There’s something magical about tender, juicy steak bites that melt in your mouth—and when they’ve been slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, that magic only intensifies. I remember the first time I made these Crockpot Steak Bites: I was looking for something easy yet flavorful, hearty yet effortless. The result was a dish that had my whole kitchen smelling like a five-star steakhouse and my family asking for seconds before they even finished their first helping.

What I love about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something rich and comforting. The beef becomes unbelievably tender, soaking up all the savory flavors from the broth and seasonings. Whether you’re prepping this for a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a game day feast, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe

Effortless Prep: Just toss everything in the crockpot—no standing over a stove required.
Big Flavor: A bold, beefy taste with hints of garlic, butter, and herbs.
Meal Versatility: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or veggies.
Tender Every Time: The slow cooker guarantees melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

What Cut of Steak is Best for Crockpot Steak Bites?

When it comes to crockpot steak bites, the cut of meat makes all the difference. I personally reach for sirloin steak—it’s lean, tender, and has just enough marbling to stay juicy through long cooking hours. However, chuck roast or stew meat can be great budget-friendly alternatives. Chuck has more connective tissue, so it benefits even more from low and slow cooking, breaking down into buttery bites.

Avoid overly expensive or lean cuts like filet mignon or flank steak. They don’t need extended cooking and may turn dry in the crockpot. Go for something with enough fat to handle a slow braise and deliver that savory depth of flavor.

Options for Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible, and this recipe leaves plenty of room to tweak:

Butter substitute: Try olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free or paleo option.
Beef broth: Swap with chicken or vegetable broth, though beef gives the richest flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, or steak seasoning to personalize the flavor.
Steak cuts: Chuck roast, flat iron, or even tri-tip can replace sirloin.
Thicken the sauce: Add a cornstarch slurry at the end if you want more of a gravy.

Ingredients for This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose—whether it’s building flavor, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture, or enhancing the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Sirloin Steak (or Chuck Roast)
This is the heart of the dish. Sirloin provides a lean but tender bite, while chuck roast adds a rich, beefy depth if you’re looking for a more economical option.
Butter
Adds richness and a silky texture to the final dish. It also helps carry the flavors of the garlic and herbs into every bite of beef.
Garlic (minced)
Aromatic and slightly spicy, garlic infuses the steak bites with a warm, savory note that makes the entire dish more complex.
Beef Broth
Acts as the cooking liquid and flavor base. It keeps the steak juicy and allows it to braise slowly, soaking up all the goodness.
Worcestershire Sauce
Adds umami and just a hint of tanginess. It deepens the flavor of the beef and balances out the richness of the butter.
Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings. They enhance the natural flavor of the steak without overpowering it.
Onion Powder
A simple way to add that mellow onion flavor throughout the dish without needing to sauté fresh onions.
Dried Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that gives the dish a subtle earthy backdrop.
Parsley (optional for garnish)
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness to balance the savory, meaty flavors.

Step 1: Cut the Steak into Bite-Sized Cubes

Start by trimming any excess fat from your sirloin or chuck roast. Then cut the meat into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Keeping them uniform helps ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the flavor.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Toss the steak cubes in a bowl with salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Make sure every piece is coated—this initial seasoning layer is key for building bold flavor as the meat slow cooks.

Step 3: Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended)

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let each side brown for 1–2 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the meat a beautiful caramelized crust.

Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot

Place the seared steak bites into your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the remaining butter and sprinkle in the minced garlic. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and set your crockpot to low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer and slower, the more tender the bites will be. Stir halfway through cooking if possible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once done, check for tenderness—your fork should glide through the beef. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over your favorite base like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

How Long to Cook Crockpot Steak Bites

The beauty of using a slow cooker is the ability to choose between “set it and forget it” or “need it sooner” modes:

On Low: Cook for 6 to 7 hours for the most tender, juicy steak bites that practically fall apart.
On High: Cook for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The bites will still be flavorful and tender, though not quite as melt-in-your-mouth as the low setting.

