If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically makes itself, you’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe. I love this because it takes a simple cut of sirloin and transforms it into tender, flavor-packed bites bursting with rich garlic butter goodness—without needing you to hover in the kitchen the whole time. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want something deliciously comforting without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: You just brown the steak for color, then dump everything into the slow cooker—easy peasy!
- Unbeatable Flavor: Garlic butter and au jus gravy soak the bites, creating a rich and savory experience every time.
- Perfectly Tender: Slow cooking turns sirloin into steak bites so tender they practically melt in your mouth.
- Family Favorite: Every time I make it, my crew fights over the last bite—it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like a dream, creating layers of flavor and lovely textures. When shopping, pick a good-quality sirloin steak for the best results, and fresh garlic will make a big difference here.
- Sirloin steak: Choose a fresh, well-marbled cut for juicy, tender steak bites after slow cooking.
- Kosher salt: It seasons the meat evenly without overpowering the natural beef flavor.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to add a subtle zing.
- Vegetable oil: Use a high-smoke-point oil for the initial sear—don’t skip this step!
- Sweet onion: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the garlic and savory notes.
- Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced for mild but fragrant garlic flavor throughout.
- Unsalted beef stock: Keeps the sauce rich without added saltiness—helps control seasoning.
- Au jus gravy mix: This is the secret weapon for deep, beefy flavor that coats each bite.
- Unsalted butter: Thin slices melt into the sauce, creating that irresistible garlic butter coating.
Variations
I love making this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe my own depending on the mood or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to tweak the ingredients and make it yours—you’ll find it so flexible without losing the soul of the dish.
- Mushroom Addition: I sometimes add sliced mushrooms before slow cooking, which soak up the garlic butter and add an earthy depth that my family adores.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne—great for those who want some extra zing.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking gives a lovely herbal note, especially in cooler months when I want cozier flavors.
- Low-Sodium Option: Swap the au jus gravy mix for a homemade beef broth and reduce salt to keep it heart-healthier without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear for Maximum Flavor
First up, toss those bite-sized sirloin pieces in kosher salt and black pepper. I like to spread them out so each piece gets coated evenly. Then heat your vegetable oil in a skillet until it’s just smoking—this is key to a good sear! Brown the steak bites in batches; don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of getting that tasty crust. Remember, you’re only aiming for color here, not cooking them fully. This step builds flavor and texture that you’ll appreciate when they’re done.
Step 2: Layer Flavors in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your beautifully seared steak bites into the slow cooker. Toss in the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic cloves—these soften up and infuse the meat with sweetness and aroma. Pour in the beef stock, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly on top, then lay the thinly sliced butter all over the surface. This combo creates a rich sauce that slowly seeps into every bite. Give everything a gentle stir to combine flavors a bit without breaking up the meat.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, depending on your schedule. If you can, stir it once an hour—that’s what I do when I’m nearby—to keep all those flavors mingling nicely. What I’ve learned is patience really pays off here; you’ll end up with steak bites so tender they practically fall apart but still deliver that satisfying chew. It’s like magic!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat Steak Dry Before Searing: I always pat my steak bites dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing; it helps create a better crust without steaming.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Early on, I used to skip this to save time, but browning the steak truly deepens the flavor—totally worth the extra step.
- Use Thin Butter Slices: Cutting the butter thin lets it melt evenly throughout the cooking process, coating the steak bites perfectly.
- Avoid Over-Stirring: Stir gently and only once an hour if possible—too much stirring breaks up the steak pieces and muddles the texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous punch that balances the richness. Sometimes I even add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for a salty, savory touch that my family goes wild for.
Side Dishes
My favorite way to enjoy these garlic butter steak bites is with creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up that luscious sauce so well. But don’t stop there! Egg noodles tossed with a bit of butter or steamed rice work beautifully too, especially if you want a quick, fuss-free side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the steak bites over a bed of garlic butter roasted vegetables or even polenta for an elegant twist. You can also pop them on skewers as a fun appetizer at parties—just drizzle some of that buttery sauce over the top for a real crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they keep well for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce thickens but reheats beautifully, making every bite just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe before by portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to cool completely before freezing. When you thaw them, I recommend slow thawing in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep things saucy and tender. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the steak bites juicy and evenly heated.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or filet mignon if you want something more luxurious. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts like chuck will need longer cooking times to become tender in the slow cooker.
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Do I have to sear the steak bites before slow cooking?
Searing isn’t strictly necessary but highly recommended. It creates a beautiful browned crust that adds deep flavor and improves the texture. Skipping this step might save time but results in less complex taste.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the steak bites using the sauté function, then pressure cook everything together for about 25-30 minutes. Just adjust liquid amounts slightly and follow your Instant Pot safety guidelines for pressure cooking beef.
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How do I prevent the steak bites from drying out?
Be careful not to overcook. Stick to recommended slow cooker times, and make sure there’s enough moisture in the form of beef stock and butter to keep the bites tender. Stirring gently during cooking also helps distribute moisture evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate—a simple set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers big on flavor and comfort. I always keep it in my back pocket for days when I want something special without endless effort. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too. Your kitchen (and everyone at your table!) will thank you for this one!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender, juicy sirloin steak pieces cooked low and slow with sweet onions, garlic, and a rich butter au jus gravy. Perfect as a fix-it-and-forget-it dinner, these steak bites are packed with flavor and pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more)
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup unsalted beef stock
- 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Place 3 pounds of sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces into a large bowl. Season evenly with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper, then toss to combine to ensure all pieces are well seasoned.
- Brown the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, ensuring the pan is very hot before adding steak. Brown the steak pieces in batches, searing them to develop color but not cooking through. Add more oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned steak pieces to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced small sweet onion and garlic cloves. Gently stir to combine the ingredients.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock over the steak mixture. Sprinkle the 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix evenly on top. Lay 4 tablespoons of thinly sliced unsalted butter over the surface.
- Cook the Steak Bites: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Stirring once every hour if possible helps to blend flavors and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked until tender and flavorful, serve the garlic butter steak bites hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe is a great fix-it-and-forget-it meal, allowing flavors to meld while you carry on with your day.
- For best flavor and texture, sear the steak pieces well before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 756 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 119 mg
