Crock Pot Steak Bites are juicy pieces of meat cooked slowly until they’re super tender. They soak up delicious flavors from spices and sauce, making each bite full of goodness!
Cooking in the crock pot means no fuss—just throw everything in and let it work its magic. I love serving these steak bites with rice or veggies for a yummy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I love using beef sirloin for its tenderness, but flank steak is a good alternative too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken or turkey pieces, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Onion: Fresh onions add great flavor, but if you’re low on fresh ingredients, dried onion flakes work too. Just use less and soak them in water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a stronger taste than garlic powder. However, if you have only garlic powder, use about one-quarter of the amount, as it’s more concentrated.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you need a gluten-free alternative, tamari works beautifully. Coconut aminos is a milder, soy-free option too.
Beef Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth works wonders. If you’re short on broth, water or vegetable broth with added seasoning can do the trick!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor From Browning the Beef?
Browning the beef is a small step that makes a big impact on flavor. It’s called the Maillard reaction, which builds a rich flavor profile. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding olive oil; it should shimmer but not smoke.
- Add beef in batches—don’t crowd the pan! This ensures a good sear.
- Brown for about 3-4 minutes per side until moving it turns golden; this creates flavorful bits that will enhance your dish.
If time is tight, skip this step and directly add beef to the Crock Pot. You’ll still have a tasty meal, just with a slightly different flavor!
How to Make Crock Pot Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 3-8 hours depending on the heat setting of your Crock Pot. It’s easy to prepare, and you can let it cook while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef pieces in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each. This step is optional but helps to enhance the flavor. Once browned, transfer the steak bites to your Crock Pot.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant. This will give your dish a lovely base flavor!
3. Making the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the skillet. Stir everything together and be sure to scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom—those add great flavor!
4. Combining Everything:
Now, pour the sauce mixture over the steak bites in the Crock Pot and give it all a good stir to coat the meat evenly.
5. Cooking It Up:
Cover your Crock Pot with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the steak is tender and bursting with flavor.
6. Final Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’d like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
7. Serving Suggestions:
Serve the steak bites hot! They are delightful over rice, mashed potatoes, or just on their own as a delicious snack. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak work great, you can use other cuts like ribeye or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may need a bit longer to become tender, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I Skip Browning the Beef?
You can skip this step to save time, but browning adds extra flavor to your dish! If you’re in a hurry, just throw the raw steak bites into the Crock Pot and proceed with the recipe; your steak bites will still be delicious.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the steak bites in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Crock Pot Steak Bites?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. You can also serve it over egg noodles or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
