If you’re looking for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal fuss, you have to try this Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe. It’s a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth dish that transforms humble round steak into tender, juicy bites infused with garlic, butter, and savory beef broth. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can come home to a warm, comforting feast that tastes like it took hours of careful attention, even though you only spend minutes prepping. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves steak without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the round steak is the star with hearty texture, onions and garlic bring aromatic depth, while butter and beef broth create a rich, velvety sauce that wraps around every bite. These few essentials combine for big flavor without any complicated prep.
- 3 lbs round steak: Choose a well-trimmed cut and slice it into small pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender results.
- 1/2 onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch that balances the rich meat perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: The garlic infuses the dish with warm, savory notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the steak.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Offers just enough heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Melts into the meat and broth to add luscious creaminess and shine.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a flavorful base that keeps the steak moist and tender during slow cooking.
How to Make Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Layer Ingredients
Start by cutting your round steak into bite-sized pieces—this will help the meat cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Dice your onion finely and mince some garlic. Then, place all the ingredients into the crock pot: steak, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, butter, and beef broth. No need to brown the meat first; the slow cooker will work its magic.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if time is tight, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. During cooking, give the mixture a gentle stir occasionally, if you can, to ensure the steak bites soak up the sauce thoroughly and cook uniformly. This slow, low heat method is what makes the steak incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Once the cooking time is up, your Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe is ready to serve. Spoon the tender steak and all that buttery, garlicky goodness onto plates and dig in while everything is still hot and fresh. It’s a delicious, hassle-free meal that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did!
How to Serve Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness that lightens the rich steak bites beautifully. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick of heat. Simple touches like these elevate the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
Pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even roasted vegetables to soak up every luscious drop of sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a pleasant contrast to the richness of the steak bites. Bread, like crusty French baguette or garlic toast, is also fantastic for sopping up the savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just jazz up a family dinner, serve the steak bites over buttery polenta or creamy grits for a Southern-inspired twist. Or layer them on top of warm tortillas with fresh avocado and salsa for a fusion style steak taco. This Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe is versatile enough to play well with a variety of global flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place any leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste amazing and are even easier to reheat when life gets busy.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Stored properly, it will keep for up to 3 months, making future weeknight dinners a breeze.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, gently reheat your steak bites in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, but watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While round steak is budget-friendly and works well, sirloin or ribeye chunks can be used for an even richer flavor and tenderness. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Do I need to brown the steak before adding it to the crock pot?
There’s no need to brown the steak beforehand in this recipe. The slow cooker’s long cooking process tenderizes the meat thoroughly and lets it soak up all the buttery, garlic flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the “Slow Cook” function or pressure cooking for about 35 minutes under high pressure, but be sure to adjust liquid quantities slightly and follow your specific model’s instructions.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking to introduce some heat without overpowering the savory notes of the steak bites.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free option?
Good question! Use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine alternative instead of butter for a similar richness. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both special and effortless, providing tender, flavorful bites that truly satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is a fantastic option to keep in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious rewards of slow cooking done right!
Print
Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (360 minutes)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful steak bites slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot with savory garlic, onions, and rich beef broth. This easy recipe yields juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of round steak ideal for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 3 lbs round steak, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the round steak into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice half an onion and mince the garlic to prepare for layering flavor in the crock pot.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Place the steak pieces, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, butter, and beef broth into the crock pot. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to mix flavors and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once tender and juicy, serve the steak bites immediately as a hearty meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and the tender texture.
Notes
- For best results, slice the steak as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
- You can use different cuts of beef if round steak is not available, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
