Tender Crockpot Steak BitesOh friend, let me tell you—these Tender Crockpot Steak Bites are my kind of comfort food. I stumbled upon this idea on a chilly fall evening when I had a craving for steak but absolutely zero desire to stand over a hot skillet. What happened next was slow-cooked magic: bite-sized pieces of beef, meltingly tender, bathed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes I now make on repeat, especially when I need dinner to cook itself while I’m off doing life. You’re going to love how cozy, flavorful, and unfussy this dish is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super tender beef with minimal effort—set it and forget it
- Buttery garlic flavor that tastes like a hug in a bowl
- Budget-friendly way to enjoy steak
- Great for weeknights, game day, or meal prep
- Delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles
- Crockpot does all the heavy lifting (bless it!)
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner/Main | American Comfort | 10 minutes | 4 hours (low) | 4 hrs 10 min | 4 servings | Easy Peasy |
Ingredients
(Full recipe card is below)
- Sirloin or chuck steak – Cut into bite-size chunks; these cuts get ultra tender in the slow cooker
- Butter – Adds richness and helps carry all the savory flavors
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives bold flavor (don’t skimp!)
- Beef broth – Keeps everything juicy and adds depth
- Worcestershire sauce – A splash of umami goodness
- Soy sauce – Enhances savory notes without overpowering
- Onion powder – For extra flavor without chunks
- Black pepper – A little kick, adjust to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and herby finish
How to Make It
1. Sear the steak bites (optional but tasty)
If you’ve got an extra five minutes, sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. This step builds even more flavor, but it’s totally fine to skip if you’re short on time.
2. Load up the slow cooker
Toss the beef into your Crockpot. Pour over the melted butter, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it all a quick stir to coat those beefy bites.
3. Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for about 2.5 hours, until the steak is tender and infused with all that garlicky goodness.
4. Finish & serve
Give everything a final stir and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or just scoop it up with crusty bread.
Pro Tips for Success
- Sear for flavor: Browning the beef first adds a richer, meatier flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth: Since soy and Worcestershire are salty, go easy on the salt elsewhere.
- Don’t overcook: Yes, it’s a Crockpot, but even steak can dry out if left too long.
- Cut evenly: Uniform pieces = even cooking.
- Freeze in sauce: These bites freeze beautifully in their sauce for a fast future dinner.
Flavor Variations
- Swap garlic butter for herb butter (add rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
- Add sliced mushrooms or onions in the last hour of cooking
- Use bourbon or red wine in place of some broth for a bold twist
- Turn up the heat with a pinch of crushed red pepper
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy grits
- Serve alongside roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots
- Make steak bite sliders on toasted Hawaiian rolls
- Add to a steak bowl with rice and sautéed peppers
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: You can prep and sear the beef a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and just dump it in the Crockpot the next morning.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Leftovers
- Toss into a steak quesadilla or wrap
- Stir into pasta with a little cream for a fast beef stroganoff
- Add to a baked potato for a hearty lunch
Freezing
Yes! Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe bag with the sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat
- Microwave: Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts
- Oven: Bake at 300°F in a covered dish until hot
FAQs
Can I use stew meat instead of steak?
Yes, but you’ll want to cook it on LOW for 6–7 hours so it becomes fork-tender.
Do I need to sear the meat first?
Nope! It adds extra flavor, but the recipe works great without that step.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Absolutely—mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is my favorite for tenderness, but chuck, round, or even ribeye will work.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something downright satisfying about a big bowl of these tender, buttery steak bites. They’re simple, hearty, and make your kitchen smell like pure heaven. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or just craving some cozy comfort, this one’s a keeper. Let your slow cooker do its thing and thank yourself later.
Tender Crockpot Steak Bites
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin or chuck steak cut into bite-sized chunks
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper adjust to taste
- fresh parsley optional, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Optional: Sear beef chunks in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes to add flavor.
- Add steak bites to the slow cooker. Pour in melted butter, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for about 2.5 hours until steak is tender.
- Stir well before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or with crusty bread.