Crockpot Steak Bites are one of those easy, hands-off meals I love coming back to again and again. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can throw everything into the slow cooker and come back to tender, flavorful steak bites coated in a rich, buttery sauce. It's the perfect dinner after a long day when I still want something hearty and comforting.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for me:
- It's set-it-and-forget-it easy—perfect for busy days.
- The steak comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- The buttery, savory sauce is packed with flavor and goes great over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- It only takes a handful of ingredients to make.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak (sirloin or chuck roast), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper
- Sweet onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Butter
- Optional: au jus mix or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor
Directions
- I season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- (Optional) I sear the steak pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides. This adds extra flavor but isn't required if I'm short on time.
- I add the sliced onions and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
- I layer the steak bites on top, then pour in the beef broth. If I’m using au jus or Worcestershire, I add it here.
- I dot the top with slices of butter, then cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the steak is tender.
- I stir gently before serving and spoon the sauce over the steak.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 6–8 hours (mostly hands-off)
Variations
Here are a few ways I like to change things up:
- Add mushrooms: I throw in sliced mushrooms during the last hour for a richer, earthier flavor.
- Make it spicy: I sprinkle in a little crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
- Use different herbs: I add thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf for a more herby sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: I stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) at the end if I want a thicker gravy.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: I warm the steak bites on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best?
I usually use sirloin because it's tender and cooks well in the slow cooker. Chuck roast also works great for a more budget-friendly option.
Do I have to sear the steak first?
Not at all. Searing adds extra flavor, but I skip it when I’m short on time. The steak still turns out tender and delicious.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes! If I need it done faster, I cook it on high for about 3–4 hours. The meat still gets super tender.
How can I thicken the sauce?
At the end of cooking, I mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce. I let it cook for 10–15 minutes more until thickened.
What can I serve with steak bites?
I love serving them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up all that buttery sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad rounds out the meal.
Conclusion
Crockpot Steak Bites are the kind of cozy, satisfying dinner I crave after a long day. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and so versatile. Whether I’m feeding the family or just stocking the fridge with leftovers for the week, this recipe always delivers.
Crockpot Steak Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6–8 hours (hands-off)
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot Steak Bites are a flavorful, hands-off dinner made with tender steak slow-cooked in a rich, buttery sauce. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this melt-in-your-mouth meal is perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. A cozy, comforting family favorite ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs steak (sirloin or chuck roast), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or 1 packet au jus mix
Instructions
- Season steak bites with salt and pepper.
- (Optional) Sear steak pieces in a hot skillet with oil until browned on all sides for added flavor.
- Add sliced onions and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place the steak on top. Pour in beef broth and optional Worcestershire or au jus mix.
- Dot the top with butter slices.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until steak is fork-tender.
- Stir gently before serving and spoon buttery sauce over the steak bites.
Notes
- Add sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for added richness.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Stir in herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf for aromatic depth.
- Thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry at the end for a gravy-like texture.
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