If you’re looking for an easy dinner that turns budget-friendly beef into something truly special, these Crockpot Steak Bites are about to become your new favorite. I remember the first time I made steak in my slow cooker. I was skeptical that it would turn out tender without the grill, but one bite of those buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pieces proved me wrong.
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of garlic, butter, and savory au jus gravy filling your kitchen. This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s farm, where she’d slow-cook tougher cuts of beef until they were so tender you could cut them with a fork. She taught me that patience and low heat can transform even the most inexpensive meat into something restaurant-worthy. These steak bites capture that same comforting magic: bite-sized pieces of beef swimming in rich gravy, perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. The best part? You just dump everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Time to get that slow cooker ready!
Why These Crockpot Steak Bites Belong in Your Recipe Box
I’ve been making these steak bites for years, and they’ve saved me on countless busy weeknights when I wanted something hearty but didn’t have the energy to stand over a hot grill. What makes this crockpot steak recipe so reliable is how it transforms affordable cuts of beef into tender, juicy bites that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Uses pantry staples you likely have: beef stock, butter, onions, and garlic
- Comes together in 15 minutes of prep on busy evenings
- Delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time thanks to low and slow cooking that breaks down tough fibers
- Creates a rich au jus gravy that’s absolutely incredible over mashed potatoes
- Adapts easily to dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps
- Kid-friendly presentation with bite-sized pieces that are easy for little ones to enjoy
- Freezer-friendly convenience makes it perfect for meal prep and those nights when cooking feels impossible
After making this recipe dozens of times for family gatherings, I’ve learned that even the pickiest eaters clean their plates. The set-it-and-forget-it convenience means you can start dinner in the morning and come home to a meal that tastes like you’ve been tending it all day.
What Goes Into These Crockpot Steak Bites
Sirloin steak forms the foundation of this dish, and I always choose sirloin for its balance of flavor and affordability, though chuck roast or beef stew meat works beautifully when you want even more budget-friendly options.
Onion adds natural sweetness and depth to the au jus gravy as it slowly caramelizes during the long cooking time.
Garlic brings that aromatic punch that makes your whole house smell incredible. I prefer fresh garlic sliced thin so it melts into the sauce.
Beef stock creates the base for our rich gravy, and I always use unsalted broth so I can control the seasoning without it becoming too salty.
Au jus gravy mix is the secret weapon here, providing concentrated beefy flavor and helping to thicken the sauce into that gorgeous, glossy gravy we’re after.
Butter makes everything richer and more luxurious. Those thin slices melt into the sauce and give the steak bites an almost steakhouse-quality finish.
Olive oil is essential for searing the meat before it goes into the crockpot, creating that flavorful brown crust that adds so much depth to the final dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper season the beef perfectly, and I always use kosher salt because those larger granules distribute more evenly than table salt.
How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites
Step 1. I’ve found that starting with evenly sized cubes is crucial. Cut your sirloin steak into 1-inch pieces and season them well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl, tossing until every piece is coated.
Step 2. Betty always taught me never to skip the searing step, so heat your skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and brown the steak bites in batches for 2 to 3 minutes total, making sure not to overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of developing that beautiful crust.
Step 3. Transfer all those gorgeous seared steak bites into your 6 to 8 quart slow cooker, creating an even layer across the bottom.
Step 4. Toss the sliced onions and minced garlic right on top of the beef. They’ll soften and sweeten as everything cooks together.
Step 5. Pour the beef stock over the steak, then sprinkle that au jus gravy packet evenly across the surface so it distributes throughout the dish.
Step 6. Lay those butter slices over the top of everything, and trust me, this is what creates that incredibly rich sauce.
Step 7. Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. I prefer the low setting because it produces the most tender results every time.
Step 8. After years of making this, I’ve discovered that stirring every 30 minutes if you’re home helps distribute the flavors, but it’s not essential if you’re away at work.
Step 9. The steak should be fork-tender when done, practically falling apart when you test it, which means those tough muscle fibers have completely broken down.
Step 10. Taste the gravy and adjust your seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving those beautiful crockpot steak bites over your favorite side.
Keeping These Steak Bites Fresh
I typically store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, and honestly, they taste even better the next day once those flavors have had time to meld together. The au jus gravy thickens slightly in the fridge, which makes for an even richer reheating experience.
Betty’s freezing method works wonderfully for this recipe. Portion the cooled steak bites and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. I like to freeze them in meal-sized portions so I can thaw just what we need. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
For the best texture, I reheat by warming gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, or even put them back in the slow cooker on low for an hour. If the gravy seems too thick after storing, just add a splash of beef broth to thin it out. The key is reheating slowly so the steak stays tender and doesn’t become tough.
Perfect Partners for Crockpot Steak Bites
Creamy mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite pairing because that rich au jus gravy is practically begging to be soaked up by fluffy potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination that reminds me of Sunday dinners.
Buttered egg noodles provide a classic, simple base that lets the savory steak bites shine while catching every drop of that delicious sauce.
Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, tender meat and help balance the meal with some vegetables.
Crusty artisan bread or dinner rolls are essential for mopping up every last bit of gravy from your plate. In my kitchen, we never let that liquid gold go to waste.
Cauliflower rice makes this a fantastic low-carb option when you want all the flavor without the extra carbohydrates, and it still absorbs that beautiful gravy.
A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the beef and butter, making for a well-rounded meal. If you’re looking for more side inspiration, try pairing with easy baked potato soup for an extra hearty spread.
FAQs
I recommend searing for the best flavor, but yes, you can skip it if you’re rushed. The steak bites will still turn out tender, just without that deep, caramelized crust that adds so much richness to the gravy.
Many home cooks find success with sirloin, chuck roast, round steak, or even beef stew meat. Betty’s solution is to choose whatever’s on sale since the slow cooking process tenderizes even tougher cuts beautifully.
To prevent this issue, make sure you’re cooking on low heat for the full time and not lifting the lid too often, which releases heat and extends cooking time. The low and slow method is what breaks down those tough fibers.
Crockpot Steak Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with half the olive oil. Working in batches, sear the steak bites on all sides until nicely browned, about 2 to 3 minutes total. Add more oil between batches as needed.
- Transfer all seared steak bites to a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker, tossing with the steak bites.
- Pour the beef stock over the steak and sprinkle the au jus gravy packet evenly over the top.
- Lay the butter slices over the top of everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Stir every 30 minutes if possible. The steak should be fork-tender when done.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
