Get ready for a truly comforting and hands-off meal! These incredible crockpot steak bites simplify dinner prep, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak pieces alongside perfectly cooked, flavorful potatoes, all infused with rich garlic butter. It’s a complete meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Prepare to enjoy a delicious dinner without the fuss!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Steak Bites
You’ll adore this recipe for many wonderful reasons, making it a new favorite in your kitchen.
- Effortless Preparation: It’s truly a “dump and go” recipe. Simply add ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
- Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Steak: Slow cooking ensures every bite of steak is incredibly tender and juicy. The science behind slow cooking explains how the extended time allows collagen to break down into gelatin, resulting in exceptionally tender meat. Learn more about the science of slow cooking meat.
- Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible aroma and savory taste that coats everything.
- Complete One-Pot Meal: No need for multiple pans; the steak and potatoes cook together beautifully for a full dish.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to make it your own.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, washing up after dinner is a breeze.
Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites
Making these delicious crockpot steak bites requires simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have. This combination creates a hearty and flavorful meal everyone will love.
- 2 lbs Sirloin Tip Steak (or chuck roast, etc. cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 lbs Potatoes (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (sliced)
- Green Onion (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right ingredients ensures the best outcome for your slow cooker steak.
- Best steak: Sirloin tip is the most tender for slow cooking, but chuck roast or round steak also work well.
- Cut size: Cut steak into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Best potatoes: Yukon Gold, red, or new potatoes hold their shape best. Russets are softer and may break down.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. Use less if using jarred garlic.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt. If using salted butter, reduce added salt.
- Seasoning swaps: Steak seasoning can be replaced with Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create these fantastic crockpot steak bites.
- 6-quart (or larger) Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
How to Make Crockpot Steak Bites
Preparing these easy crockpot steak bites is incredibly simple, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious dinner with minimal fuss.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Potatoes
- First, prepare your main ingredients. Cube the sirloin tip steak into roughly 1-inch pieces. This size ensures even cooking and tender results. Next, cut the potatoes into about 2-inch pieces. You want them larger than the steak, so they don’t turn to mush during the long cooking time.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Now, add all of the prepared ingredients to your slow cooker. Place the cubed steak and potatoes directly into the pot. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and steak seasoning. Add the minced garlic evenly over the ingredients. Finally, scatter the sliced unsalted butter over the top.
Step 3: Mix Everything
- Once all ingredients are in the slow cooker, mix everything thoroughly. Use a large spoon or spatula to ensure the steak and potatoes are well coated with the seasonings and garlic. This step is crucial for distributing all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Set the Cooking Time
- Set your slow cooker to the appropriate temperature. For the most tender results, cook the crockpot steak bites on low for 5–7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for 3–4 hours. Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the steak to become incredibly tender.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
- Cook time will vary based on the size of your beef and potato pieces and your slow cooker model. To prevent the meat from drying out, start checking for doneness at the 5-hour mark if cooking on low, or at the 3-hour mark if cooking on high. The steak should be fork-tender, and the potatoes easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the lid. Serve the garlic butter steak bites immediately, either as is for a hearty meal or alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced plate. Garnish with fresh green onions for a burst of color and a mild oniony crunch. Enjoy your easy and flavorful crockpot steak bites!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites
Achieve outstanding results every time with these helpful tips for your crockpot steak bites.
- Ensure your steak is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent tenderness.
- Cut potatoes into 2-inch pieces; this size allows them to cook through without becoming mushy.
- Always maintain the proper cooking temperature. Slow and low yields the most tender steak.
- For a bit more sauce or gravy, you can add a quarter cup of beef broth or water before cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can really make flavors pop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common errors to ensure your slow cooker steak is always perfect.
- Prevent overcooking the steak or potatoes by checking for doneness at the recommended minimum times.
- Do not lift the lid repeatedly during cooking; this lets out heat and extends the cook time, potentially drying out the meat.
- Avoid overcrowding your slow cooker, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of slow-roasting.
- Always mix ingredients thoroughly at the start to ensure an even distribution of all the delicious seasonings.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
These garlic butter crockpot steak bites are a versatile dish, perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your delicious crockpot steak bites as a complete meal. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some steamed green beans.
Storage Instructions
- For leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating Instructions
- To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying.
Delicious Variations
Get creative with your slow cooker steak and try these exciting twists.
- Add extra vegetables like sliced carrots, cremini mushrooms, or diced onions along with the potatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different herbs such as fresh rosemary or thyme, or incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder for a new flavor profile.
- To create a savory gravy, remove the cooked steak and potatoes, then whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) into the cooking liquid. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying these hearty crockpot steak bites also means you’re getting a satisfying and balanced meal. This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 422 kcal |
Disclaimer: This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and methods described. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, serving sizes, and preparation techniques.
Crockpot Steak Bites FAQ
Find answers to common questions about preparing these delicious slow cooker steak bites.
What kind of steak is best for crockpot?
Sirloin tip, chuck roast, or round steak are excellent choices. They become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow in the crockpot.
Can I use frozen steak or potatoes?
It’s best to use thawed steak and fresh potatoes. Frozen items can release excess water, altering the texture and flavor of your crockpot steak bites.
How do I prevent the steak from drying out?
Ensure your steak pieces are cut uniformly, avoid overcooking by checking for doneness, and resist lifting the lid often. A bit of added broth can also help maintain moisture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the steak and potatoes and mince the garlic the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and cook the next day.
How to thicken the sauce for gravy?
Remove the cooked steak and potatoes, then whisk a cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker liquid. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Conclusion
These easy crockpot steak bites with garlic butter potatoes are truly a revelation for busy home cooks. They combine incredible tenderness with rich, savory flavors, all while requiring minimal effort on your part. It’s the perfect solution for a comforting, complete meal that practically cooks itself. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe and experience the joy of effortless, delicious dining. Share your thoughts and successes in the comments below!
Easy Crockpot Steak Bites with Garlic Butter Potatoes
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Sirloin Tip Steak (or chuck roast, etc) cubed
- 2 lbs Potatoes cut in 2″ pieces
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter sliced
- Green Onion for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cube the steak and cut the potatoes into approximately 2-inch pieces.
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and mix thoroughly.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours; cooking low and slow ensures tender steak.
- Begin checking for doneness at 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high to prevent drying out the meat.
Serving
- Serve the dish as is, or optionally with a fresh green salad.