon Steak Tips

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Sear the steak. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites in the hot skillet in batches so they brown, not steam. Transfer seared steak to slow cooker.

Split image of seared steak in a pan and in a crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the sauce. In a bowl, whisk bourbon, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the the beef tips.

Side-by-side image: the left shows a measuring cup pouring the honey bourbon sauce with minced garlic onto browned steak. The right shows the steak inside a slow cooker with the sauce and garlic settled over it.

Step 3: Cook. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until tender.

Step 4: Optional – Thicken sauce. Mix water + cornstarch to create a cornstarch slurry. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes if you want a thicker glaze.

Step 5: Serve. Serve bourbon beef cubes over warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or on their own. Garnish with parsley if you’d like.

Crockpot filled with saucy bourbon steak tips.

Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Once cooled, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Reheat: Microwave gently or warm in a skillet. Don’t overheat or the meat may dry out.

Tips for Success

Always sear the meat first—it adds flavor and texture.
Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear, if you have one.
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef, otherwise, you won’t get a proper sear.
Brown the steak in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
You don’t need to season the beef—plenty of flavor comes from the sauce.
Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd, but sear the steak cubes in batches.

Overhead view of honey bourbon steak bites in a white slow cooker on a marble countertop, with bowls of white rice, stacked white plates, and a wooden spoon nearby.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crockpot steak tips over rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or party potatoes, which will soak up the bourbon glaze. A side of broccoli crunch salad or old-fashioned potato salad complete the meal.

Hosting a party? Serve them with toothpicks and reserve a little sauce for dipping. The best thing about a crockpot is that the contents of it stay warm for a long time, so everyone can serve themselves. But be sure to make lots, because they’ll disappear quickly!

Additions and variations

Use another cut. You can use London broil, round steak, chuck roast or stew beef instead.
Add heat. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Swap the bourbon. If you don’t have bourbon, but have some rum or brandy on hand, you can use either one instead.
Skip the alcohol. If you prefer not to use it, you can substitute with apple juice or beef broth.
Toss in some veggies. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli would be a great addition.