There is nothing quite as comforting and flavorful as a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth steak dish, and this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is exactly that and so much more. Imagine tender, juicy cubes of sirloin or ribeye slowly cooked to perfection in a rich blend of savory broth, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re after a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends without fuss, this recipe turns basic ingredients into a show-stopping meal that feels luxurious yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the relatively short list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and color that makes these steak bites truly shine. From the hearty beef to the fragrant herbs and bold sauces, every component comes together beautifully in the crockpot.
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye: Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy, tender bites that stay flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in optionally searing the steak, adding a rich caramelized flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful base aroma to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that distinctive garlicky kick that pairs wonderfully with beef.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Provides depth and richness, tying together all the ingredients.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Introduces a savory umami note crucial for seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances flavor complexity with tangy, meaty undertones.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle sweet acidity for extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a fragrant, pine-like aroma that complements beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers gentle herbal warmth balancing the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce if you prefer a heartier gravy.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright and fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of herbal brightness.
How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by cutting your sirloin or ribeye into bite-sized cubes—this step ensures every piece is perfectly manageable and delivers maximum flavor in each mouthful. Be sure to pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel before seasoning liberally with salt and pepper; this simple touch helps the meat brown better if you sear it later and builds a foundation for all the delicious flavors to come.
Step 2: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the steak cubes for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This seals in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized crust that enriches the final dish tremendously. Don’t worry if you’re short on time—you can skip this step, but it does elevate your stew-like bites to the next level.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the seared steak cubes (or raw if you skipped searing) into the crockpot. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, optional balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and paprika. This flavorful lineup is like a symphony of tastes ready to meld together into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot
Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the steak chunks perfectly while allowing the savory sauce to develop a deep, rich flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
Step 5: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker sauce to coat your steak bites, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a simple slurry and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve. This little trick will give you a luscious gravy that clings beautifully to each bite.
Step 6: Serve
When the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, spoon the delicious steak bites onto plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and get ready to enjoy a meal that tastes like it took hours of fuss but actually didn’t.
How to Serve Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch. It adds a pop of vibrant green color and a mild herbal note that lifts the richness of the dish. You can also sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added shine and taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles to soak up every last drop of the savory sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or carrots provide a nice textural contrast and bring fresh brightness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual but impressive presentation, serve your crockpot steak bites over freshly toasted garlic bread or in warm tortillas with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a fun twist. Another idea is plating them atop a bed of sautéed mushrooms or creamy polenta to truly showcase the dish’s rich flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crockpot steak bites keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors develop even further as it rests, making the next day’s meal incredibly satisfying and quick to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the steak bites for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool them completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Labeling with the date helps ensure you enjoy them at their best.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave using short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast or even flank steak cut into cubes. Just keep in mind that thicker or tougher cuts might require longer cooking times to become tender.
Is it necessary to sear the steak before placing it in the crockpot?
It’s not required, but searing adds a wonderful depth of flavor through caramelization. If you’re pressed for time, feel free to skip this step and still enjoy a delicious meal, though seared steak bites do taste slightly richer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check that Worcestershire sauce doesn’t contain gluten, or use a gluten-free version to keep the dish safe.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot and cook for another 30 minutes. This will thicken the sauce nicely without altering flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. Prepare everything in advance, then slow cook on the day of your event. It frees you up and impresses guests with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, fuss-free dish that delivers juicy tenderness with bold savory notes, this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the ease and pure deliciousness it brings to your table. So grab your crockpot and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
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Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Steak Bites recipe offers tender, flavorful cubes of sirloin or ribeye cooked slowly in a savory blend of beef broth, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner, the slow cooking method ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak bites infused with rich flavors. Optional searing before slow cooking adds an extra depth of flavor, while a cornstarch slurry can thicken the sauce to your liking. Serve garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Thickener and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes. Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel and season them evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Steak (Optional): For extra depth of flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but recommended for a richer taste.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the seared steak cubes (or raw cubes if skipping searing) into the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and paprika.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Stir all ingredients to combine well. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors are fully developed.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it thicken.
- Serve: Once the cooking is complete and the sauce has thickened to your preference, serve the steak bites with the sauce spooned over. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Searing the steak before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs according to your taste preferences.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and only needed if you want a thicker sauce.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
