There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal. It does the heavy lifting while we go about our day. That’s exactly why we love making Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Steak Bites. The steak becomes fork-tender, soaking up that rich, garlicky butter sauce. If you’re a fan of Slow Cooker Steak, this is a must-try recipe.
These bites are perfect for anyone who loves Swiss Steak Recipes but wants something even easier. They go well with mashed potatoes, rice, or even tucked into a Steak Sandwich. The best part? Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these flavorful Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Steak Bites, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sirloin steak (or stew meat, chuck roast, or flat iron steak)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to season)
- Sweet onion (adds sweetness)
- Garlic (the star of the show)
- Unsalted beef stock (for rich depth)
- Au jus gravy mix (for an extra savory touch)
- Unsalted butter (because everything is better with butter)
This recipe keeps it simple but delivers big flavor. You can always adjust seasonings to your taste, but trust me, this combo is a winner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepping the Steak Bites
First, grab a good Slow Cooker Steak cut. Sirloin steak works best, but you can use stew meat or tender beef cuts like chuck roast. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size. This helps everything cook evenly.
Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. The salt draws out moisture and enhances that deep, beefy flavor. Give it a good toss so every piece gets coated.
2. Searing the Steak (Optional, But Worth It!)
Can you skip this step? Sure. But if you want steak bites that taste like they came from a fancy steakhouse, take a few minutes to brown them. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the steak in batches.
We’re not cooking them through—just getting some color. That seared crust adds depth to the final dish. Transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker once they have a nice golden brown hue.
3. Adding Flavor to the Slow Cooker
Now, it’s time to layer in the flavors. Add chopped sweet onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker. The onions add sweetness while the garlic infuses every bite with bold, buttery goodness.
Next, pour in unsalted beef stock to create a rich sauce. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. Finally, lay slices of unsalted butter across the steak. This melts down into the most incredible Garlic Butter Sauce.
4. Slow Cooking to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better—the steak bites will become melt-in-your-mouth tender. If possible, give everything a gentle stir once an hour.
When the time’s up, you’ll be greeted with the most incredible smell. The Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Steak Bites will be swimming in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions
What’s the best way to enjoy these juicy steak bites? Here are a few of our favorite pairings:
- Mashed potatoes – The buttery sauce soaks right in
- Rice – A simple, filling option
- Egg noodles – For a beef stroganoff-like twist
- Steak Sandwich – Load these onto a toasted hoagie roll
For more delicious meal ideas, check out our Hamburger Potato Casserole or our Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
FAQs
What is the best steak for this recipe?
We prefer sirloin steak because it becomes super tender. However, flat iron steak, chuck roast, and stew meat also work well. If you want that steakhouse flavor for a lower price, flat iron is a great option.
Do I have to sear the steak bites?
Nope! You can toss them straight into the slow cooker. But searing locks in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor. If you have an extra five minutes, it’s worth it!
Can I add extra herbs or spices?
Absolutely. Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a little extra depth. Even a dash of smoked paprika can take these bites to the next level.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan, microwave, or even an air fryer until heated through.
What can I serve these with?
If you’re looking for something hearty, try them over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. You could also serve them in a sandwich for a Philly Cheesesteak-style twist. Speaking of, check out our Philly Cheesesteak Recipe!
Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup unsalted beef stock
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sear the Steak (Optional): Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches until browned, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in beef stock and sprinkle au jus mix evenly over the top. Lay slices of butter over the steak.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Best Steak Cuts: Sirloin works best, but stew meat, chuck roast, or flat iron steak can also be used.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm up in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or inside a hoagie roll for a steak sandwich.
Final Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Steak Bites
- Don’t skip the butter. It’s what makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- Use the right steak cut. Sirloin, chuck roast, and flat iron work best.
- Give it time. Cooking low and slow gives the most tender results.
This dish is an absolute game-changer for busy nights. It’s cozy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Once you try these Garlic Butter Slow Cooker Steak Bites, you’ll want them on repeat.
So grab your slow cooker, pick your favorite Steak Sauce, and let’s make dinner the easiest part of your day. And if you love slow cooker meals, don’t miss our Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo!
Get Cooking!
Ready to give this recipe a try? Let us know how it turns out! And if you love steak, you have to check out our Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich for another mouthwatering dinner idea.
