Crockpot Steak Bites: Tender, Juicy, and Effortless
If you love steak but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these Crockpot Steak Bites are your dream come true. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, the slow cooker transforms simple steak into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites infused with garlic, herbs, and a rich sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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1.5 lbs (700 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup beef broth
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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2 tablespoons butter
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the sauce.
Step 1: Prep the Steak
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Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then toss the steak cubes to coat evenly.
Tip: Drying the steak helps it brown slightly before going into the crockpot, improving flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Quickly sear the steak cubes in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
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Transfer the steak to the crockpot.
Note: Searing isn’t strictly necessary but adds flavor and helps lock in juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
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In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze the skillet with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
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Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour this mixture over the steak in the crockpot.
Step 4: Slow Cook
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Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours.
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The steak should be tender but not falling apart; you want bite-sized pieces, not shredded meat.
Tip: Check after 1.5 hours on low to avoid overcooking, especially if your steak pieces are smaller than 1 inch.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Serve
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Once done, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter to create a rich, glossy sauce.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serving suggestion: Serve over mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites
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Choose the right cut: Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin cubes work best. Avoid extremely lean cuts, as they can become dry in the slow cooker.
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Don’t overcook: Steak bites should stay tender, not fall apart like stew meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
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Add garlic and herbs at the end for extra punch: If you want stronger flavor, sprinkle minced garlic and fresh herbs in the last 20–30 minutes.
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Sear for flavor: Even a quick sear adds depth that the slow cooker alone can’t achieve.
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Thicken the sauce (optional): For a thicker gravy, stir 1 teaspoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons water and add to the crockpot 15 minutes before serving.
Variations
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Spicy Steak Bites: Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Mushroom Lover’s: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms at the start of slow cooking.
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Garlic Butter Explosion: Finish with a few more tablespoons of butter and extra minced garlic for a restaurant-style flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Minimal hands-on time – just prep, sear, and slow cook.
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Tender steak bites every time, infused with garlic, herbs, and a rich sauce.
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Versatile – pairs with potatoes, rice, or pasta.
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Great for meal prep – leftovers reheat beautifully without drying out.
Cooking Note: Crockpots vary, so start checking for doneness 15–30 minutes before the minimum cooking time. Overcooking can make steak tough, even in a slow cooker.
This recipe yields tender, flavorful steak bites every time with almost no stress. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want restaurant-quality steak at home with minimal effort.