I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe comes together—it’s like having that perfect steakhouse dish right at home without hovering over the stove. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the steak bites soak up all that rich garlic butter goodness while becoming incredibly tender. It’s one of those recipes that works brilliantly for a cozy weekend meal or when you’re craving something comforting but fuss-free.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients morphed into a luscious dish that my whole family goes crazy for. You’ll find that the au jus gravy and beef stock create a savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or noodles. Honestly, once you try this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe, it might just become your go-to for dinner parties or casual nights in.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work while you relax or prep sides.
  • Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The butter melts slowly, infusing each steak bite with incredible flavor.
  • Versatility: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or toss with noodles for a hearty meal.
  • Family Favorite: My family insists on this one for Sunday dinners — it never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple but flavorful ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element adds depth without making you hunt for rare items at the store.

  • Sirloin steak: I prefer sirloin for its balance of tenderness and flavor; cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Kosher salt: Coarse salt helps season the steak more effectively than fine salt here.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best peppery punch.
  • Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get a good sear on the steak.
  • Sweet onion: Thinly sliced to soften and add a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Thin slices bring plenty of aromatic depth without burning in the slow cooker.
  • Unsalted beef stock: Adds rich, savory liquid that forms the sauce base.
  • Au jus gravy mix: This is the secret to that classic steakhouse flavor in your slow cooker.
  • Unsalted butter: Thin slices melt beautifully, enriching the sauce with a silky finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is super flexible, so don’t be shy about making it your own!

  • Mushrooms: Adding sliced mushrooms in the last hour gives it extra earthiness and texture, which my family loves.
  • Herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist I discovered that brightens the dish.
  • Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when searing the steak for subtle warmth.
  • Low Sodium: Use low sodium beef stock and reduce the au jus mix for a friendlier option without losing flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear for Maximum Flavor

Start by patting your sirloin steak pieces dry, then toss them in kosher salt and black pepper—don’t be shy here, seasoning is key. Get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, making sure it’s shimmering before the steak goes in. Sear the steak bites in batches—this isn’t about cooking through, just developing a beautiful brown crust. This step locks in juices and amps up flavor before the slow cooker magic begins.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base in the Slow Cooker

Transfer all those nicely browned steak bites into your slow cooker, then scatter the thinly sliced sweet onions and garlic over the top. Pour in beef stock, sprinkle that au jus gravy mix evenly, and lay thin slices of butter across everything. The butter silently melts into the mix as it cooks, creating a rich, velvety sauce you’ll want to savor with every bite.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on high for 3 to 4 hours, or if you have more time, go low and slow for 6 to 8 hours. If you can, stir once an hour to blend flavors and check the cooking progress. By the end, the steak bites should be incredibly tender, juicy, and soaking up all that garlicky buttery goodness. If you’re like me, you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste straight from the slow cooker!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: I learned early on that browning the steak first creates layers of flavor you just can’t get otherwise.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic gives better flavor and texture than minced; it softens nicely during slow cooking.
  • Layer the Butter: Thin slices melt more evenly, enriching the sauce without making it greasy.
  • Watch the Time: Overcooking can dry out the steak bites—keep an eye on timing and test the tenderness to find your perfect spot.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

The image shows a white round plate filled with a base layer of creamy mashed potatoes that have a smooth and fluffy texture with slight swirls. On top, there is a generous layer of brown, glossy beef stew pieces, cut into small cubes and garnished with finely chopped green herbs. The beef looks tender and well-cooked, and there are small bits of caramelized onion mixed in. To the side, a fork with a blue handle rests on the plate, and in the background, there are green leafy herbs and a whole garlic bulb on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top the steak bites with a handful of freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan for an extra savory note that makes the dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my classic go-to—they soak up all that garlicky butter sauce perfectly. But you can’t go wrong with buttered egg noodles or a simple side of steamed rice. For a lighter touch, roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus pair beautifully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve the steak bites over creamy polenta, spoon the sauce artfully on top, and add a sprig of rosemary for a rustic but elegant look. You could also do individual small cast iron skillets for a fun, cozy presentation that keeps everything warm and sizzling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they last well up to 3 days. The beef bites stay tender, and the sauce thickens nicely, making for an easy reheat that tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

Freezing works great here—just portion out the steak bites with some sauce into freezer bags or containers. When thawed, they reheat beautifully on the stovetop or microwave without losing much flavor or tenderness.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers on the stove in a skillet with a splash of beef stock to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the steak moist and prevents the butter sauce from separating. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While sirloin is my favorite because it stays tender and flavorful, you can use ribeye, strip steak, or even stew meat as long as you cut it into bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind that tougher cuts may need longer slow cooking to become tender.

  2. Do I have to brown the steak before slow cooking?

    Browning is highly recommended because it adds a rich, caramelized flavor and a lovely texture contrast. If you’re short on time, you could skip it, but the final dish won’t have quite the same depth and color.

  3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

    Yes! You can use the sauté function to brown the steak, then pressure cook on high for about 25-30 minutes. Just be sure to quick-release the pressure carefully to avoid overcooking.

  4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some liquid at the end of cooking and whisk in a little cornstarch slurry on the stove until it thickens. Then pour it back over the steak bites before serving.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons. It’s reliably delicious, easier than most steak dinners to pull off, and always earns rave reviews. I hope you’ll give it a try one evening and see just how satisfying slow-cooked steak bites can be—plus, the buttery garlic sauce is pure comfort food magic. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 740 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Tender and flavorful slow cooker garlic butter steak bites made with bite-sized sirloin pieces seared to perfection, slow-cooked with sweet onions, garlic, au jus gravy, and rich butter. Perfectly juicy and ideal served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Steak and Seasoning

  • 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For Searing

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (additional as needed)

Slow Cooker Mixture

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Season the Steak: Place the sirloin steak pieces into a large bowl and season thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated for balanced flavor.
  2. Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the pan is very hot, add the steak pieces in batches to brown them. Sear just until they develop a brown crust, do not cook through. Add more oil if needed between batches.
  3. Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer all seared steak pieces to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the sliced sweet onion and garlic evenly over the steak. Gently stir to combine the ingredients.
  4. Add Liquids and Butter: Pour the beef stock over the steak and vegetables. Evenly sprinkle the au jus gravy mix on top. Lay the thinly sliced butter over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Stir every hour if possible to distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
  6. Serve: Once tender and cooked through, serve the garlic butter steak bites hot, paired with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.

Notes

  • Searing the steak is essential for developing flavor but avoid overcooking so it remains tender in the slow cooker.
  • Stirring occasionally during slow cooking helps keep ingredients evenly coated and prevents burning on the sides.
  • Leftover steak bites can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at serving for a fresh garnish.
  • If you prefer thicker gravy, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approximately 6 oz of steak bites with sauce)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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