Do Share Recipe

Slow Cooker Steak Bites Recipe | Tender & Juicy Dinner Idea

I just made these slow cooker steak bites recipe, and wow—you’ve got to try them. When I tossed everything into my crockpot, I wasn’t expecting them to turn out so tender and flavorful, but they completely surprised me. The beef came out juicy, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the buttery garlic gravy was irresistible.

It felt like a restaurant-style comfort meal with hardly any effort. If you enjoy hearty comfort meals, you might also enjoy the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie Recipe—it’s another creamy, satisfying dish. Let me walk you through exactly how I made it, and why this dish is now a regular in my kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Slow Cooker Steak Bites (about 8 servings):

3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes — Sirloin stays tender and holds its shape beautifully in the slow cooker.
2 teaspoons kosher salt — Enhances flavor without overwhelming the meat.
1 teaspoon black pepper — Freshly ground pepper adds warmth and aroma.
2 tablespoons olive oil — Helps sear the steak, giving it that golden crust.
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced — Adds natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced — Infuses the gravy with deep, aromatic flavor.
1 cup unsalted beef stock — Creates the base for the rich, savory sauce.
1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix — Boosts the depth and richness of the beefy flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced — Melts into the sauce to create velvety richness.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) — Adds color and brightness when serving.

Note: Several servings.

Variations

Want to customize your slow cooker steak bites? Try these easy variations:

Dairy-free: Swap regular butter for a plant-based butter alternative.
Low sodium: Use reduced-sodium broth and a low-sodium gravy mix.
Extra flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme.
Mushroom version: Add sliced mushrooms for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Honey-garlic style: Replace the au jus with a mix of honey, soy sauce or tamari, and extra garlic.

If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy trying the Chicken Alfredo Linguine Recipe as a tasty variation for weeknight dinners.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW
Total Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes (if cooked on HIGH)

Equipment You Need

Slow cooker: Cooks the beef gently and evenly for fall-apart tenderness.
Large skillet: Allows you to sear the steak bites to develop flavor.
Cutting board & knife: For slicing the steak, onion, and garlic.
Tongs: To flip and transfer the steak pieces easily.

How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites

Season and Sear the Steak

Start by seasoning your cubed sirloin with salt and pepper, coating each piece well. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the meat in batches until nicely browned. This step boosts the flavor and gives the bef a delicious crust.

Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seared steak into the slow cooker. Add sliced onions and garlic on top. Pour in the beef stock, sprinkle the au jus packet evenly, and top everything with slices of butter. This layering helps the flavors blend as they cook.

Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours. The beef will turn incredibly tender, and the juices will form a silky, flavorful gravy. Give everything a gentle stir before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some tips from my own experience to make your steak bites even better:

I always sear the steak in small batches to avoid steaming it.
I place the butter on top so it melts slowly and enriches the gravy evenly.
I stir only once or twice so the sauce stays thick and doesn’t cool off too much.
I add fresh parsley at the end—it makes the dish taste brighter.
If the gravy is thinner than I like, I mix in a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Steak Bites

These steak bites pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice since they soak up the rich gravy. For a lighter option, serve them with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. A sprinkle of parsley or chives before serving adds a finishing touch that makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a simple breakdown per serving (approximate values):

Calories: Around 312
Protein: Around 38 g
Carbohydrates: Around 4 g
Fat: Around 15 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Let the steak bites cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

Freezing

These freeze extremely well. Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for liquids to expand. They keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

I like reheating them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just heat in short intervals while stirring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe shines for so many reasons:

It’s effortless: Once everything is in the slow cooker, the work is basically done.
Rich comfort flavor: The buttery garlic gravy is savory, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Flexible and customizable: You can adjust ingredients to suit different diets and tastes.
Family-friendly: Bite-sized pieces make this easy for kids and adults to enjoy.
Great for meal prep: Make ahead, freeze, reheat—this recipe fits busy schedules perfectly.

Ben Carraoli