Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Crockpot Steak Bites. This slow-cooked beef recipe is pure magic — tender, juicy chunks of steak simmered in a buttery garlic sauce that’s rich with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and the perfect weeknight meal or lazy Sunday dinner.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, these steak bites deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of garlic and steak.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sirloin steak or stew meat | 2 lbs, cut into bite-sized cubes |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons (for searing) |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons, sliced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Beef broth or water | ¼ cup |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly tender: Slow-cooking transforms even budget cuts into fork-tender bites.
- Rich, savory flavor: Garlic butter + Worcestershire = flavor explosion.
- Low effort: Sear the meat, set it, and forget it.
- Versatile: Serve with potatoes, pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep: Makes delicious leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
While searing isn’t essential, it builds flavor by caramelizing the surface of the meat.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak pieces in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until browned.
- Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat and get a good sear.
- Once browned, transfer the steak bites to the slow cooker.
Tip: Use sirloin for the best texture. Stew meat works too, though it may take slightly longer to tenderize.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
To the crockpot, add:
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Stir slightly to combine and ensure the garlic and butter are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover with the lid and cook:
- On LOW for 5–6 hours
- OR on HIGH for 3–4 hours
You’re aiming for beef that’s fork-tender and infused with the buttery garlic sauce.
Pro Tip: Stir halfway through if you can, to evenly coat the steak with the garlic butter and redistribute flavors.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the steak is cooked through and tender:
- Give everything a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites for maximum flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite side.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites are insanely versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve them:
Over Starches:
- Mashed potatoes: The buttery sauce is perfect with creamy mash.
- Rice or quinoa: Soaks up every bit of flavor.
- Egg noodles or pasta: A hearty pairing for a pasta night twist.
- Polenta or grits: Southern-style comfort food.
With Bread:
- Crusty baguette: For dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic bread: Double the garlic? Yes, please.
Low-Carb Ideas:
- Cauliflower mash
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles)
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
Make-Ahead and Storage
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freezer:
- Freeze cooked steak bites (with sauce) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
Herb-Infused:
- Add rosemary, thyme, or bay leaf for an earthy aroma.
Spicy Kick:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Veggie Additions:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for a built-in side.
Extra Savory:
- Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar for depth.
FAQs: Crockpot Steak Bites
Q1: Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but thaw it completely before searing or adding to the crockpot for even cooking and best texture.
Q2: What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin steak is ideal — it becomes tender and flavorful. You can also use:
- Chuck roast (rich and fatty)
- Stew meat (budget-friendly, but requires longer cooking)
Q3: Can I make it without searing the meat?
Absolutely. Searing adds flavor but isn’t necessary. Just add the raw steak to the crockpot and increase cooking time slightly.
Q4: Is it okay to cook for longer than 6 hours?
Yes, but if overcooked, the beef may start to shred or dry out. Keep it within 6–7 hours max on low for best results.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough (6–8 quarts). No need to double the broth — ⅓ cup should be plenty for 4 lbs of meat.
Q6: Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free. Always check labels.
Q7: How do I thicken the sauce?
You can:
- Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water for a thicker glaze.
Conclusion
Crockpot Steak Bites are the ultimate stress-free dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you get fork-tender steak smothered in buttery garlic goodness. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that feels fancy, but couldn’t be easier to pull off.
Serve it over your favorite sides, double the recipe for guests, or keep it in the fridge for meal prep. No matter how you enjoy them, these steak bites are guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner table — simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
So grab your slow cooker and make room for a new family favorite!