If you’re a fan of juicy, flavorful beef and hands-off cooking, then you’re going to absolutely flip for my Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a total cheat because you just set it and forget it, but what comes out is pure magic—tender steak bites swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that my family seriously can’t get enough of. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend comfort food, this recipe has become my go-to when I want something classic yet effortlessly delicious. Let’s dive right in so you can make this at home, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: You sear the steak quickly to get that deep flavor, then slow cooker magic does the rest.
- Ultimate Tenderness: Slow cooking breaks down the sirloin so it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender without drying out.
- Garlic Butter Goodness: The combination of butter, garlic, and au jus gravy gives you a rich sauce that’s irresistible.
- Family Favorite: This dish has become a regular request at our dinner table because it’s just that good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in perfect harmony—you’ve got tender sirloin for great texture, sweet onion and garlic to build flavor, and that unbeatable butter and au jus combo for lusciousness. Just a heads-up: getting quality sirloin makes a massive difference here, so pick a nice cut from your butcher or grocery.
- Sirloin steak: I recommend trimming any excess fat, then cutting into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the steak so the flavor shines through.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to add a little heat and depth.
- Vegetable oil: Use a high smoke point oil to get that perfect sear without burning.
- Sweet onion: Thinly sliced to mellow out with slow cooking and add sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Thin slices release maximum flavor throughout the dish.
- Unsalted beef stock: Adds richness and helps create a delicious sauce base.
- Au jus gravy mix: This secret weapon amps up savory flavor without extra fuss.
- Unsalted butter: Sliced thin so it melts evenly and coats the steak in garlic butter goodness.
Variations
I love that this Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking or dietary needs. I’ve played around with it enough to know which changes hit that perfect balance.
- Spicy Kick: One time, I added crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, and my family couldn’t get enough of the subtle spice that complemented the buttery sauce.
- Mushroom Addition: Toss in sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist that’s perfect in fall and winter.
- Low-Sodium Version: Swap out the au jus gravy mix for a homemade low-sodium beef broth and adjust salt accordingly to keep it heart-healthy.
- Paleo Friendly: Use ghee instead of butter and make sure your beef stock doesn’t contain additives to suit paleo diets.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear Your Steak Bites
Start by seasoning those sirloin steak pieces liberally with kosher salt and black pepper—don’t hold back here because this is where the foundation of your flavor begins. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your vegetable oil. You want the pan nice and hot before you add the steak so you get a good sear—think golden brown edges, not grey steam. I like to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and stewing the meat. You’re not cooking the steak through at this point, just developing flavor and color.
Step 2: Layer Flavors in Your Slow Cooker
Once your steak bites are beautifully browned, transfer them to your slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic on top—they’ll soften and infuse the meat with their lovely aroma all day long. Next, pour in your beef stock and sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over everything. Finally, lay thin slices of unsalted butter across the top—it’s going to melt into a dreamy garlic butter sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. The difference in timing gives you a little flexibility depending on your day. If you can, give it a gentle stir once an hour to help those flavors mingle even better, but it’s totally fine if you forget—this recipe is pretty forgiving. The end result should be tender, juicy steak bites bathed in that flavorful garlic butter sauce that literally makes my mouth water every time.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Batch Searing: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing to avoid steaming your steak—this step is key for deep flavor.
- Slice Butter Thin: Thin slices melt evenly and coat the steak bites beautifully without clumps of butter.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Thinly sliced fresh garlic gives a sweeter, more aromatic flavor than minced or powdered garlic.
- Avoid Overcooking: Check your slow cooker a bit early if possible; overcooking can make steak bites a bit dry, which defeats the point of this recipe’s tenderness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving—it adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the garlic butter. Sometimes I throw a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if we’re in the mood. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens things up nicely if you want a little zest.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this are classic mashed potatoes—they soak up all that buttery sauce perfectly. Egg noodles tossed with a bit of butter and parsley also make a wonderful companion. If you want something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp salad pair beautifully to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving these steak bites over creamy polenta or even a bed of risotto—it turns it into a fancy, comforting meal that guests rave about. Another fun way is to pop the steak bites on skewers for a casual appetizer style, perfect for game day or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that chilling them allows the flavors to deepen even more, which is a nice bonus. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the steak tender.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these steak bites successfully by portioning them into freezer bags or airtight containers. When properly sealed, they’ll keep well for 2 to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep that luscious garlic butter sauce intact, I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the best texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or flank steak. Just adjust cooking times slightly since tougher cuts might take a bit longer to become tender in the slow cooker.
-
Do I have to sear the steak before slow cooking?
While you technically can skip the searing, I don’t recommend it because searing locks in flavor and gives steak bites that beautiful brown crust. It makes a noticeable difference in the final taste and aroma of the dish.
-
How long can I leave the steak bites in the slow cooker?
For best results, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Any longer and the steak may start to dry out or become mushy. If your schedule demands more time, try using a warm setting after the cooking time completes to keep it ready without overcooking.
-
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when layering the ingredients in the slow cooker, or sprinkle some on top before serving to give it a nice heat boost.
-
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
This recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even a simple green vegetable. The buttery sauce serves as a perfect gravy to any of these sides.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making my busy days easier, while I get to enjoy tender, buttery steak bites that feel something special. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a warm, comforting crowd-pleaser that I’m sure will become just as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and bursting with rich garlic butter flavor. This fix-it-and-forget-it meal features bite-sized sirloin steak pieces seared to perfection, then slow-cooked with sweet onions, garlic, beef stock, and au jus gravy mix. The result is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Searing
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more)
Slow Cooker Add-ins
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup unsalted beef stock
- 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Season the Steak: Place the sirloin steak pieces into a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly seasoned.
- Brown the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is very hot, sear the steak pieces in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides but not cooked through. Add more oil as needed to prevent sticking. This step enhances flavor with a nice crust.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared steak to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic, gently stirring to combine. Pour in the unsalted beef stock, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top, and lay the thinly sliced butter over everything.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. For best results, stir the mixture once every hour if possible to evenly distribute flavors and ensure thorough cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the steak bites are tender and flavorful, serve them hot with your choice of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- This is a great set-it-and-forget-it recipe, perfect for busy days.
- Searing the steak before slow cooking boosts flavor and texture.
- Use the au jus gravy mix to deepen the savory flavor in the slow cooker.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking helps meld flavors and prevents sticking.
- Pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 756 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 119 mg
