If you’re anything like me, you love a dinner recipe that’s both indulgent and surprisingly quick. This Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. I absolutely love how the tender beef cubes soak up the rich, garlicky butter flavor — all while cooking in a fraction of the time a traditional method takes.
What makes this recipe really stand out is how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients like sirloin, garlic, and butter into something that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you need a fast weeknight meal or a special treat to impress friends, this Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience — trust me, you’ll be coming back to it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Flavorful: You get tender steak bites packed with garlic butter goodness in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—just everyday staples you probably have on hand.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Adaptable for both Instant Pot and slow cooker to fit your schedule.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, making dinner lively and delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe plays an important role: from juicy sirloin cubes that soak up flavor, to garlic and butter that deliver mouthwatering richness. You’ll want to source fresh garlic and a good quality butter or ghee to really make this dish shine.
- Beef sirloin: Choose lean but tender sirloin for bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and remain juicy.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds that perfect punch of savory aroma and taste.
- Ghee or butter: I usually use ghee for its nuttier flavor and higher smoke point, but butter works beautifully too.
- Onion: Adds a sweet contrast and texture; diced or sliced both work well.
- Beef broth: Makes the bites tender and infuses savory depth during pressure cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — I always recommend seasoning to taste as you go.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These double-down on flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a lovely color to the dish.
- Mushrooms (optional): If you’re a fan, they soak up the garlicky butter and add an earthy note.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving, and you can easily customize this Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne when sautéing for a fiery twist — my husband swears by this version!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary with the broth for a subtle herbal aroma that elevates the dish.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer low and slow, this recipe works wonderfully in your slow cooker — just plan ahead and enjoy the same delicious results.
- Mushroom-Free: I know not everyone loves mushrooms, so feel free to skip them without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Sauté for Rich Browning
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and let it heat up before adding the ghee or butter. When the fat is nice and melted, add the beef cubes. Don’t rush this step — I like to give the beef a couple minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust, which really locks in the juices and amps up the flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Scrape the Pot
Once your steak has a lovely sear, toss in the diced onions and mushrooms if you’re using them. Give everything a couple minutes to soften and mingle with those flavors. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just another minute — it should smell heavenly. Before moving on, turn off the sauté setting and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot; this is critical to remove any bits stuck to prevent the dreaded “burn” warning during pressure cooking.
Step 3: Season and Pressure Cook
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, then pour in the beef broth. Stir everything gently so the seasoning is evenly distributed. Close your lid, seal the valve, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 9 minutes. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure to keep those bites tender and succulent.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Open the lid carefully — the kitchen will smell amazing! Give the contents a gentle stir and prepare to serve up those garlicky, buttery steak bites. They’re ready to steal the spotlight for dinner.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the beef first adds amazing flavor—you’ll regret it if you just dump everything in raw.
- Scrape the Pot Well: Removing stuck-on bits after sautéing avoids burn errors and keeps your pressure cooking smooth.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers a flavor depth that dried garlic powder alone can’t match.
- Adjust Seasonings After Cooking: Taste once it’s done and add salt or pepper if needed—you can always add more but can’t take it away!
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top — it adds a pop of color and a fresh brightness that cuts through the rich garlic butter beautifully. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice adds a lovely zing that wakes up the whole dish, especially if you’ve gone heavy on the butter.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites pair wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy cauliflower mash for a comforting meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted veggies or a crisp salad to add texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the steak bites over garlic bread or creamy polenta. I once set it up as a steak bites appetizer platter with toothpicks and small bowls of dipping sauces — it was a hit at a dinner party! Another idea is to toss the bites with some sautéed greens and serve family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay delicious for 3 to 4 days. I recommend storing them with some of the cooking liquid to keep the beef moist instead of drying out.
Freezing
Freezing works great for this recipe! I portion out the steak bites into single-serve containers or freezer bags, making sure to include some sauce. When thawed, they reheat beautifully without losing tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat gently either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at short intervals. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps maintain moisture and prevents the steak bites from becoming tough.
FAQs
-
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can use ribeye or chuck if you prefer. Just make sure to cut the beef into similar-sized cubes for consistent cooking.
-
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes! The recipe adapts well to a slow cooker. Just mix all the ingredients together and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours for tender, flavorful bites.
-
How do I avoid the “burn” message on the Instant Pot?
Scraping the bottom of the pot well after sautéing and before pressure cooking is essential. Also, adding enough broth helps prevent food from sticking, so be sure not to skimp on the liquid.
-
Can I reduce the garlic in this Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Of course! Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. If you love garlic like I do, stick with the recipe, but less is fine too and still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something quick, comforting, and downright tasty. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making weeknights smoother and weekend dinners feel extra special. I’m confident you’ll love how easy it is to make and how much your family enjoys every garlicky, buttery bite — so give it a try and enjoy cooking something truly delicious!
Print
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender, juicy beef sirloin cubes cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic, butter, and savory seasonings. The beef is quickly sautéed in the Instant Pot for a rich, caramelized exterior before pressure cooking to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Optional mushrooms and onions add depth of flavor, making this a quick and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Liquids
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup melted ghee or butter
- 1/2 cup onion, diced or sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (for Instant Pot)
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and allow it to heat up. Add the melted ghee or butter, then add the seasoned beef sirloin cubes. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef starts to brown on all sides.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions and optional sliced mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its fragrance.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Turn off the sauté function. Sprinkle the steak seasoning mix (salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika) evenly over the contents. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot well to deglaze and remove any browned bits to prevent burning during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and seal the valve. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 9 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking time ends, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting.
- Serve: Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid, stir gently, and serve the garlic butter steak bites hot, optionally with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute ghee with butter or a neutral oil if preferred.
- If using the slow cooker, reduce beef broth to 1/2 cup and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours.
- For best results, cut steak into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Deglazing the Instant Pot bottom is critical to avoid the burn warning.
- Optional mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
