If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, then this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy cubes of sirloin or ribeye soaked in a rich, savory sauce made from garlic, soy, and herbs, slowly cooked to perfection in the crockpot until they practically melt in your mouth. It combines simplicity with bold flavor, making it perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal waiting for you, without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try these steak bites, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the meat with herbs to adding layers of savory, umami goodness that elevate the dish to mouthwatering perfection.
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites that cook evenly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sear the steak beautifully if you choose to brown the meat first.
- 1 onion, chopped: Builds a natural sweetness and depth when slow-cooked with the steak.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that amplifies the savory profile of the dish.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Provides the perfect liquid base to keep everything moist and tender while infusing rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Brings an essential salty, umami kick that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its tangy, slightly sweet notes.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for extra depth of flavor): Enhances the dish with a subtle acidity and sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Infuses the meat with a gently piney, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy undertones that work beautifully with the rosemary and beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness to round out the taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Perfect for achieving a luscious, clingy sauce at the end of cooking.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant green pop that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Begin by cutting your sirloin or ribeye into bite-sized cubes—this helps the flavors penetrate evenly while cooking. Patting the meat dry with a paper towel is a small step but it makes a big difference, allowing the steak to sear better if you choose to brown it and preventing excess moisture from diluting the sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out the best in the beef.
Step 2: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak cubes in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. This step isn’t mandatory but trust me, it intensifies the flavor and creates a lovely crust that adds texture. Plus, it releases caramelized bits that boost the sauce’s richness. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip directly to the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Transfer the seared (or raw) steak cubes into your crockpot. Layer in the chopped onions, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and paprika. Each ingredient works in harmony to create that deep, well-rounded flavor Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe is loved for, marrying earthiness, saltiness, and a hint of sweet tang.
Step 4: Slowly Cook to Tender Perfection
Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors, pop the lid on, and set your crockpot to low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Patience is key here. The slow cooking process is what makes the steak bites tender and juicy while allowing the sauce to deepen and thicken naturally.
Step 5: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it bubble away until the sauce coats your steak bites beautifully. This is a great trick to elevate the texture without adding extra fat or flour.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once your steak bites are tender and enveloped in that rich sauce, it’s time to plate. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a vibrant color contrast but also injects a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here, offering a bright pop of green and a subtle peppery freshness. If you want to get creative, a handful of thinly sliced green onions or a few red pepper flakes can add a spicy touch. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving also lifts the flavors, adding a zesty kick that balances the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
These steak bites shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve them alongside buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice for an easy and satisfying meal. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a casual dinner? Skewer the steak bites and serve with dipping sauces for a fun, interactive appetizer. For a cozy family dinner, pile the steak bites over garlic mashed potatoes and finish with a drizzle of the sauce and fresh herbs. You could even toss the bites with sautéed mushrooms and onions for a hearty steak and mushroom skillet inspired by this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce helps keep the steak moist, so reheated bites remain tender and flavorful. Be sure to cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain best texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a later date, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled steak bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They will keep well frozen for up to 3 months, making them perfect for quick meals when you don’t want to cook from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat leftover steak bites gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent the meat from toughening. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave them covered in short bursts, stirring well in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are great because they’re tender and flavorful, but other cuts like flank steak or strip steak can work too. Just be mindful that tougher cuts might need longer cooking times to become tender.
Is searing the steak really necessary?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a beautiful caramelized crust that intensifies the flavor and gives the dish a richer taste. However, if you’re short on time, cooking the steak directly in the crockpot still yields delicious results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect dish for gluten sensitivities.
How thick should the sauce be at the end?
The sauce should be saucy enough to coat the steak bites nicely without being too runny. If it’s thinner than you like, simply stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes to thicken it up to your preferred consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Definitely! Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even baby carrots can enhance the dish with more textures and flavors. Just keep in mind that vegetables may release water, which could slightly dilute the sauce, so adjust seasoning or thicken if needed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels special but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or feeding friends on the weekend, these tender, flavor-packed steak bites are sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try, and prepare for a flood of compliments and requests to make it again!
Print
Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful Crockpot Steak Bites slow-cooked to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a savory sauce, making an easy and delicious meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
Optional Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (to make slurry for thickening, optional)
Garnish
- 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 evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Steak (Optional): For added depth of flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. This step can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the seared steak cubes, or raw steak 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 the ingredients gently to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors are well melded.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, prepare a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and allow it to cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Once the steak bites are tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, serve the steak bites topped with the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- Searing the steak before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional.
- The balsamic vinegar adds depth but can be omitted if preferred.
- For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Leftover steak bites keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
