These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of beef cooked low and slow until they melt in your mouth. Toss in some tasty spices and veggies for extra flavor!
I love how easy they are to make—just season, throw everything in the slow cooker, and relax while the magic happens. Perfect for busy days! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is great for this recipe since it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, try using chuck roast; it’ll still work well in the slow cooker. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces too!
Olive Oil: This oil enhances the flavor and helps in cooking the steak. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil, which are both good substitutes.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth to the steak. If you prefer fresh ingredients, substitute 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small onion, finely chopped. Smoke flavor can also come from using liquid smoke, if you have it.
Beef Broth: Beef broth gives moisture and flavor. Chicken broth can be a great substitute if you don’t have beef broth on hand; it will still add a lovely taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds umami. If you’re avoiding it due to allergies, you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos as a good alternative. Just be mindful of the salt content!
How Do I Ensure My Steak Bites Are Tender?
The key to tender steak bites in a slow cooker is the proper cooking time. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cut your steak into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours for the best tenderness. If you’re short on time, 3-4 hours on high also works.
- Avoid lifting the lid while it’s cooking. Steam escapes, affecting cooking time!
- Before serving, mixing the steak with the juices will help keep it moist.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly tender steak bites every time!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you can let your slow cooker do the work! The cooking time will vary based on temperature: cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is super tender. Then, you’re just a few minutes away from an amazing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Take a large bowl and add the bite-sized steak pieces. Drizzle in the olive oil, and then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together well so that each piece of steak is nicely coated with the seasonings. This will add lots of flavor to your bites!
2. Load the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned steak bites directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure to spread them out evenly for the best cooking results. This way, they can soak up all the delicious flavors!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. Then, pour this savory mixture over the steak bites in the slow cooker. It will give the steak plenty of flavor and keep it juicy!
4. Cook the Steak Bites:
Now, cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook! If you’re cooking on low, let it go for about 6-8 hours; on high, it will be ready in about 3-4 hours. The steak will become tender and flavorful as it cooks. You can relax during this time and even set your table!
5. Finish and Serve:
When the cooking time is up, uncover the slow cooker and gently stir the steak bites to combine them with all the yummy juices. Taste a piece and see if it needs any extra seasoning. If it’s perfect, serve the steak bites hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and taste. Enjoy alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dishes!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use cuts like flank steak or ribeye. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments to cooking times for optimal tenderness. Flank steak may need a bit more simmering, whereas ribeye tends to be tender naturally.
What If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. You can also use balsamic vinegar or homemade alternatives, but adjust to taste since these can be stronger or sweeter.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the steak bites and season them a day in advance. Store the seasoned steak in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak bites in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, or microwave gently. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to cool them completely before freezing!
