I absolutely love sharing this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe because it turns the humble steak bite into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece without needing to hover over the stove. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you tender, buttery bites infused with rich garlic and fragrant onions — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
When I first tried making steak bites in the slow cooker, I was surprised how simple it was to get amazing flavor with minimal effort. You’ll find that this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe is the ideal balance of convenience and indulgence, plus the au jus gravy gives it that classic, comforting vibe that my family absolutely devours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you brown the steak, the slow cooker takes over, freeing up your time.
- Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The butter and garlic come together to create a decadent, savory sauce that coats every bite.
- Tender, Juicy Steak Bites: Slow cooking makes the sirloin incredibly tender without drying it out.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of this recipe, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe work in harmony to build layers of flavor. Choosing a good quality sirloin and fresh garlic really makes a difference here, so don’t skip on those!
- Sirloin Steak: I like sirloin because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked low and slow. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the steak properly without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked adds a little subtle heat and depth.
- Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil for searing the steak quickly without burning.
- Sweet Onion: Sliced thin, it softens and brings a lovely sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Thin slices infuse that classic aroma and buttery pungency into the dish.
- Unsalted Beef Stock: Adds richness and moisture, soaking into the steak for that wow factor.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This seasoning mix pulls everything together with a savory punch and makes the sauce irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Thin slices melt over the top, creating a luscious garlic butter coating as it simmers.
Variations
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily tweak the flavors or make it fit your dietary needs without losing that rich, comforting feel. Feel free to get creative!
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a version with some heat — my husband swears by this!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary with the butter for an earthy, aromatic twist.
- Low Sodium: Use low-sodium beef stock and reduce the au jus gravy mix to keep salt levels in check.
- Veggie Addition: Throw in mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk it up and add some color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Steak Bites
Start by seasoning your bite-sized sirloin pieces with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. I like to toss them gently in a bowl to coat evenly. Then, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Getting the oil hot before adding the steak is key — you want a good sear that locks in juices and develops that beautiful caramelized crust. Brown the steak bites in batches so they aren’t crowded, which helps them sear instead of steam. Remember, you’re just browning here, not cooking through. This step gives your bites a pop of flavor that shines through after slow cooking.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once your steak is nicely browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic on top — they will cook down and perfume the dish wonderfully. Pour in the beef stock to keep things moist, then evenly sprinkle the au jus gravy mix across the top. Lay the butter slices over everything; as the butter melts, it mingles with the onions and garlic to create that rich garlic butter sauce you’ll swoon over.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Stir Occasionally
Cover your slow cooker and set it to high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. I recommend stirring the mixture once every hour if possible — it helps distribute the butter and au jus evenly and prevents anything from sticking. The steak becomes unbelievably tender, soaking up all those buttery, garlicky juices. The smell alone will have you excited!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
After cooking, give the steak bites a gentle stir and serve them hot. These bites are labors of love but come together so effortlessly. I usually serve mine over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or silky egg noodles to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the steak seals in juices and builds flavor that slow cooking alone can’t deliver.
- Use Thin Slices of Butter: Thin slices melt faster and evenly coat the steak, so the sauce develops beautifully.
- Stir Occasionally: This is an easy step that ensures your bites cook evenly and the garlic butter sauce is luscious throughout.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Crowding traps moisture and prevents proper searing, so brown the steak in batches if needed.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—it brightens up the rich sauce and adds a touch of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes a light drizzle of a bit more melted butter doesn’t hurt either for that extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes because they soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly. Egg noodles tossed with a little olive oil or steamed rice works just as well, so if you have picky eaters, you’ve got options. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans bring in some freshness to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or date nights, I like to serve these steak bites on a large platter with mashed potato “mounds” topped with steak and sauce, then garnish with herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Mini skewers or toothpicks turn them into fancy appetizers that vanish quickly. Presentation really adds to the experience if you’re hosting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit, which I actually love because the flavors intensify. Just make sure to store the sauce and steak together to keep everything moist.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover steak bites before, and they thaw surprisingly well. Freeze them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the steak moist and helps the garlic butter sauce come back to life without drying out the meat.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great balance of tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or even flank steak. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts will benefit the most from slow cooking, becoming tender over time.
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Can I skip searing the steak?
Technically, yes, but I highly recommend searing because it builds flavor through caramelization. Your final dish will be so much more delicious and have better texture.
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What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?
You can substitute with a mixture of beef bouillon powder and onion powder or use a store-bought beef gravy mix. Just adjust quantities to avoid overpowering the dish.
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Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You’d use the sauté function first to brown the steak, then pressure cook with ingredients for about 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to do a natural release for tender results.
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How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?
Don’t overcook the steak bites — follow the timing suggested and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Using sirloin also helps, as it tenderizes nicely over slow cooking without becoming chewy.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe has become my go-to for impressively flavorful dinners that come together with so little stress. Honestly, it feels like a treat but cooks itself! I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family loves those tender, garlicky bites. Trust me, once you’ve made this a couple of times, it’s going to be a staple in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites (+Video) Recipe
- 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 sirloin steak, seasoned and seared for a rich crust, then slow-cooked with garlic, onions, beef stock, and buttery au jus gravy for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (may need more for searing)
Aromatics and Sauce
- 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
- Season the Steak: In a large bowl, place the 3 pounds of sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces. Season evenly with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to ensure the seasoning coats all the pieces.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the pan is very hot, add the steak pieces in batches, searing each batch just until browned on the outside to develop color. Do not cook through. Add more oil if necessary between batches.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer all the seared steak pieces into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic. Gently stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock over the steak and vegetables. Evenly sprinkle the 1 ounce packet of au jus gravy mix on top. Lay the 4 tablespoons of thinly sliced unsalted butter over the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir once every hour if possible to redistribute flavors and butter.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the garlic butter steak bites hot alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure to sear the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding; this ensures a better crust and flavor.
- Stirring occasionally during slow cooking helps the butter melt evenly and enhances the sauce consistency.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Using sirloin gives a tender but affordable cut that works well in slow cooking.
