Crockpot garlic butter steak bites are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that transforms affordable stew meat into restaurant-quality comfort food. I’ve been making this recipe for over a decade, and it never fails to impress my family with its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of garlic and butter wafting from the kitchen. This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s farmhouse, where she’d slow-cook tough cuts of beef until they became tender enough to cut with a fork. The beauty of these crockpot garlic butter steak bites lies in their simplicity – much like my Crockpot Breakfast Recipes, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The stew meat becomes incredibly tender while soaking up every bit of that savory garlic butter sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
This recipe has been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years, especially during those hectic weeknights when everyone’s hungry but time is short. What started as an experiment with leftover stew meat has become one of my family’s most requested comfort food dinners.
Easy set-and-forget cooking that fits any busy schedule
Transforms inexpensive stew meat into tender, flavorful bites
Rich garlic butter sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over sides
Family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters love
Versatile enough to serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
Budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
Ingredient Note List
Stew meat: I always choose well-marbled stew meat because the fat renders during slow cooking, keeping the meat juicy and adding incredible flavor to the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the salt content, and I prefer it because it creates a cleaner, richer taste in the final dish.
Fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference in this recipe – it becomes sweet and mellow during the long cooking process, infusing the entire dish with aromatic flavor.
Onion soup mix: This secret ingredient adds layers of savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally as it cooks with the beef juices.
Beef broth: A small amount of beef broth prevents the sauce from becoming too thick and adds extra meaty depth to complement the stew meat.
Worcestershire sauce: I never skip this ingredient because it adds that perfect umami punch – similar to how I use it in my BBQ Burger recipe for deep flavor.
Salt and pepper: Proper seasoning at the beginning is crucial for building flavor throughout the cooking process, so don’t be shy with these basics.
How to Cook Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1. I always start by generously seasoning the stew meat with salt and pepper on all sides – this builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
Step 2. If you have time, sear the meat in a hot skillet until browned on all sides – this technique also works beautifully with my Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry, though you can skip this step when you’re really pressed for time.
Step 3. Place all the seasoned meat into your slow cooker, making sure the pieces aren’t overcrowded so they cook evenly.
Step 4. In a small mixing bowl, I combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce – this creates the magic sauce that transforms everything.
Step 5. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the meat, using a spoon to make sure every piece gets coated with the flavorful sauce.
Step 6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4 hours – my grandmother always said patience is the key to tender meat, and she was absolutely right.
Step 7. When the cooking time is up, gently stir the crockpot garlic butter steak bites to coat them in the rich sauce that’s developed during cooking.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover crockpot garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better overnight, making this perfect for meal prep – just like my Chicken Bites Recipe that also improves with time.
For longer storage, these steak bites freeze beautifully when wrapped tightly in freezer bags for up to 3 months. I like to portion them into family-sized servings before freezing, which makes weeknight dinners even easier.
When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to restore the sauce consistency. You can also use the microwave, but cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the meat from drying out.
Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a weeknight lifesaver – tender, juicy chunks of beef slowly simmered in a buttery garlic sauce. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, perfect for beginners and busy families.
Season the stew meat generously with salt and pepper.
Optional: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the meat on all sides until browned for extra flavor.
Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion soup mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the meat, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until meat is tender and flavorful.
Stir gently before serving to coat meat in the garlic butter sauce.
Notes
Searing the meat is optional but adds a deeper, caramelized flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste, and avoid adding too much broth – the sauce should coat, not drown. Perfect with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
BBQ Baked Potato: The fluffy, starchy interior of a perfectly baked potato creates the ideal base for soaking up every drop of that rich garlic butter sauce from the steak bites.
Buttered Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles tossed with butter create a cozy, homestyle presentation that reminds me of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house – try my Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles for noodle inspiration.
Roasted Green Vegetables: The slight char and crisp texture of roasted broccoli or green beans provides a perfect contrast to the tender, rich steak bites, adding both nutrition and color to your plate.
Crusty Dinner Rolls: Fresh bread is essential for mopping up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce – trust me, you won’t want to waste a bit.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dip: This creamy, tangy dip pairs surprisingly well with the rich steak bites and doubles as a perfect vegetable dip for a complete meal.
Family-Style Comfort Food: For a heartier meal, serve alongside Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes to create a comforting, slow-cooked feast that feeds a crowd.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is budget-friendly and perfect for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks or even sirloin if you want a more premium result – check out my Skirt Steak Tacos for another great way to use quality steak cuts.
How many calories are in crockpot garlic butter steak bites?
Each serving contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on portion size, with about 25-30 grams of protein, making this a satisfying and relatively healthy comfort food option.
Are crockpot garlic butter steak bites healthy for you?
Yes, this recipe provides high-quality protein and can be part of a balanced diet when served with vegetables and whole grains, plus the slow cooking method preserves nutrients.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce seems watery after cooking, remove the lid and let it cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
