Delicious & Tender Steak Crockpot Recipes
Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready without hours of active kitchen time. That’s the magic of steak crockpot recipes! Today, we’re diving into a standout option: garlic butter steak bites. This recipe promises minimal effort and maximum flavor, delivering incredibly rich, fork-tender steak that truly melts in your mouth. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with ease.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Steak Recipes
These slow cooker steak recipes are a game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike.
- Effortless, Hands-Off Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Incredibly Tender Steak: The low and slow cooking method guarantees melt-in-your-mouth steak every time. Understanding the culinary science behind slow cooking reveals how extended, gentle heat transforms tough cuts into succulent dishes. Explore how slow cooking tenderizes meat.
- Rich, Savory Comfort: The garlic and butter create a deeply satisfying flavor profile perfect for any night.
- Versatile for Sides: This steak pairs beautifully with so many different accompaniments.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner ready to serve.
Ingredients
Creating these tender garlic butter steak bites starts with a few simple, accessible ingredients. These are the building blocks for one of the most satisfying steak crockpot recipes you’ll ever make.
- 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 for searing)
- 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
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with your ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. While sirloin is fantastic, other steak cuts like chuck roast, round steak, flat iron, or even pre-cut stew meat work wonderfully in the slow cooker. For optimal tenderness and flavor, understanding the characteristics of various beef cuts can guide your choice for slow cooking. Discover the best beef cuts for slow cooking. Searing the steak beforehand isn’t mandatory, but it adds a beautiful depth of flavor and texture that truly elevates the dish. Feel free to experiment with the liquid base; red wine or even a can of cream of mushroom soup can add a different dimension. For an aromatic boost, include fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary or thyme during the last hour of cooking. If you’re managing sodium intake, opt for low-sodium beef stock and adjust the added salt to taste.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth cooking process. You won’t need anything fancy for these delicious steak crockpot recipes.
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet (optional, for searing steak)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create incredibly tender garlic butter steak bites, one of the easiest and most flavorful steak crockpot recipes. This hands-off approach makes dinner a breeze.
- Prep Steak: Place your 3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into convenient bite-sized pieces, into a large mixing bowl. Season the steak generously with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, tossing everything together until the steak is evenly coated.
- Sear Steak (Optional but Recommended): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil and allow it to get super hot. Carefully add the seasoned steak pieces to the hot skillet in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown (sear) the steak pieces for 1-2 minutes per side until they develop a nice, rich color. Remember, you’re not cooking them through, just building flavor. Add more oil to the pan if needed for subsequent batches.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Once all the steak is beautifully seared, transfer the browned pieces into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced small sweet onion and the thinly sliced 3 cloves of garlic directly over the steak. Gently stir these ingredients together to distribute them.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock evenly over the steak and onion mixture in the slow cooker. Then, sprinkle the entire 1 ounce packet of au jus gravy mix uniformly over the top of the ingredients. This mix provides a wonderful savory base.
- Add Butter: Arrange the 4 tablespoons of thinly sliced unsalted butter over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. The butter will melt down, infusing the steak with rich flavor and contributing to a luxurious sauce.
- Slow Cook: Secure the lid onto your slow cooker. Cook the steak on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-8 hours. If possible, give it a quick stir once an hour to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution, though this isn’t strictly necessary.
- Serve: Once the cooking time is complete and the steak is wonderfully tender, give it a final stir. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness, if desired. Serve these delicious garlic butter steak bites hot with your favorite side dishes.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect slow-cooked steak is simple with these pointers.
- Searing: When searing the steak, avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the meat to brown beautifully, creating a desirable crust instead of just steaming.
- Tenderness: The key to truly tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak is the low and slow cooking method. It breaks down tough fibers over time.
- Gravy: To thicken the delicious gravy further, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the crockpot gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of aroma, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs during the final hour of cooking.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving. You can always add a pinch more salt or pepper to perfect the flavor.
- Prevent Dryness: Ensure there’s always enough liquid in your crockpot. If it looks too dry, a splash more beef stock can help.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These versatile garlic butter steak bites are perfect for many occasions.
- Serving Ideas: This dish is fantastic over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or tender egg noodles, allowing the rich gravy to be fully enjoyed. Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop!
- Storage: Store any leftover slow cooker steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled steak and gravy to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also microwave individual portions. An air fryer can quickly crisp up the steak if desired, but watch it carefully.
- Variations: Add hearty vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the slow cooker during the last 2-3 hours of cooking.
- Different Flavor Profiles: Explore other steak crockpot recipes by changing the seasoning. Try an Italian herb blend, or use a BBQ sauce as the liquid base for a smoky twist.
Nutrition
These nutritional values are estimates based on the ingredients provided and a serving size of 8. Please remember that actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and exact ingredient measurements.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 45 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ
-
What is the best cut of steak for slow cooking?
Chuck roast is often considered ideal because its marbling breaks down beautifully, creating incredibly tender results. However, sirloin, round steak, or stew meat also work wonderfully for steak crockpot recipes. -
Is it necessary to sear steak before slow cooking?
No, it is not strictly necessary, but searing adds a rich, caramelized flavor and a deeper color to the meat. This extra step significantly enhances the overall taste of your slow cooker steak. -
What are ideal side dishes for slow cooker steak?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread are perfect choices. They all wonderfully absorb the savory, rich gravy from the slow cooker. -
Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker with the steak?
Yes, absolutely! Hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers can be added during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. This ensures they become tender without turning mushy. -
How long can I cook steak in a crockpot without it becoming dry?
For this recipe, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours prevents dryness. The generous liquid and fat content help keep the steak moist and tender. -
Can leftover slow cooker steak be frozen?
Yes, leftovers freeze exceptionally well. Store the steak and gravy in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for future easy meals. -
How do I thicken the gravy from my slow cooker steak?
Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the ease and satisfaction of creating delicious steak crockpot recipes. This garlic butter steak bites recipe truly delivers on its promise of minimal effort and maximum flavor, resulting in steak that’s incredibly tender and steeped in rich, savory goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect solution for busy weeknights, making home cooking simpler and more enjoyable. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite!