These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are tender pieces of beef cooked low and slow for extra flavor. With just a few seasonings, you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Who doesn’t love simple cooking? Just toss the steak bites into your slow cooker, add some seasoning, and let it work its magic. Perfect for a busy day or a cozy night in!
I love serving these with some rice or veggies for a complete meal. It’s so easy, you’ll want to make them every week. Grab a fork and dig in—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is perfect for bite-sized pieces because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider using chuck steak. Just remember it might need a little longer to cook to ensure it’s tender.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it on hand. For a lighter flavor, you can use chicken broth instead. Low-sodium options are also available if you’re watching your salt intake.
Soy Sauce: This adds a lovely umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try using coconut aminos, which is a great soy-free alternative that still packs a punch.
Worcestershire Sauce: This complements the beef well. If you need a vegetarian option, you can use a mushroom sauce or a homemade blend with vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.
Seasonings: Thyme adds earthiness. If you don’t have dried thyme, dried oregano or Italian seasoning can work too. Fresh herbs are also a delightful addition!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing the Steak Bites?
Searing steak bites locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your pan is hot before adding oil. This helps achieve that nice brown color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to prevent steaming the meat. Each piece needs space.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms. Resist the urge to flip too early!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus additional cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, while the cooking does take some time, most of it is hands-off, allowing you to relax or do other things while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Steak:
Begin by placing the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak in a large bowl. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme over the steak pieces. Use your hands to toss everything together until the steak is evenly coated with the seasonings. This step adds great flavor right from the start!
2. Searing the Steak:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned steak bites in batches. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Don’t crowd the pan; it’s better to cook them in parts. Once browned, transfer the steak to the slow cooker.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen smells wonderful. This step adds depth of flavor to your dish!
4. Creating the Sauce:
Next, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor is! Once it’s mixed well, pour this tasty sauce over the steak bites in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The steak will become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors. You can check it about halfway through to see how it’s doing!
6. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Things will thicken up nicely, creating a more saucy dish!
7. Serving:
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to serve your steak bites! Scoop out the warm steak bites into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. These make a great main dish, and they’re fantastic served over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice, you can also use cuts like flank steak, ribeye, or chuck. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut’s tenderness and fat content. Chuck may require a bit more time to become tender, but it adds delicious flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute due to dietary restrictions, you can use tamari (great gluten-free option), coconut aminos, or even a homemade mixture of beef broth with a little vinegar and molasses for a similar depth of flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of beef broth can help keep them moist!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sriracha to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the steak. If you like a more intense heat, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce or chili powder as well.
