Crockpot Steak Bites have been my family’s go-to comfort food for years. There’s just something so satisfying about those tender, flavorful bites of beef, cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. I can still remember the first time I made this recipe – the aroma filled the house and had everyone gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting their share of the Crockpot Steak Bites. It’s become a tradition that we look forward to every few weeks, and it’s just one of those meals that brings us all together.
Table of Contents
Why This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites
The secret to this Crockpot Steak Bites recipe is in the combination of spices and the slow-cooking method. By letting the beef simmer away in the crockpot for 4 hours, it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. This recipe yields 6 servings, so there’s plenty to go around and satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key ingredients that make these Crockpot Steak Bites so irresistible are:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients are the building blocks for the mouthwatering Crockpot Steak Bites that you and your family will love.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Steak Bites Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Steak Bites
This recipe takes 250 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 240 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a slow cooker or crockpot to make these Crockpot Steak Bites.
1- Start by cutting the beef sirloin into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed beef into the crockpot.
2- Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated.
3- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4- After 4 hours, the Crockpot Steak Bites should be beautifully tender and the sauce should have thickened up nicely.
5- Give the Crockpot Steak Bites a final stir to coat the beef in the sauce.
6- Serve the Crockpot Steak Bites hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For best results, use a high-quality beef sirloin. The slow cooking process will make the meat incredibly tender.
- Don’t be tempted to open the crockpot lid too often, as this can extend the cooking time.
- If the sauce seems too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it up.
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Steak Bites
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Steak Bites
These Crockpot Steak Bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them over mashed potatoes, with a side of roasted vegetables, or alongside a fresh green salad. This recipe makes 6 servings, with each serving being 1 cup, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Crockpot Steak Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also make this recipe ahead of time. Simply assemble the ingredients in the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, just turn the crockpot on and let it do its thing for 4 hours. This makes for an easy and stress-free dinner any night of the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Steak Bites
Creative Crockpot Steak Bites Variations
While this classic Crockpot Steak Bites recipe is hard to beat, you can easily switch things up by trying different seasonings or adding in additional vegetables. For a Southwestern twist, try adding some chili powder, cumin, and diced bell peppers. Or, for a more savory version, you could swap the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce and add some sliced mushrooms.
Making Crockpot Steak Bites Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can use leaner cuts of beef, such as top round or eye of round, instead of the sirloin. You can also reduce the amount of oil used or opt for a low-sodium beef broth. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly adaptation, serve the Crockpot Steak Bites over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef besides sirloin?
A: Absolutely! While sirloin is the recommended cut for this recipe, you can use other tender beef cuts like chuck roast or top round. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the end result will still be delicious.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 cup.
Q: Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely prepare the Crockpot Steak Bites in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, just turn on the crockpot and let it do its thing for 4 hours.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If the sauce seems a bit thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce thicken up nicely.
Crockpot Steak Bites
- Total Time: 250
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Tender, juicy bites of steak slow-cooked in a delicious, savory-sweet sauce – the perfect easy appetizer or snack for the whole family to enjoy!
Ingredients
– 2 lbs beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes, soy sauce, honey, garlic, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat the steak evenly.
2. 2. Transfer the steak mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is very tender.
3. 3. Remove the steak bites from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can also add diced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker. These Crockpot Steak Bites are delicious served on their own as an appetizer, or over rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Crockpot Steak Bites are the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and easy preparation make it a winner every time. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy!