If you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth beef with rich flavor and zero hassle, this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These buttery, garlicky, slow-cooked bites of steak are perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even as a party appetizer. With just a few ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll have the juiciest steak bites that taste like they came from a restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it – Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Tender every time – Low-and-slow cooking breaks down collagen, making the beef buttery soft.
- Versatile – Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on skewers as party bites.
- Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4–6 people)
- 2 lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or chuck for best results), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (or red wine for richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary mix)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Steak
Cut steak into even, bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Sear for Maximum Flavor (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak cubes in batches (1–2 minutes per side) until golden brown. This locks in juices and adds caramelized flavor.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the crockpot, add seared steak bites, garlic, beef broth (or wine), Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and herbs. Stir gently.
4. Slow Cook
- On Low: 6–7 hours
- On High: 3–4 hours
Steak should be fork-tender and juicy.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations & Flavor Twists
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Add 2 tbsp melted butter in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Honey Garlic Steak Bites – Mix 3 tbsp honey + 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp chili flakes.
- Teriyaki Glaze – Replace broth with 1 cup teriyaki sauce.
- Spicy Cajun Steak Bites – Season with Cajun spice blend for bold heat.
Best Cuts of Steak for Crockpot
Not all steaks cook the same. Here’s what works best:
- Sirloin → Tender, flavorful, mid-range price.
- Ribeye → Rich and buttery, but pricier.
- Chuck Roast → Budget-friendly, gets very tender in slow cooking.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Don’t skip the sear – It adds depth you won’t get otherwise.
- Deglaze your pan – After searing, pour a splash of broth or wine into the pan, scrape browned bits, then add to crockpot. Flavor gold!
- Thicken the sauce – If you want a gravy-like consistency, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
- Rest before serving – Let steak bites sit for 5 minutes so juices redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites are versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Over creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice
- With roasted veggies for a balanced meal
- Inside warm rolls as sliders
- As party skewers with dipping sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep juicy.
Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 3g
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Why are my steak bites tough?
👉 Likely undercooked. Slow cook longer to break down connective tissue.
Q: Can I use frozen steak?
👉 Yes, but thaw first for best searing results.
Q: Do I have to sear the steak?
👉 No, but searing adds flavor and makes a noticeable difference.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
👉 Yes! Use the sauté function to sear, then pressure cook for 20 minutes with natural release.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. With tender beef, garlic butter richness, and endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these steak bites will always impress.
👉 Try it once, and you’ll see why slow-cooked steak tastes better every single time.
