When you're in the mood for something truly comforting, satisfying, and delicious, you've got to try our easy Crockpot Steak Bites.
Our slow cooker steak bites are succulent pieces of seasoned steak, seared and simmered to perfection in a flavorful au jus sauce with caramelized onions.
Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe Highlights
- This recipe is really easy to make, perfect for busy days.
- The steak turns out incredibly tender, just the way you like it.
- The rich sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that you'll love.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
STEAK - I used sirloin steak because it is lean yet flavorful and suitable for slow cooking without becoming tough. This cut is also more affordable than others, providing great value for a family meal. You can also use round steak or chuck roast.
SEASONING - The combination of au jus gravy mix, kosher salt, and black pepper provides a robust foundation, while Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy depth. Beef broth ties these elements together, enriching the overall flavor and creating a succulent sauce.
ONION AND GARLIC - These are essential for adding sweetness and pungency, respectively, which underpin the meat's flavor. They soften during cooking, infusing the steak bites with aromatic notes. I used sweet onion.
OLIVE OIL - Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for searing the steak bites, helping to develop a rich, golden crust that seals in flavors before slow cooking. That said, you can use vegetable oil in a pinch. Olive oil adds that extra layer of flavor but is by no means critical to the recipe's overall success.
BUTTER - Added in pats over the top of the cooked steak, butter enriches the sauce, lending a smooth, velvety finish that enhances the dish's mouthfeel and flavor. As in most of my cooking and baking, I use unsalted butter.
How To Make Crock Pot Steak Bites
Please check the printable full recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Season the steak bites with salt and pepper in a large bowl. Sear in olive oil until browned, then place them on a bed of onions in the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Au Jus mix; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the steak in the slow cooker and top with slices of butter.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the steak is tender. Stir gently to mix the butter into the sauce before serving. Season to taste.
OPTIONAL GARNISH - Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
MASHED POTATOES - A classic pairing that soaks up the rich sauce, providing a creamy and hearty side. For a slightly different spin, you can also try our Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
NOODLES - If you don't like potatoes, you can also serve our steak bites over egg noodles or my personal favorite German Spaetzle.
RICE - Classic Jasmine or Basmati rice are also great starch options that go well with our steak bites.
ROASTED VEGETABLES - Try roasted carrots and potatoes, broccoli, and parsnips for a colorful and healthy complement.
BREAD - This recipe goes so well with both our Air Fryer Garlic Bread and our simple 3-ingredient Homemade Bread. The warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce.
SAUTÉED GREENS - Wilted spinach or kale adds a fresh and slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the steak.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ Steak Bites - Replace the au jus sauce mix with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy and flavorful twist. Add a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness if desired.
- MUSHROOM GRAVY - Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the onions and steak bites, and swap the Au Jus for a mushroom gravy mix.
- TERIYAKI PINEAPPLE STEAK BITES - Use teriyaki sauce instead of the au jus mix, and add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavor.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE - To store leftovers, let the cooked dish cool to room temperature. Transfer the steak bites and sauce to an airtight container or divide them into smaller portions for individual servings. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
FREEZE - Yes, you can freeze leftover steak bites and sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
REHEAT - To reheat, gently warm the steak and sauce in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
AHEAD - Yes, you can.
- SEAR AND PREPARE - Sear the steak and make the sauce. Let them cool.
- STORE SEPARATELY - Store the seared steak and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
- WHEN READY TO COOK - Combine steak and sauce in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
This method allows you to prep ahead and streamline cooking when you're ready to enjoy the dish.
Recipe Success Tips
LOW-SODIUM - If sensitive to salt, choose low-sodium broth or unsalted beef stock and Worcestershire sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
UNIFORM PIECES - Cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
LAYER PROPERLY - Place the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful bed for the steak bites and prevent them from sticking and burning.
COOK ON LOW HEAT - Slow and low is the key to achieving tender steak bites. Cooking on high heat can make the steak tough, so stick to low heat for the best results.
EXCESS OIL - Sometimes, when cooking steak in a skillet, you might end up with excess oil. Here's what you can do:
- After searing the steak bites and transferring them to the slow cooker, you can drain some of the excess oil from the skillet before adding the other sauce ingredients.
- Alternatively, if there's a significant amount of oil in the slow cooker after cooking, you can use a ladle or spoon to carefully skim off the excess oil from the surface of the sauce before serving. This will help reduce the greasiness and make the sauce more appetizing.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Choose A Different Cut Of Meat?
Yes, you can choose different cuts of meat based on your preferences. Flank steak, ribeye, chuck roast, and round steak are fine options. (Hint: Free Slow Cooker Beef Cut Guide coming soon!)
Can I Add Vegetables To This Dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables to complement the steak. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and even potatoes can be layered at the bottom of the slow cooker along with the onions. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender and flavorful during cooking.
Can I Use Different Herbs?
Certainly! You can use a variety of herbs to customize the flavor of the dish. Some options include thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, or a blend of Italian herbs. Fresh herbs can be added towards the end of cooking or as a garnish for a burst of freshness.
How Do I Know My Slow Cooker Steak Bites Are Done?
Since slow cookers can vary in temperature, it's a good idea to check the doneness of the steak bites towards the end of the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (130°F - 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F - 145°F for medium, and 160°F - 165°F for well-done).
More Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes Recipes
CROCKPOT CHICKEN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE
BEEF AND NOODLES IN THE CROCKPOT
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Crock-Pot Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 3 pounds steak I used top sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil I used extra virgin
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 package Au Jus Gravy Mix about 1-ounce
- 1 cup beef broth or bouillon I used this one and made 1 cup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup butter sliced into pats
Instructions
- Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Place the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a bed for the steak.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in batches and sear them until nicely browned on all sides. Transfer the seared steak bites to the slow cooker on top of the onions.
- In the same skillet with the juices from the steak, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and au jus mix. Cook for 2-3 min until everything is well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the steak bites in the slow cooker.
- Place the sliced butter pats on top of the steak.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or until the steak is tender and cooked to your liking.
- Once cooked, you can gently stir the steak bites so that the flavor from the butter melts into the sauce for added richness.
- Serve the slow cooker steak bites hot, along with the flavorful au jus sauce and onions. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.