Crockpot Steak Bites are the perfect blend of tender, flavorful beef, savory seasonings, and rich, buttery sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you after a long day. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth morsels, infused with the deep flavors of garlic, onions, and a savory beef broth.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or just enjoying it on its own, Crockpot Steak Bites are guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Here’s how to make this delectable dish:
Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites:
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup unsalted beef stock
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus gravy mix
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by cutting the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces. Place the cubed steak into a large mixing bowl. Season the meat with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing everything together until the steak is evenly coated. The seasoning at this stage will help enhance the flavor of the meat, setting the foundation for a savory dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the steak pieces in batches. You don’t need to cook the steak through; just sear the outside to lock in the juices and create a rich brown crust. After searing each batch, transfer the steak pieces into your slow cooker. Add more oil to the pan as needed for subsequent batches.
Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic
Once all the steak has been transferred to the slow cooker, it’s time to add the flavor boosters. Toss the sliced onions and garlic on top of the steak bites. The onions will become wonderfully tender, and the garlic will infuse the entire dish with a savory aroma as it cooks.
Step 4: Pour in the Beef Stock and Au Jus Gravy Mix
Pour the beef stock over the steak and vegetables. The beef stock will keep the steak bites moist and tender while they slow cook. Next, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix over the contents of the slow cooker. The au jus mix is packed with flavor and helps to create a rich, flavorful sauce that will coat the steak bites as they cook.
Step 5: Add Butter for Richness
Place sliced butter on top of the steak mixture. As the butter melts, it will add an extra layer of richness and flavor to the dish. The combination of butter and beef stock will create a savory, luxurious sauce that will complement the tender steak bites perfectly.
Step 6: Slow Cook the Steak Bites
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook. For best results:
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Alternatively, cook on low for 6-8 hours if you prefer to let it cook slowly throughout the day.
Make sure to stir the mixture every 30 minutes or so, if you’re around, to ensure everything is evenly mixed and the steak is coated in the delicious sauce. However, even if you don’t stir, the dish will still come out tender and full of flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the steak bites are cooked to perfection and the sauce is thick and flavorful, garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This simple garnish helps to brighten up the dish and adds a fresh element to the rich, savory flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over Rice: Serve the steak bites over a bed of fluffy white rice or seasoned rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. The rice complements the rich, meaty sauce and makes for a complete meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a fantastic side dish to serve with Crockpot Steak Bites. The buttery potatoes pair beautifully with the tender beef and sauce.
- With Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, serve the steak bites alongside your favorite vegetables, like steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or green beans. The vegetables add freshness and texture to complement the richness of the beef.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Steak Bites:
- Use Sirloin Steak: Sirloin steak is an ideal cut for this recipe because it’s tender enough to cook quickly, yet holds up well during slow cooking. If you prefer, you can also use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or round steak, but they may require slightly longer cooking times.
- Searing the Steak: Don’t skip the step of searing the steak. Searing locks in the juices and adds flavor by creating a caramelized crust. This step helps to elevate the dish and gives it that rich, deep flavor.
- Customize the Gravy: While the au jus gravy mix adds incredible flavor, you can also customize the sauce by adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the slow cooker. These will cook down and add another layer of flavor to the dish. You can also top the finished dish with sautéed onions or caramelized mushrooms for extra flavor.
Why Crockpot Steak Bites Are a Crowd Favorite
Crockpot Steak Bites are the perfect meal for families or gatherings. They’re simple to prepare, requiring minimal active cooking time, and the slow cooker does the rest of the work. The steak becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors meld together to create a savory dish that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that can be served with various sides to suit any taste.
The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be both indulgent and practical. The slow-cooked steak bites are rich and flavorful, yet the recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare. It’s a dish that can be made on a busy weekday or for a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Crockpot Steak Bites are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that delivers on both flavor and convenience. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Tender steak, savory onions, garlic, and a rich gravy make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and it will quickly become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation!