Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Garlic, onion, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon create a particularly savory flavor combination that complements the beef beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin
1. Season the Beef
Pat the sirloin roast dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and salt. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over every side of the roast.
Let the seasoned beef sit for a few minutes while you prepare the bacon and cooking liquid.
2. Wrap the Sirloin in Bacon
Arrange the bacon slices over the roast, slightly overlapping them so the beef is well covered.
Tuck the bacon ends underneath the roast or secure them with toothpicks if needed. The bacon will shrink during cooking, so it doesn't need to look perfectly arranged.
3. Add the Cooking Liquid
Place the bacon-wrapped sirloin in the center of your slow cooker.
Whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture around the roast rather than directly over the bacon.
Keeping the bacon mostly above the liquid will give you a better surface for browning later.
4. Cook Until the Beef Reaches the Desired Temperature
Cover the slow cooker and cook until the sirloin reaches your preferred level of doneness.
Because sirloin is a relatively lean cut, it is important not to treat it exactly like a chuck roast. Longer cooking does not necessarily make sirloin more tender and can instead leave the meat dry.
For the most reliable results, use an instant-read thermometer and check the thickest part of the roast. The USDA recommends that whole beef roasts reach at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a minimum three-minute rest.
5. Crisp the Bacon
Slow-cooked bacon will become flavorful and tender, but it won't develop the same crisp texture it would get from dry heat.
If you'd like a browned, crispier bacon exterior, carefully transfer the cooked roast to a baking sheet and place it under a broiler for a few minutes.
Keep a close eye on it because bacon can brown very quickly under the broiler.
6. Rest and Slice
Transfer the finished roast to a cutting board and let it rest for several minutes before slicing.
Resting gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, helping the slices stay moist.
Cut the sirloin against the grain and spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the top before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Don't Overcook the Sirloin
The most important tip is to monitor the internal temperature. Sirloin is leaner than cuts such as chuck and can become dry when cooked well beyond its ideal temperature.
Keep the Bacon Above the Liquid
Try to keep as much of the bacon as possible above the broth. It won't become crisp in the slow cooker, but this makes it easier to brown the bacon afterward.
Use the Broiler for Extra Browning
A short broiling step can transform the exterior, giving the bacon a delicious golden-brown finish.
Always Slice Against the Grain
Identify the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them rather than parallel to them. This shortens the fibers and can make the beef more tender to eat.
Should You Sear the Beef First?
Searing is completely optional.
For extra browned flavor, you can sear the seasoned sirloin in a hot skillet before wrapping it with bacon and placing it in the slow cooker.
However, if convenience is your priority, you can skip this step and place the seasoned, bacon-wrapped roast directly into the slow cooker.
What to Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin
This hearty beef roast works beautifully with classic comfort-food sides.
Consider serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Steamed broccoli
- Creamed spinach
- Sweet corn
- Dinner rolls
- A fresh garden salad
For a more festive dinner, serve the roast with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy made from the flavorful cooking juices.
Flavor Variations
Garlic Herb Sirloin
Add fresh minced garlic, rosemary, and parsley to the seasoning mixture for a fragrant herb-filled version.
Maple Bacon Beef
For a sweet-and-savory twist, lightly brush the bacon with maple syrup just before the final browning step.
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin
Add smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or a small amount of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
Mushroom Sirloin
Add sliced mushrooms around the roast. They'll soften during cooking and soak up some of the savory broth.
Onion and Herb Sirloin
Place sliced onions, thyme, and rosemary around the beef for an aromatic and flavorful base.
Can You Prepare It Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can season and wrap the sirloin with bacon several hours before cooking. Keep the prepared roast refrigerated until you're ready to put it into the slow cooker.
The broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mixture can also be prepared ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator.
For food safety, don't leave raw beef sitting at room temperature while you prepare the rest of the meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftover beef in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly.
Sliced leftovers can be turned into several easy meals, including:
- Steak sandwiches
- Wraps
- Salads
- Steak and egg breakfasts
- Rice bowls
- Quesadillas
When reheating, use gentle heat to help prevent the lean sirloin from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, but cooking times and methods may need to be adjusted. Different cuts contain different amounts of fat and connective tissue, so tender cuts such as sirloin should not automatically be cooked for the same length of time as tougher cuts.
Can the bacon become crispy in the slow cooker?
Not usually. Because the slow cooker creates a moist cooking environment, bacon won't become as crisp as it would with dry heat. For a crispier finish, place the cooked roast under the broiler for a few minutes.
Is searing necessary?
No. Searing is optional and mainly adds extra browned flavor to the beef.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and mushrooms all pair nicely with the beef. Cut larger, dense vegetables into reasonably sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Why did my sirloin turn out dry?
The most common reason is overcooking. Sirloin is relatively lean, so cooking it for too long can cause it to lose moisture. Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying solely on the slow cooker's cooking time.
A Simple, Comforting Beef Dinner
Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin turns a straightforward beef roast into a flavorful centerpiece with surprisingly little effort. The combination of seasoned sirloin, smoky bacon, savory broth, and herbs creates a comforting meal that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a family dinner.
For the best results, monitor the beef's internal temperature, keep the bacon mostly above the cooking liquid, and give it a quick broil at the end if you want a beautifully browned finish.
Serve it alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, and you'll have a satisfying, comforting dinner that's easy to put together and delicious enough to make again.
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