Crockpot Steak Bites

These Crockpot Steak Bites are perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, these tender bites of sirloin steak simmer in a savory au jus sauce, delivering rich flavor and comfort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its simplicity and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just sear the meat, add ingredients to the Crockpot, and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of beef stock and au jus creates an incredibly tasty sauce that enhances the steak.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these steak bites on their own, over rice, or in sandwiches.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly Dish: With its savory appeal, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Crockpot Steak Bites, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process even smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6-quart Crockpot
• Skillet
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: This slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, slowly infusing flavors into your steak.
• Skillet: Searing the steak in a skillet adds depth to the flavor before it goes into the Crockpot.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for seasoning and mixing ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Flavor Base

• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted beef stock or broth
• 1 ounce au jus gravy mix (1 packet)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites

Step 1: Season the Steak

Place steak pieces in a large bowl and toss with kosher salt and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sear half of the seasoned steak pieces until browned. Remove them from the skillet and repeat with remaining oil and steak.

Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot

Transfer all seared steak pieces into a 6-quart Crockpot.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Add sliced onion and garlic on top of the seared steak. Gently toss them together.

Step 5: Pour in Stock

Pour unsalted beef stock over everything in the Crockpot. Sprinkle au jus gravy mix evenly on top.

Step 6: Add Butter

Lay thin slices of butter evenly over the contents in your Crockpot for added richness.

Step 7: Cook to Perfection

Cover your Crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours until steak is tender.

Step 8: Serve

Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Crockpot Steak Bites!

How to Serve Crockpot Steak Bites

Crockpot Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you want a simple meal or something more elaborate, these steak bites can fit the bill. Here are some ideas for serving them.

Over Rice

• Serve the steak bites over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious au jus sauce.

In Tacos

• Use warm tortillas and fill them with steak bites, topped with your favorite salsa and avocado for a tasty taco twist.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair the steak bites with creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to enhance the dish’s comfort factor.

On a Salad

• Toss the steak bites onto a fresh garden salad for an easy protein boost that adds flavor and heartiness.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside slices of crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

As Appetizers

• Skewer the steak bites on toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings. They make great finger foods!

How to Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites

To ensure your Crockpot Steak Bites turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Steak: Selecting good-quality sirloin steak will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your dish.

• Sear for Flavor: Searing the steak before adding it to the Crockpot locks in moisture and adds a depth of flavor through caramelization.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic will provide a stronger taste compared to dried alternatives, making your dish more flavorful.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your Crockpot model, cooking times may vary. Check for tenderness after 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.

• Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens up the rich flavors of this dish.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Steak Bites

Serving side dishes along with your Crockpot Steak Bites can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Colorful vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add nutrition and contrast.
3. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that balances the rich flavors of steak bites.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon complements the hearty beef nicely.
5. Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans with almonds offer a nutty crunch that pairs well with beef.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is a classic side that adds sweetness to your meal.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with savory steak.
8. Cauliflower Mash – A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that still delivers creaminess and flavor without overpowering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Steak Bites, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overcrowding the skillet – If you add too much steak at once, it won’t sear properly. Always sear in batches for better flavor and texture.
• Neglecting seasoning – Failing to season the steak before cooking can leave your dish bland. Make sure to season well with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the searing step – While it may seem unnecessary, searing the steak adds depth to the flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Using low-quality beef broth – A low-quality broth can affect the overall taste of your Crockpot Steak Bites. Opt for a high-quality unsalted beef stock for the best results.
• Not allowing enough cooking time – Rushing the cooking process can result in tough meat. Follow the recommended cooking times for tender bites.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Steak Bites

• Place cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Steak Bites

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Steak Bites that might help you.

What cut of beef is best for Crockpot Steak Bites?

Sirloin steak is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking while retaining its flavor.

Can I use other cuts of meat?

Yes! You can substitute with chuck roast or any other beef cut that benefits from slow cooking.

How do I make my Crockpot Steak Bites spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce into the au jus mix for an extra kick.

Are there any side dishes that pair well with Crockpot Steak Bites?

These steak bites go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. They are versatile!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you use gluten-free broth and au jus mix when preparing your Crockpot Steak Bites.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Steak Bites offer a deliciously simple way to enjoy a comforting meal any night of the week. With their rich flavors and tender texture, this recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or sides. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!