Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Life with three energetic kids means every evening feels like a marathon, often ending in a flurry of “What’s for dinner?” and hungry tummies. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday. School projects were due, soccer practice ran late, and frankly, my brain felt like scrambled eggs.
The last thing I wanted was to stand over a hot stove, juggling pans. That’s when I rediscovered the magic of my slow cooker, and these incredible crock pot garlic butter steak bites became our family’s savior. The aroma alone, a rich symphony of garlic and savory beef, filled the house and instantly calmed the chaos.
The kids, even my pickiest eater, devoured every tender, buttery bite, asking for seconds. It felt like a warm hug on a plate, a moment of simple joy amidst the everyday hustle. These crock pot garlic butter steak bites truly embody my belief that food is love, made easy and nourishing for the people you cherish most. This recipe for crock pot garlic butter steak bites lets you reclaim your evening, knowing a delicious, comforting meal awaits.
Why You’ll Love These Amazing Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
You absolutely will adore these crock pot garlic butter steak bites for so many reasons. First and foremost, convenience reigns supreme. Imagine tossing a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, then returning home to the most incredible aroma and a ready-to-eat dinner.
This slow cooker garlic butter steak recipe practically cooks itself! Secondly, the flavor profile is out of this world. Tender, succulent steak pieces soak up a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. It’s comforting, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Furthermore, this particular crock pot garlic butter steak bites recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it in countless ways, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep. Parents, you’ll love how kid-friendly these crock pot garlic butter steak bites are.
The small, tender pieces are easy for little mouths to manage, and the familiar flavors appeal to almost everyone. Plus, cleanup is minimal, always a win in a busy household. You truly get maximum flavor with minimum effort when you make these delicious crock pot garlic butter steak bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these phenomenal crock pot garlic butter steak bites requires simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have or can easily find. Quality ingredients make a world of difference in your slow cooker steak bites.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Beef Sirloin (or similar cut) | 2 pounds | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Divided, melted for searing and for the sauce |
| Garlic, Minced | 6-8 cloves | Freshly minced for best flavor |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup | Low sodium preferred |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tablespoons | Adds depth of flavor |
| Dried Italian Seasoning | 1 tablespoon | A blend of herbs |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground is best |
| Cornstarch Slurry (optional) | 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water | For thickening the sauce |
| Fresh Parsley, Chopped | 2 tablespoons | For garnish, adds freshness |
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily adapt these crock pot garlic butter steak bites to fit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make these slow cooker steak bites your own!
* Steak Cuts: While sirloin works wonderfully for these crock pot garlic butter steak bites, you can also use chuck roast (cut into smaller pieces), round steak, or even tenderloin for an extra decadent version. Just adjust cooking time as needed; tougher cuts benefit from longer, slower cooking.
* Butter Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, use a good quality plant-based butter alternative.
Olive oil or avocado oil also work for searing the steak, though butter adds unparalleled flavor to these garlic butter steak bites.
* Garlic Power: Don’t have fresh garlic? Granulated garlic powder works, but fresh offers the best punch.
Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic.
* Broth Options: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can substitute for beef broth in a pinch, although beef broth provides the richest base for this slow cooker steak recipe.
* Herb Swaps: Instead of Italian seasoning, try dried thyme, rosemary, or a blend of your favorite herbs.
Fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs or thyme sprigs can also infuse amazing flavor into your crock pot garlic butter steak bites.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth in your crock pot garlic butter steak bites.
* Veggies Welcome: About halfway through cooking, you can add chopped carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make this a one-pot meal. The vegetables will absorb all that wonderful garlic butter flavor, making your crock pot garlic butter steak bites even more robust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering crock pot garlic butter steak bites. The aroma of these slow cooker steak bites cooking will make your kitchen the best place to be.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
1. Prepare the Steak: Start by patting your steak pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.
Season them generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Steak (Optional, but Recommended): In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the steak pieces for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This quick sear locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust for your crock pot garlic butter steak bites. Transfer the seared steak to your slow cooker.
3. Create the Sauce Base: If you skipped searing, melt 2 tablespoons of butter directly in your slow cooker on the “sauté” setting (if available) or simply add it. Add the minced garlic to the skillet (or slow cooker) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Pour the fragrant garlic and any remaining butter over the seared steak in the slow cooker.
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients with the steak bites.
5.
Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The exact timing will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of your steak pieces. You want the steak to be fork-tender and juicy for perfect crock pot garlic butter steak bites.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): Once the steak is cooked, if you desire a thicker sauce, remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk it with the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
This extra step truly elevates your garlic butter steak bites.
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
This adds a final touch of richness to your crock pot garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. Enjoy these incredible slow cooker steak bites immediately!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful crock pot garlic butter steak bites is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will ensure your slow cooker steak bites turn out amazing every time.
* Don’t Skip the Sear: While optional, searing the steak before slow cooking adds an incredible depth of flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust. It’s worth the extra few minutes for these crock pot garlic butter steak bites.
* Cut Uniformly: Cut your steak into roughly 1-inch pieces of similar size.
This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others are still tough. Consistent sizing makes for perfect slow cooker steak bites.
