If you’re standing at the stove babysitting a hot skillet every time you want tender steak bites, this recipe skips that step entirely.
These crockpot steak bites go into the slow cooker with a simple garlic butter sauce and come out fork-tender, no flipping or watching required.
It’s the kind of dinner you can start before the afternoon gets busy and forget about until it’s time to eat, and it doubles as an easy game night appetizer when you want something more filling than chips and dip.
Below you’ll find the main garlic butter version, a heartier steak-bite-and-potatoes variation for a full one-pot dinner, and tips for turning either one into a party-ready appetizer.
Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These crockpot steak bites are impossibly tender, swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce with just a hint of heat—set them and forget them for a fuss-free dinner that tastes like you stood over the stove all night.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or bottom sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the steak in batches for about 1 minute per side to brown the outside. This step is optional if you’re short on time, but it adds a lot of flavor.
- Transfer the seared steak to the crockpot. Add the butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the steak is tender. Avoid cooking much longer than that, since steak bites can turn tough and stringy if left too long, unlike a roast, which needs extra hours to break down.
- Stir once about halfway through if you’re around, but it’s not required.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
- Bottom sirloin instead of top sirloin: Bottom sirloin works well here and is usually a little cheaper. Tip steak or sirloin tips are also a good, budget-friendly option if your store carries them pre-cut.
- No Worcestershire sauce on hand: A splash of soy sauce plus a small squeeze of lemon juice gets you a similar savory depth.
- Want it spicier: Add a diced jalapeño with the garlic, or double the red pepper flakes.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting the potatoes too big: Halved baby potatoes cook evenly in the same amount of time as the steak. Larger chunks may still be firm when the steak is done, so keep pieces small and similar in size.
- Skipping the sear: You can skip it if you’re truly out of time, but searing first is what gives these steak bites a deeper, browned flavor rather than just a boiled taste.
- Cooking on high the whole time: High heat can make the steak tough since it cooks faster than the fat and connective tissue can break down. Low and slow is what keeps these bites tender.
Turning These Into a Game Night Appetizer
Both versions of this recipe work as an easy dinner for game night, not just a weeknight meal.
For an appetizer-style serving, cut the steak into half-inch cubes before cooking, and skip the potatoes.
Keep the crockpot on the warm setting during the game so guests can serve themselves with toothpicks, and set out a small bowl of extra garlic butter sauce from the crockpot for dipping.
It’s a heartier option than the usual chip-and-dip spread and needs almost no attention once it’s in the slow cooker.
FAQ
What cut of steak is best for crockpot steak bites?
Sirloin and bottom sirloin are both good choices because they’re affordable and become tender when slow-cooked. Tip steak or sirloin tips work well too if you find them pre-cut at the store.
Do I need to sear the steak before putting it in the crockpot?
Searing is optional but recommended. It only takes a few extra minutes and gives the steak bites a browned, more flavorful crust that you won’t get from the slow cooker alone.
How long should steak bites cook in the crockpot?
Three to four hours on low is usually enough for 1-inch cubes. Steak bites are a smaller, more tender cut than a roast, so cooking them for much longer than 4 hours can actually make them tough rather than more tender.
Can I make crockpot steak bites and potatoes in one pot?
Yes. Add halved baby potatoes to the bottom of the crockpot before the steak so they have direct contact with the heat and cook through in the same amount of time.
Are crockpot steak bites good for game night?
Yes, they hold up well on the warm setting and can be served with toothpicks for easy snacking, making them a good change of pace from typical game day appetizers.
Can I use frozen steak?
It’s best to thaw the steak first so it cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature in a predictable amount of time. Starting from frozen can leave some pieces undercooked while others overcook.
How do I store and reheat leftover steak bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in short bursts, so the steak doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Conclusion
These crockpot steak bites solve the problem of wanting a tender, flavorful steak dinner without standing over a hot pan managing it.
Sear it quickly or skip that step entirely, then let the crockpot do the rest while you handle the rest of your day.
Whether you serve it with potatoes for a full dinner or keep it simple for a game-night appetizer, it’s an easy dinner idea worth adding to your regular rotation.
