If you are looking to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests with a tender, flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, you have to try this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe. This recipe combines juicy, perfectly seasoned steak cubes with a rich blend of garlic, herbs, and a savory sauce that slow cooks to mouthwatering perfection. The magic of the crockpot means all the flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day, resulting in steak bites that are tender, juicy, and bursting with deep, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a balanced, savory dish. Every item, from the fresh garlic to the herbs, adds layers of complexity and heartiness that bring this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe to life.
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bite-sized pieces that remain tender after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for optional searing, it enhances the steak’s flavor with a beautiful caramelized crust.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it slowly cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and savory punch.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Creates a rich, meaty base for the sauce that keeps every steak bite succulent.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Brings a salty, umami boost that harmonizes all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a subtle tang that complements the beef.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional): Enhances the sauce with a touch of sweet acidity for extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a fragrant, woody note that pairs beautifully with beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a gentle earthiness that balances the savory elements.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): A thickening agent used to create a luscious sauce if desired.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish that brightens the dish with color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by cutting your chosen sirloin or ribeye into bite-sized cubes, about evenly sized for consistent cooking. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels—this step is key to getting a good sear later—and season them generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning at this stage ensures every single bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Steak (Optional)
If time allows, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each steak cube for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. This caramelization adds an irresistible depth of flavor that elevates the dish, but if you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step and add the raw steak directly into the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Transfer the steak cubes (seared or raw) to the crockpot along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, optional balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and paprika. This combination starts a simmering symphony of rich, savory flavors.
Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot
Give everything a thorough stir to blend the ingredients well. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the steak perfectly while allowing the sauce to thicken and the spices to infuse fully.
Step 5: Optional Thickening
If you love a thicker, glossy sauce coating the steak bites, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the cooking ends and keep cooking so the sauce can thicken gently.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the steak bites are tender and the sauce is thickened to your liking, serve up the dish, garnishing generously with chopped fresh parsley. This final touch adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that makes every bite more vibrant.
How to Serve Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice for a bright, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and meat. For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika right before serving.
Side Dishes
Crockpot steak bites shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or even a hearty rice pilaf to soak up that luscious sauce. A simple green vegetable like roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli balances the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your steak bites over garlic-infused cauliflower mash or spoon them onto toasted baguette slices for an upscale appetizer. You can even stuff them into warm pita pockets with a dollop of sour cream and some crisp greens for a comforting steak sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the meat and sauce are fully cooled before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover steak bites in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Separate into portions for easy thawing and reheat whenever you want a quick and delicious meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the steak bites warm and juicy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are preferred for their tenderness, you can also use flank or skirt steak, but be mindful these might need slightly different cooking times or slicing against the grain for best results.
Is searing necessary for this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It creates a caramelized crust that adds savory depth and a richer flavor to the final dish, but the steak will still be delicious without it if time is tight.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check Worcestershire sauce brands as some contain gluten.
How thick should I cut the steak cubes?
Cut the steak into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. This size ensures they cook evenly and remain tender without drying out during slow cooking.
What can I do if the sauce is too watery?
Mix a little cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the end of cooking. This will thicken the sauce nicely without overpowering the steak bites.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is one of those comforting, fail-proof dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together with ease. Whether you are feeding family or friends, it offers tender, flavorful steak bites with a luscious sauce that everyone will love. Give it a try and let the slow cooker do its magic—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Print
Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Steak Bites recipe features tender, flavorful cubes of sirloin or ribeye steak slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic herbs and a rich, savory sauce. With minimal prep and optional searing for extra depth, this easy slow cooker dish is perfect for a comforting meal served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes. Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper to ensure the meat maintains a good sear and develops flavor.
- Sear the Steak (Optional): For enhanced flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This adds a caramelized crust and deeper flavor but can be omitted to save time.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the seared steak cubes (or raw if skipping searing) into the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and paprika. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the steak and melds the flavors together beautifully.
- Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the end of cooking, allowing the sauce to thicken up nicely.
- Serve: Once the steak is tender and the sauce is thickened to your liking, serve the steak bites hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- The searing step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Cornstarch slurry should be added at the end to avoid breaking down during the long cook.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours low or 2-3 hours high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