* Mind Your Cooking Time: Overcooking steak, even in a slow cooker, can make it tough.
Start checking for tenderness at the lower end of the cooking range. The goal is fork-tender, not mushy. These crock pot garlic butter steak bites should be melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
* Fresh Garlic is Key: Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them yourself. Pre-minced garlic from a jar often lacks the pungent flavor needed for these garlic butter steak bites.
* The Finishing Butter Touch: Stirring in extra butter at the very end enhances the richness and silkiness of the sauce.
This final addition makes these crock pot garlic butter steak bites truly special.
* Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce. This ensures your crock pot garlic butter steak bites have the perfect balance of flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers of these delicious crock pot garlic butter steak bites are fantastic! Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their flavor and freshness.
* Refrigeration: Store any leftover crock pot garlic butter steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the steak and sauce are fully cooled before transferring them.
* Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled crock pot garlic butter steak bites (with sauce) into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* Reheating:
* Stovetop: The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
* Microwave: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Place the steak bites and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can toughen the steak. These reheated slow cooker steak bites are still incredibly satisfying.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These tender crock pot garlic butter steak bites are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. You can easily build a complete and comforting meal around these delicious slow cooker steak bites.
* Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! The rich sauce from the crock pot garlic butter steak bites is perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
* Egg Noodles or Pasta: Toss the steak bites and their luscious sauce with al dente egg noodles or your favorite pasta for a hearty, comforting meal.
* Rice: Steamed white rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful wild rice pilaf provides an excellent canvas for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
* Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or broccoli roasted with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper complement the richness of the steak bites beautifully.
* Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a good crusty baguette or ciabatta to sop up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce from your crock pot garlic butter steak bites.
* Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast and cuts through the richness of the slow cooker steak bites.
* Baked Potatoes: A warm, fluffy baked potato, topped with the crock pot garlic butter steak bites and sauce, makes for a satisfying and easy dinner.
FAQs
Can I use frozen steak in the slow cooker?
While technically possible, it’s always best to thaw your steak completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and can extend the cooking time significantly. For the best crock pot garlic butter steak bites, always start with thawed meat.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after cooking your crock pot garlic butter steak bites, a cornstarch slurry is your best friend. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the hot sauce in the slow cooker, then turn the heat to high for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
What kind of steak works best for crock pot garlic butter steak bites?
Boneless beef sirloin is excellent for these slow cooker steak bites due to its tenderness and flavor. Other good options include chuck roast (cut into 1-inch pieces), top round, or even stew meat. Avoid very lean cuts like flank or skirt steak as they can become tough in the slow cooker if overcooked.
Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker with the steak?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables can turn these crock pot garlic butter steak bites into a complete one-pot meal. Heartier vegetables like carrots and potatoes can go in at the beginning with the steak. Softer vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans should be added during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, these crock pot garlic butter steak bites are fantastic for meal prepping! You can portion them out into individual containers with a side of mashed potatoes or rice for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors often deepen overnight, making these slow cooker steak bites even more delicious.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
*Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities used. It assumes 4 servings per recipe and does not include any optional sides.*
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Cholesterol | 160 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
crock pot garlic butter steak bites
Life with three energetic kids means every evening feels like a marathon, often ending in a flurry of "What's for dinner?" and hungry tummies. This recipe for crock pot garlic butter steak bites lets you reclaim your evening, knowing a delicious, comforting meal awaits. You absolutely will adore these crock pot garlic butter steak bites for so many reasons. Convenience reigns supreme; imagine tossing a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, then returning home to the most incredible aroma and a ready-to-eat dinner. The flavor profile is out of this world, with tender, succulent steak pieces soaking up a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, serving countless ways, and is very kid-friendly. Plus, cleanup is minimal, offering maximum flavor with minimum effort.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 pounds Boneless Beef Sirloi
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
6 cloves Minced Garlic
1 cup Beef Broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon Dried Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold Water
2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Pat your steak pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, sear the steak pieces for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Transfer the seared steak to your slow cooker
- If you skipped searing, melt 2 tablespoons of butter directly in your slow cooker on the "sauté" setting (if available) or simply add it. Add the minced garlic to the skillet (or slow cooker) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic
- Pour the fragrant garlic and any remaining butter over the seared steak in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients with the steak bites
- Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Cook until the steak is fork-tender and juicy
- Once the steak is cooked, if you desire a thicker sauce, remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk it with the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking
- Stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
For best flavor, do not skip searing the steak before slow cooking.
Cut steak uniformly into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Monitor cooking time; steak should be fork-tender, not mushy.
Use fresh minced garlic for the best pungent flavor.
Stirring in extra butter at the end enhances sauce richness and silkiness.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen steak completely before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking.
Heartier vegetables like carrots and potatoes can be added at the beginning; softer ones like mushrooms or bell peppers during the last hour.
Slow cooking, often associated with appliances like the crock pot, is a method of cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period. This technique is renowned for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat and allowing flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in deeply satisfying dishes. It leverages moist heat to break down connective tissues, making ingredients incredibly succulent. Learn more about the slow cooking method and its culinary benefits.
