You know, life gets crazy. Some nights, the thought of cooking feels well, impossible. I remember those days from my corporate burnout stage – all I wanted was something delicious, something comforting, but the energy just wasn’t there. That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for these crockpot steak bites. They are the absolute definition of a ‘set and forget’ meal. Seriously, you toss everything into the slow cooker, and hours later, you’re rewarded with the most incredibly tender, flavorful garlic butter beef. It’s pure magic in a pot, turning a complete pantry haul into a dinner that feels like a gourmet treat without any of the fuss. This recipe is a total game-changer for those busy weeknights when you need dinner to practically make itself! You can learn more about my journey from burnout to finding pure cooking joy on my about page, and don’t forget to follow along with all our delicious recipes on Facebook!
- Why You'll Love These Crockpot Steak Bites
- Gather Your Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites
- Crafting Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites: Step-by-Step
- Tips for Unforgettable Garlic Butter Beef
- Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Dinner
- Make-Ahead and Storage for Beef Bites
- Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Steak Bites
- Estimated Nutritional Information
- Share Your Crockpot Steak Bites Creations!
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Steak Bites
Seriously, these crockpot steak bites are a lifesaver! They are the ultimate easy weeknight meal because the prep is ridiculously simple – you really just dump and go! Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, guaranteeing super tender beef bites bursting with that amazing garlic butter flavor. It’s the definition of a low effort dinner that’s pure comfort food.
Gather Your Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites
Alright, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need for these amazing crockpot steak bites. It’s honestly a pretty straightforward list, which is exactly what we want for an easy dinner, right? First up, you’ll need about 2 pounds of sirloin steak. Now, sirloin is fantastic here because it gets super tender in the slow cooker, but you could totally use a chuck roast if that’s what you have on hand – just adjust the cooking time a bit if needed! Make sure to cut it into nice, bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Then, grab yourself half a cup of butter – melt it down, and we’ll mix in about 4 cloves of garlic that you’ve minced up really fine. You’ll also want a teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, plus half a teaspoon of onion powder for that little somethin’-somethin’. Don’t forget a quarter cup of beef broth and 2 tablespoons each of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce for depth of flavor. Oh, and if you like a thicker sauce, have a tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water ready!
Crafting Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this magic happening! Making these crockpot steak bites is seriously as easy as 1, 2, 3. First, get your lovely 1-inch steak cubes into your slow cooker. No need to brown them or anything fancy, just plop them right in!
Next, grab a little bowl. Melt your butter – I usually pop it in the microwave for like, 30 seconds. Then, whisk in that minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Give it a good stir till it’s all combined. Pour this glorious buttery mixture all over those steak pieces in the slow cooker. Oh, and while you’re at it, add in your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure every single bite is coated in that yummy sauce. You want it all to meld together perfectly!
Now for the best part: the ‘set it and forget it’ part! Cover your slow cooker and let it do its thing. I usually set mine to LOW for about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re in a super rush, you can do HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, but I find LOW gives you the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth results. Remember how I felt that pure joy after finally baking that perfect loaf of bread? This is that same feeling, just with savory beef! Baking bread taught me patience in the kitchen, and that’s exactly what slow cooking is all about.
One little tip for you: if you like a thicker, richer sauce – and who doesn’t? – you can whip up a cornstarch slurry. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a tiny bowl, whisk it smooth, and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It thickens up beautifully and makes the sauce absolutely divine.
Tips for Unforgettable Garlic Butter Beef
Okay, let’s dive into making this garlic butter beef absolutely sing! My secret for that incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture is all about the steak cut. While sirloin is my go-to for these crockpot steak bites because it’s lean and flavorful, if you want to go even more foolproof for tenderness, try a chuck roast! Just be prepared to cook it a bit longer on low, maybe 6-8 hours, for that ultimate buttery pull-apart quality. And remember, the “set and forget” nature of the slow cooker is your best friend here – all that low and slow cooking works miracles. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny splash of red wine along with the beef broth can add a lovely depth, or even a sprig of fresh rosemary while it cooks! This dish fits right into our comfort food philosophy, and imagine serving these with some copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits, oh my!
Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Dinner
So, what do you serve with these incredible crockpot steak bites? Honestly, they’re so flavorful, they really shine on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your slow cooker dinner into something truly special, I have a couple of favorites. Think creamy mashed potatoes – they are just perfect for soaking up all that garlicky butter sauce! Or, for something a little different, try our Cilantro Lime Rice; the bright flavors are a fantastic contrast. And you absolutely cannot go wrong with our Crispy Smashed Potatoes – they’ve got that perfect crispy texture that makes everything feel extra indulgent.
Make-Ahead and Storage for Beef Bites
One of the best things about these beef bites is how perfectly they hold up, making them a fantastic make-ahead option. Once they’re cooked and cooled, just pop them into an airtight container and they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, or even pop them in the microwave for a minute or two. Be careful not to overheat, as nobody wants tough steak, even from the slow cooker! They are just as delicious the next day, maybe even better as the flavors meld even more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Steak Bites
Got questions about making the best crockpot steak bites? I’ve got you! People often ask me about cuts of steak or how to keep them super tender. Let’s clear some things up!
Can I use a different cut of steak for these crockpot steak bites?
You absolutely can! While sirloin is wonderful, a chuck roast is a fantastic, often more budget-friendly option that gets incredibly tender in the slow cooker. Just remember, chuck roast usually needs a bit more time – think 6-8 hours on low instead of 4-6 – to reach that melt-in-your-mouth stage. Avoid super lean cuts like flank steak, as they can dry out too easily.
How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?
The biggest key is not to overcook it! That 4-6 hour window on LOW in the slow cooker is usually perfect. If you’re using HIGH heat, stick to 2-3 hours. Also, avoid stirring too much once it’s cooking, as that can break up the tender meat. The sauce helps keep it moist, but overcooking is the real enemy of tender steak.
Can I freeze cooked steak bites?
Yes, you sure can freeze these beef bites! Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, making sure to get as much air out as possible. They should last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They’re great for meal prep!
Are these crockpot steak bites considered a low-effort dinner?
Oh, 100%! That’s one of the biggest reasons I love them so much. The prep is minimal – just chopping the steak and whisking a few ingredients together. Then, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you want something delicious and comforting, but you’ve got a million other things to do. Check out our disclaimer for more on our recipe philosophy!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, the nutritional info for these crockpot steak bites is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and even the cut of steak. But generally, you’re looking at around 450 calories per serving, with about 30g of fat (but good fats mostly!), a solid 40g of protein, and only about 5g of carbs. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal!
Share Your Crockpot Steak Bites Creations!
I absolutely ADORE seeing what you all create in your kitchens! Making these crockpot steak bites is such a joy for me, and I bet you’ll come up with some amazing variations. Have you tried them with different spices, or maybe served them up with something totally unexpected? I’d love to hear all about it! Please, please leave a comment below and tell me what you think, or even give the recipe a star rating if you loved it. You can also find tons of other simple, delicious ideas on my blog, and if you have any questions or want to share your successes, don’t hesitate to reach out through my contact page!
PrintCrockpot Steak Bites
Make tender, flavorful garlic butter steak bites in your slow cooker. This easy recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Place the steak cubes in your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Pour the butter mixture over the steak.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything to coat the steak evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the steak is tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the steak bites warm.
Notes
- Serve these steak bites with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker.
- Consider this a great option if you are looking for meal planning ideas for busy weeknights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg