Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, flavorful morsels perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With a rich garlic butter sauce and savory au jus gravy, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or noodles.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more)
- 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
- Step 1: Place the sirloin steak pieces into a large bowl and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the meat.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is very hot, sear the steak pieces in batches until browned on the outside, but not fully cooked. Add more oil if needed.
- Step 3: Transfer the browned steak to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic, then gently stir to combine.
- Step 4: Pour the beef stock over the steak mixture. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly on top, then lay the slices of butter over everything.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Stir the mixture once every hour if possible.
- Step 6: Serve the steak bites hot alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use sirloin or any other tender steak cut to ensure tender results after slow cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- If you prefer more sauce, increase the beef stock by ½ cup.
- Brown the steak pieces well to develop a deeper flavor through caramelization.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of beef stock when reheating to loosen it up.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other tender cuts like ribeye or strip steak. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to cook it longer to break down the connective tissue.
Can I skip searing the steak before slow cooking?
Searing adds flavor and color but can be skipped for convenience. The final dish may have less depth of flavor without browning the meat first.
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe features tender sirloin steak pieces seared to perfection, then slow-cooked with sweet onions, garlic, beef stock, and au jus gravy mix for a rich and flavorful dish. Perfect for an easy dinner served alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes depending on slow cooker setting
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more)
- 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 3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, into a large bowl. Season with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper, then toss to combine thoroughly.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Allow the pan to get very hot, then add the steak pieces in batches to brown them. Sear each batch without cooking through, aiming to develop a nice color. Add more oil if necessary during searing.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer all seared steak pieces to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 small thinly sliced sweet onion and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock evenly over the steak and onions. Sprinkle a 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix over the top. Lay 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, thinly sliced, evenly across the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Stir the mixture once every hour if possible to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the garlic butter steak bites hot alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve a good sear on the steak.
- You can substitute sirloin with other tender steak cuts like ribeye or strip steak.
- Ensure the slow cooker is large enough (6-quart recommended) to avoid overcrowding the steak bites.
- Stirring occasionally during slow cooking helps prevent scorching and blends flavors well.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt, since beef stock and au jus mix add saltiness.
- This recipe pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice.
Keywords: slow cooker steak bites, garlic butter steak, easy slow cooker recipes, sirloin steak slow cooker, comforting steak dinner
