These Quick Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. With melt-in-your-mouth tender beef infused with rich garlic butter and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish practically makes itself while you go about your day. It’s savory, juicy, and loaded with flavor, making it the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, these steak bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work—no babysitting needed.
- Unbelievably Tender: Slow cooking breaks the steak down into buttery, juicy bites that are bursting with flavor.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Ingredients: It’s all about the garlic butter magic here—no complicated sauces or marinades required.
- Versatile & Meal-Prep Friendly: Serve it with rice, potatoes, or veggies. It fits into just about any meal plan and stores beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness and maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential—it infuses the beef with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Butter: Use real, unsalted butter for that indulgent, velvety garlic butter sauce.
- Beef broth: Adds moisture and depth while helping tenderize the meat.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and enhances the meaty, umami flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A balanced mix of herbs to round out the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the garlic butter shine.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter for a gentle kick.
- Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Toss in some sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for a steakhouse-style upgrade.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap the Worcestershire for soy sauce and add a touch of sesame oil and ginger.
- Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
How to Make Quick Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes. Tip: Let the meat sit out for 15-20 minutes before cutting—it’s easier to slice and cooks more evenly.
Step 2: Sear (Optional, but Worth It!)
For added flavor, quickly sear the steak cubes in a hot skillet with a touch of oil until browned. This step is optional but adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Step 3: Load the Crock Pot
Transfer the steak bites to your crock pot. Add minced garlic, melted butter, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the steak is fork-tender and the sauce is bubbling with garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for a vibrant finish.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Use fresh garlic—not garlic powder. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Use the Right Cut: Sirloin or ribeye are ideal. Avoid lean cuts like round steak—they won’t get as tender.
- Deglaze After Searing: If you sear the steak, pour a splash of broth into the hot skillet to loosen the browned bits, then add that to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your cook time—overcooked steak can dry out even in a slow cooker.
How to Serve
These garlic butter steak bites are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:
Classic Pairings
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Steamed rice or buttered noodles to soak up that amazing sauce.
Low-Carb Options
- Roasted cauliflower or sautéed green beans.
- Serve over a fresh salad or wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Add a Sauce
- Drizzle with chimichurri or a dollop of herbed sour cream for a fancy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time—so leftovers might taste even better!
Freezing
Let the steak bites cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or butter to keep everything moist and flavorful. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking. Using frozen meat in a slow cooker can affect cooking time and texture.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin is the go-to for its balance of flavor and tenderness. Ribeye adds extra richness, while tenderloin is luxurious but pricier.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your crock pot isn’t overfilled—aim for no more than two-thirds full so everything cooks evenly.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Sear the steak bites and simmer them with the sauce ingredients on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
Final Thoughts
These Quick Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the definition of comfort food made simple. They’re rich, buttery, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just need something satisfying after a long day, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
PrintQuick Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful garlic butter steak bites made effortlessly in a crock pot. A quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the steak bites until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Do not cook through.
- Transfer the seared steak bites to the crock pot.
- Add butter, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine ingredients and coat the steak bites evenly.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until steak is tender and infused with flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate steak pieces in Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Do not skip searing — it locks in flavor and enhances texture.
- Great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or with steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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