Crockpot Steak Bites

Crockpot steak bites are the ultimate comfort food when you need a hands-off dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. These tender sirloin pieces simmer in a rich au jus sauce with butter and garlic, creating a meal that practically cooks itself while you tackle your busy day.

There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of slow-cooked beef filling your kitchen. It reminds me of Sunday afternoons at Grandma’s farm, where she’d have her old crockpot bubbling away on the counter, filling the farmhouse with the most incredible savory smell. She taught me that the best meals don’t require constant attention; they just need good ingredients and a little patience. This recipe captures that same philosophy: a quick sear to lock in flavor, then everything goes into the crockpot to work its magic. By dinnertime, you’ve got melt-in-your-mouth steak bites swimming in the most luscious gravy. Time to get that crockpot ready!

Why Crockpot Steak Bites Belong in Your Recipe Box

After years of making this recipe for family dinners and potlucks, I’ve discovered why it’s become such a reliable favorite in my kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming affordable sirloin into restaurant-quality tender beef that impresses everyone at the table.

Here’s what makes this recipe work every time:

• Minimal hands-on time: Just 10 minutes of prep and a quick sear, then the crockpot takes over
• Budget-friendly cut: Sirloin becomes incredibly tender through slow cooking, no expensive cuts needed
• Rich, restaurant-style flavor: The au jus, butter, and garlic create a sauce that rivals any steakhouse
• Perfect for busy weeknights: Set it in the morning and come home to dinner ready
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food: Kids and adults alike love these tender, flavorful bites
• Versatile serving options: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread

I’ve made these crockpot steak bites countless times for Sunday dinners, and there’s never a single bite left in the pot. The slow cooking method ensures even the pickiest eaters get perfectly tender meat every time.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sirloin steak forms the hearty foundation of this dish, and I always choose a well-marbled cut for the best flavor and tenderness. Cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly in the crockpot.

Kosher salt and black pepper are your base seasonings that enhance the natural beefy flavor without overpowering it. I prefer kosher salt because it distributes more evenly than table salt.

Olive oil is essential for getting a proper sear on the steak before it goes into the crockpot. That caramelized crust adds incredible depth to the final dish.

Sweet onion becomes beautifully soft and almost melts into the sauce during slow cooking. I’ve found that sweet varieties like Vidalia add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory au jus perfectly.

Garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor, and slicing it thinly (rather than mincing) prevents any bitter notes during the long cooking time.

Unsalted beef stock creates the liquid base for your au jus sauce. Using unsalted gives you complete control over the seasoning, which is important since the au jus mix also contains salt.

Au jus gravy mix is the secret weapon that creates that rich, savory sauce without hours of simmering. One packet transforms simple beef stock into restaurant-quality gravy.

Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a silky, glossy sauce that coats every piece of steak. I always slice it thin so it melts evenly across the top.

Fresh parsley is optional but adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich, savory dish when you’re ready to serve.

How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites

Step 1. I always start by seasoning the steak pieces generously with salt and pepper in a large bowl, tossing them well so every bite gets evenly coated with flavor.

Step 2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear half the steak pieces until they’re beautifully browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Betty’s tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the meat will steam instead of sear.

Step 3. Repeat the searing process with the remaining tablespoon of oil and the rest of the steak, then transfer all the browned pieces to your 6-quart crockpot.

Step 4. I’ve learned that layering the sliced onions and garlic directly on top of the steak helps their flavors meld beautifully as everything slow cooks together.

Step 5. Pour the beef stock evenly over the steak and vegetables, then sprinkle the au jus gravy mix on top. No need to stir it in yet, as it will incorporate during cooking.

Step 6. Lay those thin butter slices evenly across the top of everything in the crockpot. As they melt, they’ll create the most luscious sauce.

Step 7. Cover your crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Through trial and error, I learned that LOW gives you the most tender results if you have the time.

Step 8. After years of making this, I always give everything a gentle stir before serving and add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that restaurant-quality presentation.

Keeping This Recipe Fresh

I typically store leftover crockpot steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day. Betty’s storage method keeps the meat submerged in the au jus sauce, which prevents it from drying out and maintains that tender texture.

For longer storage, these steak bites freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I portion them into freezer-safe containers with plenty of the sauce, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Betty’s freezing method works well because the au jus protects the meat from freezer burn and keeps everything moist when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

For the best texture, I reheat these steak bites gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 8 to 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, but the stovetop method keeps the meat more tender. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for even heating.

Perfect Partners for Crockpot Steak Bites

Creamy mashed potatoes are my go-to pairing because they soak up all that incredible au jus sauce. The combination of buttery potatoes and savory gravy is pure comfort food magic. If you’re looking for another delicious potato option, try my creamy scalloped potatoes.

Buttered egg noodles create a classic steakhouse presentation and provide the perfect vehicle for every drop of that rich sauce. The wide noodles catch the gravy beautifully.

Roasted green beans add a fresh, crispy contrast to the tender steak and rich sauce. I toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Crusty French bread is essential for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. Betty always says wasting good gravy is a kitchen crime!

Simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the steak bites and adds a refreshing element to round out the meal.

Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts bring a slightly bitter, caramelized flavor that balances the buttery richness of the dish, especially during fall and winter months. For another great beef and vegetable combination, check out my garlic steak bites and potatoes.

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