Juicy Crockpot Steak Bites with 4 Essential Tips
You know those days when you want something hearty and delicious but don’t want to babysit the stove? That’s where my crockpot steak bites come in! I discovered this recipe one crazy Tuesday when my kids had back-to-back activities and I needed dinner ready when we walked in the door. The smell alone when you open that slow cooker lid – wow! Tender, juicy steak bites infused with garlic and Worcestershire sauce, all while you go about your day. It’s become my secret weapon for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.
What I love most is how foolproof this method is. Even if you’re new to cooking steak, the crockpot does all the work for you. Just a quick sear for that gorgeous color, then let the slow cooker work its magic. The result? Perfectly cooked steak bites every single time that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, you were binge-watching your favorite show).
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Steak Bites
Let me tell you why this recipe has become my go-to for crazy days and lazy nights alike:
- Set-it-and-forget-it easy: Just sear, dump, and let the crockpot do all the work while you tackle your day
- Foolproof tenderness: The slow cooking melts away any toughness, leaving you with juicy, fork-tender bites every time
- Minimal cleanup: One skillet and the crockpot means more time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing pans
- Endless possibilities: Serve over rice, toss in salads, or pile onto crusty bread – these steak bites adapt to whatever you’re craving
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over cooking steak!
Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these melt-in-your-mouth steak bites (I promise it’s all simple stuff!):
- 1 pound sirloin steak – Cut into generous bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes work perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For that beautiful sear – just regular, not extra virgin which burns too easily
- 1 teaspoon salt – I use kosher, but table salt works fine too
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked if you have it!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Our flavor secret weapon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds that deep, savory note
- ½ cup beef broth – Low-sodium is my preference so I can control the saltiness
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – That umami kick that makes everyone ask “What’s in this?”
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that make magic together in the crockpot!
How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites
Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t let the fancy results fool you – this is one of those “easier than it looks” recipes that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Here’s exactly how I make my crockpot steak bites:
Searing the Steak Bites
First things first – heat that olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 2 minutes). Now, here’s my golden rule: don’t crowd the pan! I do my steak bites in batches if needed. You want that gorgeous brown crust, not steamed meat. Sear each side for about 2 minutes – just until they get that beautiful caramel color. Oh, and resist the urge to move them around too much! Let them develop that crust.
Slow Cooking the Steak Bites
Now for the easy part! Transfer those gorgeous browned steak bites to your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle all those lovely seasonings right on top. Give it one gentle stir to combine everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (my sweet spot is 4.5) or HIGH for 2-3 hours. I like to give it one quick stir halfway through if I’m home, but no worries if you’re out – it’ll still turn out amazing!
Pro tip from my many test batches: The steak bites are done when they’re fork-tender but still hold their shape. If you overcook them, they’ll start to shred – still tasty, but not those perfect little bites we’re going for!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites
After making these steak bites more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips for getting them just right:
- Thermometer trick: For perfect doneness every time, check that internal temp hits 145°F – no guessing needed!
- Rest before serving: Let them sit for 5 minutes after cooking – this keeps all those delicious juices right where they belong.
- Deglaze that pan: After searing, pour a splash of beef broth into the hot skillet and scrape up those browned bits – liquid gold for extra flavor!
- Size matters: Keep your steak bites uniform (about 1-inch) so they cook evenly – no hockey pucks or mushballs!
Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have restaurant-quality steak bites with zero stress. Promise!
Variations for Crockpot Steak Bites
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can mix it up! Here are some of my go-to twists when I’m feeling creative:
- Mushroom madness: Toss in a cup of sliced cremini mushrooms with the steak – they soak up all that delicious juice
- Soy swap: No Worcestershire? Use soy sauce or even balsamic vinegar for a different tang
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat
- Herb garden: Throw in fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for an aromatic twist
The best part? All these variations still keep that “dump and go” ease we love!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Steak Bites
These steak bites are like the Swiss Army knife of dinners – they go with everything! My family loves them piled over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try them with roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. And on busy nights? Just grab some crusty bread for dipping – instant crowd-pleaser!
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Steak Bites
Got leftovers? No problem! These steak bites store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to keep them juicy. Easy peasy!
Crockpot Steak Bites FAQs
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers from all my trial and error with this recipe!
Can I use frozen steak?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Frozen steak releases too much liquid while thawing in the crockpot, making everything watery. If you’re in a pinch, thaw it first in the fridge overnight. The quick sear works best with fresh, room-temperature steak.
Why do my steak bites sometimes turn out tough?
Two likely culprits: either you skipped the sear (that crust locks in juices!) or overcooked them. Stick to 4-5 hours on low – any longer and they’ll start drying out.
Can I make these keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just swap the Worcestershire for coconut aminos and use a keto beef broth. The basic recipe is already low-carb gold.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No sweat! Water with a teaspoon of bouillon works in a pinch, or even mushroom broth for extra umami flavor.
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Steak Bites
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving (about ¼ of the recipe): roughly 280 calories, 30g protein, and 15g fat. But heads up – these are estimates! Actual numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. Whether you’re counting calories or just cooking for flavor, these steak bites deliver big taste either way!
Now get cooking! I’d love to hear how your crockpot steak bites turn out – tag me if you share photos!
PrintJuicy Crockpot Steak Bites with 4 Essential Tips
Tender and juicy steak bites cooked in a crockpot for an easy, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak bites and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Transfer steak to the crockpot.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure steak reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
- For extra flavor, add sliced onions or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
