Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites turn affordable sirloin into restaurant-quality tender beef that practically melts on your fork. I remember the first time I made these for a Sunday gathering at the farm, my grandmother stood by the slow cooker, lifting the lid to breathe in that rich, garlicky aroma, and declared it reminded her of the fancy steakhouse in town, except we were making it right here in our own kitchen.

There’s something wonderfully forgiving about cooking steak this way. Back in my younger days, I’d spend precious time hovering over a hot skillet, worried about overcooking expensive cuts of meat. But this slow cooker method changed everything. The beef simmers gently for hours in buttery juices infused with fresh garlic, becoming so tender you barely need a knife. It’s the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights feel special. You do a bit of work up front, then let the crock pot work its magic while you go about your day. By dinner time, your kitchen smells absolutely divine, and you’ve got a hearty meal that feels like you fussed, even though you didn’t. Time to get that slow cooker ready.

Why Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Belong in Your Recipe Box

I’ve always believed the best recipes are the ones you can count on when life gets hectic, and these steak bites have earned their permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. After years of feeding a hungry family, I’ve learned that certain dishes just deliver without demanding too much from you, and this is absolutely one of them.

Here’s what makes this recipe work so beautifully:

• Uses affordable sirloin steak that becomes incredibly tender through slow cooking, so you’re not spending a fortune on premium cuts
• Requires just 15-20 minutes of active prep work before the slow cooker takes over for hours
• Creates a naturally rich, buttery sauce from simple ingredients that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
• Adapts easily to whatever sides you have on hand, like mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles
• Stores beautifully for meal prep, making it perfect for Sunday cooking that carries you through the week
• Delivers consistent results every single time, which matters when you’re counting on dinner to be ready

My children always requested these steak bites when they came home from college, and now my grandchildren ask for them too. That’s the sign of a keeper recipe.

What Goes Into This Recipe

Sirloin steak forms the heart of this dish, and I always choose cuts with a bit of marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. After hours in the slow cooker, even more affordable sirloin becomes fork-tender and juicy.

Coarse salt and black pepper season the meat simply but effectively, and I’ve learned that freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Don’t skip the generous seasoning before searing.

Vegetable oil provides the high heat tolerance needed for proper searing, which creates that beautiful caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish. I keep mine right by the stove for quick access.

Sweet onion adds natural sweetness and breaks down into the sauce during cooking, creating extra flavor complexity. In my kitchen, I prefer Vidalia or Walla Walla onions when they’re in season.

Fresh garlic cloves are absolutely essential here, this is where the signature flavor comes from. I always slice them thinly so they distribute throughout the sauce and infuse every bite with that wonderful garlic butter taste.

Beef stock creates the base of your sauce and adds rich, savory depth to the Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Using unsalted stock gives you better control over the final seasoning.

Au jus mix intensifies that beefy flavor and helps thicken the sauce slightly as it cooks. Betty always kept a few packets in her pantry for recipes just like this one.

Unsalted butter finishes the sauce with silky richness and carries all those garlic flavors throughout the dish. I cut mine into pats so it melts evenly over the top during cooking.

How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 1. I’ve learned that properly seasoning the steak before anything else makes all the difference. Place your 3 pounds of cubed sirloin in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until every piece is well coated.

Step 2. Betty always emphasized the importance of a good sear, so heat your large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until it shimmers, then add the steak in batches (never crowding the pan) and brown each piece on the outside without cooking through.

Step 3. Transfer all your beautifully seared steak pieces to your 6-quart slow cooker, then add the thinly sliced sweet onion and 3 cloves of sliced garlic, giving everything a gentle stir to distribute the aromatics.

Step 4. After years of making this, I discovered that layering the liquids properly matters. Pour in 1 cup of beef stock, sprinkle the au jus mix evenly over the top, then arrange those 4 tablespoons of butter pats across the surface.

Step 5. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, stirring once every hour if you’re home to ensure everything cooks evenly and the flavors meld together.

Step 6. Betty’s tip: check the meat after the minimum cooking time by testing a piece. It should be fork-tender but not falling apart completely. The key I discovered is not to overcook, which can happen if you leave it too long.

Step 7. Serve these tender Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites over your choice of mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles, making sure to spoon plenty of that incredible garlic butter sauce over everything.

Keeping This Recipe Fresh

I typically store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. The meat actually continues to absorb the flavors as it sits, so day-two leftovers often taste even better than the original meal. Make sure to include plenty of that buttery sauce in your storage container, it keeps the meat moist and delicious. Through years of meal prepping, I’ve found that dividing the leftovers into individual portions makes weekday lunches incredibly easy.

Betty’s freezing method works beautifully for these steak bites if you want to make a double batch. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of space at the top for expansion, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing quality. I always label mine with the date and what sides I’d recommend serving them with, which my future self always appreciates when I’m planning dinner.

For the best texture, I reheat by warming the steak bites slowly in a covered pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, just use short 30-second bursts to avoid tough, overcooked meat. If the sauce seems thicker after storage, add a splash of beef broth when reheating to bring back that silky consistency. My family prefers when I reheat on the stovetop because it maintains that tender texture we all love.

Perfect Partners for Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Creamy mashed potatoes are Betty’s go-to pairing because they soak up all that rich garlic butter sauce beautifully. The smooth, buttery texture complements the tender beef perfectly, creating comfort food at its finest.

Fluffy white or brown rice offers a lighter option that still captures every drop of sauce. I often make a big pot on Sunday and use it throughout the week with these steak bites for easy lunches.

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color, nutrition, and a slight crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, tender meat. Toss them with olive oil and garlic for extra flavor harmony.

Cauliflower mash has become my preferred low-carb alternative when I’m watching my intake. It’s creamy enough to work with the sauce but keeps the meal lighter. You’d be surprised how satisfying it is.

Garden salad with blue cheese dressing brings a fresh, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the buttery steak. The crisp lettuce and bold dressing create nice balance on your plate.

Sautéed mushrooms make an excellent topping because their earthy flavor pairs naturally with beef and garlic. Betty would often cook them in the same skillet she used for searing the steak, picking up all those flavorful bits. If you love mushrooms with your steak, try my Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Mushrooms for another delicious variation.

Egg noodles with butter create a classic pairing that’s simple but satisfying. The wide noodles catch the sauce perfectly, and the kids always clean their plates when I serve them this way. For more comforting pasta dishes, my Buttery Steak Tortellini is another family favorite.

FAQs

Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Tender chunks of sirloin beef slow cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This hands-off recipe delivers restaurant-quality steak bites perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lb sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tsp coarse salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small sweet onion thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted beef stock
• 1 oz au jus mix
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pats

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• large skillet
• Large mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Place 3 pounds of sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes into a large bowl. Season with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to get hot and shimmering. Add the steak pieces in batches to the skillet, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear each batch to brown the exterior, adding more oil if necessary. You are only browning the steak for color and flavor, not cooking it through.
3. Transfer the seared steak pieces to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 small sweet onion thinly sliced and 3 cloves of garlic thinly sliced. Gently stir the ingredients together to distribute evenly.
4. Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle a 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix over the top. Finish by laying 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into pats across the surface.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Stir once an hour if possible to ensure even cooking and proper flavor distribution.
6. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time. The steak should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Serve the steak bites and sauce over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy rice.

Notes

For best results, use sirloin, chuck roast, or top round. Trim excess fat and cut meat into evenly-sized cubes. Don’t skip the searing step as it creates flavor and locks in juices. Don’t crowd the pan during browning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.