Whichever you choose, avoid overcooking beyond these ranges, as the beef can dry out or become too soft and mushy.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites

Sear for Flavor: Browning the meat before slow cooking creates a rich crust and locks in flavor. It’s optional, but well worth the extra 10 minutes.
Don’t Overcrowd When Searing: Sear in batches. Crowding the pan will steam the meat instead of caramelizing it.
Use Real Butter: It adds unmatched richness and helps carry the garlic and seasonings throughout the dish.
Cut Even Pieces: Uniform cubes cook evenly and make the final dish more visually appealing.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the meat sit for a few minutes in the warm crockpot with the lid off. This helps the juices redistribute.
Thicken Sauce (If Desired): Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in at the end, letting it simmer for 5–10 minutes on high.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste a bite and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like Crockpot Steak Bites can go sideways if a few key steps are overlooked. Here are the most common pitfalls—and how to avoid them:

Skipping the Sear
While optional, not searing the meat can lead to a slightly bland result. That deep caramelized crust adds a flavor boost that’s hard to replicate.
Using the Wrong Cut
Lean cuts like flank or round steak can become dry and chewy. Stick with sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat for the best texture.
Not Enough Liquid
You don’t need the steak swimming in broth, but too little liquid can lead to dryness. Always include at least ½ cup to keep the bites juicy.
Overcrowding the Pan (During Sear)
If you’re browning the meat beforehand, sear in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Lifting the Lid Too Often
Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and slows down the cooking process. Trust the slow cooker and resist peeking too often.
Overcooking
Yes, overcooking can happen—even in a crockpot. Stick to the recommended time to avoid mushy or stringy meat.

What to Serve With Crockpot Steak Bites?

These steak bites pair beautifully with a range of side dishes. Here are some of my favorite options to complete your meal:

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food companion—perfect for soaking up all that buttery, garlicky sauce.

Steamed Rice

Fluffy white or brown rice provides a neutral, hearty base that balances the richness of the steak.

Buttered Noodles

Wide egg noodles tossed in butter make a cozy and satisfying partner to the savory beef.

Crusty Bread

Use a slice of warm sourdough or baguette to mop up every drop of that slow-cooked broth.

Roasted Broccoli

Add color and crunch with oven-roasted broccoli, seasoned simply with olive oil and sea salt.

Cauliflower Gratin

For a low-carb yet creamy side, cauliflower gratin brings both indulgence and nutrition to the table.

Mixed Greens Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and keeps the meal balanced.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The slight sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes plays well with the deep savory notes of the steak.

Storage Instructions

One of the many perks of Crockpot Steak Bites is how well they store—and dare I say, they’re sometimes even better the next day. Here’s how to keep them fresh and flavorful:

Refrigerator: Let the steak bites cool completely, then transfer them (along with their juices) to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Place cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure to include some of the broth to keep them moist. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you remember when to use them.
Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific cut of meat and any additions or sides served with the dish.

Per Serving (based on 4 servings using sirloin steak):

Calories: ~380
Protein: ~36g
Fat: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: ~400mg
Cholesterol: ~110mg

It’s a protein-packed, low-carb option that’s perfect for keto, paleo, and gluten-free lifestyles (just double-check your broth and seasonings for any hidden gluten or sugars).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Turn the heat to high until the sauce thickens slightly.

Can I use frozen steak?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first. Using frozen steak directly in the crockpot can lead to uneven cooking and may affect texture. Always thaw in the refrigerator for safety and best results.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave using short 30-second bursts, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the meat moist.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?

Absolutely. You can simmer the steak bites on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for about 90 minutes, or bake them in a covered casserole dish at 300°F (150°C) for 2–2.5 hours.

How can I make this spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the broth before cooking to bring some heat.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Just replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to serve this for a party?

Serve the steak bites directly from the crockpot on the warm setting, with toothpicks on the side for easy grabbing. Pair with crusty bread or sliders for a buffet-style setup.

Can I prep this the night before?

Yes. You can cut and season the meat, then store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, dump everything into the crockpot and start cooking—no extra prep needed.

Conclusion

Crockpot Steak Bites are the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re planning a laid-back family dinner or a no-fuss crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers every single time. With tender beef swimming in garlicky, buttery broth and the versatility to pair with just about any side, it’s a go-to meal that fits any season or occasion. The slow cooker does the hard work for you—so you get all the flavor with none of the stress.