These Crockpot Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with rich garlic butter flavor. Slow cooking transforms bite-sized pieces of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, making this an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on Low)
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 2 pounds (900 g) sirloin steak, chuck steak, or stew meat, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Trim excess fat from the steak and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick.
In a large bowl, combine:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Toss the steak cubes until evenly coated.
Step 2: Optional Sear
For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the steak bites for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
They do not need to be fully cooked.
Transfer the browned steak to the crockpot.
Tip: While optional, searing creates a richer, deeper beef flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
Pour the mixture over the steak in the slow cooker.
Place the butter pieces evenly on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–8 hours (recommended for the most tender results)
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The steak should be fork-tender when done.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker gravy:
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
- Cover and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites pair wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Buttered corn
- Cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option
Tips for Success
- Sirloin offers a balance of tenderness and flavor, while chuck steak becomes exceptionally tender after slow cooking.
- Avoid lifting the crockpot lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.
- If using stew meat, cook on the LOW setting for the best texture.
- Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than garlic powder in the sauce.
- For a richer sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter just before serving.