Slow Cooker Steak Bites Recipe

Slow Cooker Steak Bites are the perfect combination of tender, juicy meat and savory seasonings that make for an irresistible dish. Whether you’re planning a hearty family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth steak bites that are packed with flavor without standing over a stove all day. The slow cooker allows the steak to cook low and slow, ensuring that each bite is infused with rich flavors and remains incredibly tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

1. Select the Right Cut of Steak: For this recipe, you want a cut of beef that will become tender as it cooks in the slow cooker. Sirloin steak is a great choice because it’s both lean and flavorful. Ribeye and tenderloin are other excellent cuts that work well due to their natural marbling. Chuck roast is also a good budget-friendly option, but it will be slightly fattier and requires longer cooking to break down the connective tissues.
2. Cut the Steak: Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout.

Step 2: Browning the Steak Bites

While you could skip browning and throw everything into the slow cooker, taking the extra step to brown the steak bites adds a rich, deep flavor that can’t be replicated by slow cooking alone.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to sear the meat.
2. Brown the Steak: Working in batches, add the steak cubes to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the steak to steam instead of sear. Let the steak cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. The goal is to develop a nice brown crust on the outside. Transfer the browned steak to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

After browning the steak, there will be flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so you’ll want to deglaze the pan.

1. Add Garlic to the Pan: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
2. Deglaze with Broth: Pour 1/2 cup of beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This deglazing process adds depth to the sauce that will coat the steak bites in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the Liquid: Once the broth and garlic have deglazed the pan, pour the entire mixture into the slow cooker over the steak bites.
2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt over the steak bites. These spices add layers of flavor to the dish.
3. Add the Liquids: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. These ingredients add a savory, umami richness that complements the beef.
4. Top with Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the top of the steak bites. As it melts, the butter will create a luxurious sauce that coats the steak bites.

Step 5: Slow Cooking the Steak Bites

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Cooking on low heat is ideal for achieving ultra-tender steak bites, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works as well.
2. Check for Doneness: After 4 hours (or 2 hours on high), check the tenderness of the steak bites. They should be incredibly tender and easy to cut with a fork. If they need more time, let them continue cooking in 30-minute intervals, checking frequently.
3. Optional: Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) to thicken the sauce during the final hour of cooking.

Step 6: Serving the Steak Bites

1. Garnish: Once the steak bites are done, sprinkle them with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese is another great option to elevate the flavors even more.
2. Serve with Sides: Serve the slow cooker steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can pair them with steamed vegetables for a lighter option or with crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices.

Tips for Perfect Steak Bites

1. Use High-Quality Beef: The quality of the beef makes a big difference in the final dish. Choose well-marbled cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness.
2. Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the steak cubes before slow cooking creates a caramelized crust that adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. It’s an extra step, but well worth the effort.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the steak, make sure to do it in batches. Overcrowding the pan will cause the meat to steam instead of sear, which prevents the formation of that flavorful crust.
4. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. You can add more heat by increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or swap the smoked paprika for sweet paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
5. Slow and Low: Cooking the steak bites on low for 4-6 hours results in the most tender meat. While you can use the high setting if you’re in a hurry, slow and steady yields the best results.

Variations of Slow Cooker Steak Bites

1. Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

Swap out the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for extra butter and garlic. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for a bright, garlicky twist on this recipe.

2. Teriyaki Steak Bites:

Add a touch of sweetness by substituting the Worcestershire sauce with teriyaki sauce. This will give the steak bites a slightly sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor.

3. Spicy Steak Bites:

For a spicy version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. You can also stir in some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

4. BBQ Steak Bites:

For a smoky barbecue twist, replace the Worcestershire sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or cornbread.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Steak Bites are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich, savory steak bites.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the steak bites over rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Crusty Bread: Use bread to mop up the savory juices from the steak bites. A warm baguette or garlic bread works wonderfully.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

1. Marinating for Extra Flavor: For even more flavorful steak bites, consider marinating the steak in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
2. Adjusting the Cooking Time: Depending on the cut of beef and the size of your cubes, you might need to adjust the cooking time. For instance, tougher cuts like chuck roast may benefit from additional cooking time, while tender cuts like tenderloin will require less time.
3. Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasoning. Adding herbs like rosemary or spices like cumin can give a different flavor profile to your steak bites.
4. Searing Variations: If you’re in a hurry, you can skip browning the steak bites altogether, but searing them really enhances the flavor. If you prefer a quicker option, you could throw everything into the slow cooker without browning, but expect a different flavor intensity.
5. Slow Cooker Tips: If you’re using a newer slow cooker, keep an eye on the cooking time. Some models cook faster than others, and it may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect cooking time for your model.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Steak Bites Tacos: Use the cooked steak bites as a filling for tacos. Add your favorite toppings such as avocado, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a fun twist.
2. Steak Bite Salad: Toss the steak bites with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing for a fresh, protein-packed salad.
3. Steak Bites Pita Pockets: Fill pita pockets with steak bites, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce for a delicious and portable meal option.
4. Steak Bite Sliders: Serve the steak bites on mini slider buns with caramelized onions and melted cheese for a delightful appetizer or party food.
5. Savory Steak Rice Bowl: Create a hearty rice bowl by layering the steak bites over a bed of rice, adding sautéed vegetables, and drizzling with a sesame ginger dressing for an Asian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Browning the Meat: As mentioned earlier, skipping the browning step can lead to a less flavorful dish. Take the time to sear the steak bites for the best results.
2. Overcooking the Meat: While the slow cooker is forgiving, overcooked steak can become dry and tough. Make sure to check for doneness and serve when tender.
3. Using Too Much Liquid: While some liquid is necessary for cooking, too much can make the dish soupy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best consistency.
4. Neglecting to Season: Don’t skip the seasoning! It’s essential to enhance the natural flavor of the beef. Taste and adjust as necessary before cooking.
5. Not Letting it Rest: If you’re serving immediately after cooking, allow the steak bites to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful bite.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Steak Bites are a comforting, hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy night in or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe offers versatility and deep flavor that everyone will love.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Steak Bites Recipe

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Slow Cooker Steak Bites are the perfect combination of tender, juicy meat and savory seasonings that make for an irresistible dish. Whether you're planning a hearty family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth steak bites that are packed with flavor without standing over a stove all day. The slow cooker allows the steak to cook low and slow, ensuring that each bite is infused with rich flavors and remains incredibly tender.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp butter (optional for richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended):

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the steak bites for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

• Transfer the steak bites to the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar (if using), Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat).

3. Cook the Steak Bites:

• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the steak is tender and infused with flavor.

4. Add Butter:

• In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the butter to the slow cooker. This adds a rich, velvety finish to the steak bites.

5. Serve:

• Once the steak bites are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Cut of Meat: For the most tender steak bites, sirloin or chuck roast works best. You can also use ribeye for a richer, more marbled bite.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. They’re also delicious with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.