While sirloin is my personal favorite for its excellent balance of tenderness and flavor, especially when slow-cooked, you have several fantastic options. Stew meat, top round steak, chuck roast, or even flat iron steak are all excellent choices. Flat iron steak, in particular, offers a robust steak flavor at a more budget-friendly price point, making it a smart alternative without compromising on taste or texture in the slow cooker. The prolonged cooking time will ensure any of these cuts become wonderfully tender.

Searing is an optional but highly recommended step. While you can certainly skip it for a quicker prep, browning the steak bites in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker caramelizes the exterior of the meat. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a deeper, richer flavor profile and a beautiful color that significantly enhances the final dish. It effectively “locks in” some of the beefy juices and adds an extra layer of complexity to the gravy. If time is of the essence, feel free to omit this step, and your steak bites will still be delicious and tender.

The rich, savory gravy produced by this recipe is simply too good to waste! Therefore, I generally serve these steak bites over something that can soak up all that deliciousness. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, offering a comforting base. Other excellent options include fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even polenta. For a healthier twist, consider serving them with roasted vegetables like green beans or asparagus, or a side of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the amazing gravy.

Absolutely! This recipe provides a fantastic base for customization. For an earthy, aromatic touch, consider adding fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary directly into the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. A bay leaf can also deepen the savory notes. For a hint of warmth and spice, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can work wonders. Feel free to experiment with your favorite beef-friendly herbs and spices to make it your own!

For optimal tenderness and flavor development, cook these garlic butter steak bites on the “low” setting for 6-8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down gradually, resulting in incredibly succulent steak. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on the “high” setting for 3-4 hours. While both methods yield delicious results, cooking on low and slow is generally preferred for achieving the most tender steak bites.

Leftovers are fantastic and easy to manage! Store any remaining steak bites and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these steak bites freeze beautifully. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible, and they will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply move them to the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you have several options: gently warm them in the slow cooker, on the stovetop over low heat, in the microwave, or even in an air fryer until heated through, ensuring the gravy remains moist.

Making this recipe dairy-free is quite straightforward by simply omitting the butter or using a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will still be fantastic due to the garlic and au jus. For a gluten-free version, ensure your au jus gravy mix is certified gluten-free. Most beef stocks are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to be certain. These simple substitutions allow almost anyone to enjoy this comforting dish!

Absolutely! Adding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes (cut into chunks), or parsnips can turn this into a one-pot meal. Add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking on low, or the last hour on high, to ensure they are tender but not mushy. Heartier vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can be added at the beginning for softer results, or during the last hour for a bit more bite. This is a great way to boost the nutritional value and make the meal even more substantial.

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Steak

Begin by placing your bite-sized sirloin steak pieces into a large mixing bowl. Generously season the meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the steak well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasonings. This initial seasoning is crucial for building a strong flavor foundation.

Step 2: Sear for Enhanced Flavor (Optional but Recommended)

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about half of the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering and very hot, brown (sear) the seasoned steak bites in batches. The goal here isn’t to cook them through, but rather to develop a beautiful, deep brown crust on all sides. This searing step adds incredible depth of flavor and appealing color to the finished dish. Add more oil to the pan as needed for subsequent batches. Once all the steak is seared, carefully transfer the browned steak bites into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the steak and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Finishing Touches

Next, pour the unsalted beef stock over the steak, onion, and garlic mixture in the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the au jus gravy mix packet over the top of the ingredients. This will be the foundation for your rich, flavorful gravy. Finally, lay the thinly sliced unsalted butter evenly over everything. The butter will slowly melt during cooking, infusing the dish with its luxurious, creamy essence.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the steak bites on the “high” setting for 3-4 hours, or on the “low” setting for 6-8 hours. For the most tender results, opting for the longer, slower cooking time is highly recommended. If your schedule allows, stir the contents once every hour or so to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution, though it’s not strictly necessary. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A fix-it and forget-it meal, these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are so tender, juicy and packed full of garlic butter flavor!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4-8 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more)
• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted beef stock
• 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Place 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, into a large bowl and season with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to combine thoroughly.
2. Get a large skillet hot over medium-high heat and add 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil. Once very hot, brown (sear) the steak pieces in batches. You’re not cooking them all the way through, just browning them to give them some color. Add more oil to the pan if needed.
3. Once all the steak is seared, add them into a 6-quart slow cooker along with 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced, and 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced. Gently stir together.
4. Pour in 1 cup unsalted beef stock. Sprinkle 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. Lay 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced, over the top.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Stir once an hour if you can.
6. Serve immediately with your chosen sides (such as mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice).

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American