Slow Cooker Steak Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings out the full flavor of tender beef, slow-cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless to Prepare: Just sear the steak, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: The beef stews in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that makes each bite irresistible.
- Versatile: These steak bites can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside vegetables, making it easy to pair with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons butter
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Optional Thickening: For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-5 hours on low in the slow cooker
Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Throw in some sliced mushrooms to add extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to give the dish a little heat.
- Veggie Options: You can add diced carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to loosen up the sauce.
FAQs
How do I make sure the steak bites are tender?
Slow cooking the beef on low heat allows the connective tissues to break down, ensuring that the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and is properly seared.
Is searing the beef necessary?
While searing adds extra flavor and a rich color, you can skip this step if you’re in a rush.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Cuts like chuck roast, flank steak, or even ribeye can work well for slow cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
You can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to heat it up. The flavors often improve after sitting.
What can I serve with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables are great options to serve alongside these flavorful steak bites.
Can I cook this on high heat in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook on low for the most tender results. Cooking on high may cause the meat to become tough.
How should I store leftovers?
Allow the steak bites to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the steak bites?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change when reheated. It’s better to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Steak Bites are the perfect solution for a hassle-free, flavorful meal. With tender beef and a savory garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s easy, versatile, and a real crowd-pleaser!
Print
Slow Cooker Steak Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low in the slow cooker
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Steak Bites are a simple, yet delicious dish that delivers tender beef simmered in a savory garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy nights, requiring minimal preparation but bursting with flavor. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside veggies, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- ear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear until browned on all sides. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the butter until melted and glossy. Serve warm.
Notes
- If you’re short on time, skip the searing step; the beef will still cook tender in the slow cooker.
- You can add mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- To adjust spiciness, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
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