Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps—just season, sear (optional), then slow-cook.
Flavor-packed: Infused with buttery garlic goodness and savory au jus.
Versatile pairings: Delicious atop mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even spaetzle.
Tender results: Slow cooking ensures the steak bites become melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sirloin steak
salt and black pepper
sweet onion
garlic
unsalted beef stock
au jus gravy mix
unsalted butter

Directions

Cut the sirloin into bite-sized pieces and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
(Optional) Sear the steak bites in batches in a hot skillet with vegetable oil—just to add color and flavor.
Transfer seared (or raw) steak pieces into a 6‑quart slow cooker. Add thinly sliced onion and garlic; stir gently.
Pour in unsalted beef stock, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top, and lay slices of unsalted butter on it.
Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours. Stir once per hour if possible for more even cooking.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles—all great for soaking up that gravy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3–4 hours on high, or 6–8 hours on low
Total time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes (assuming high heat)

Variations

Alternative cuts: Try flat iron steak, chuck roast, round steak, or stew meat if sirloin isn’t available or if you want a more economical option—flat iron offers great flavor at a better price.
Herby twist: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for aromatic depth.
No‑sear shortcut: Skip browning the steak entirely—you’ll still get flavorful results with less effort.
Stovetop/oven adaptation: Not tested officially, but feel free to experiment using a Dutch oven or stovetop—just monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating options: Reheat gently in a slow cooker, on the stove, in the microwave, or even in an air fryer until warmed through.

FAQs

1. What’s the best steak to use?

Sirloin is highly recommended for its tenderness when slow-cooked, but you can also use flat iron steak, chuck roast, round steak, or stew meat depending on price and preference.

2. Do I need to sear the steak bites before cooking?

Nope—you don’t have to. Searing enhances flavor and appearance, but is optional.

3. Can I add other herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs are easy additions for extra aromatic flavor.

4. What’s the best side to serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice for soaking up the gravy. Rice, egg noodles, or even spaetzle are great too.

5. How long should I cook it?

Cooking on high takes about 3–4 hours; on low, 6–8 hours. Low heat yields more tender steak bites.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 3 months.

7. Can I reheat leftovers in different ways?

Yes, use a slow cooker, stovetop, microwave, or air fryer to warm until heated through.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling should be fine as long as your slow cooker is large enough.

9. What if the steak bites ended up dry?

Some have found that 6 hours on low can overcook small pieces. Try cooking only 4 hours on low to retain juiciness.

10. Can I convert this to an Instant Pot recipe?

There’s no official Instant Pot version, but many slow cooker dishes adapt well just be sure to adjust times and pressure settings accordingly.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners—bold in flavor, easy to prepare, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re hosting guests or feeding the family, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’ll likely become a regular in your rotation. Enjoy every tender, garlicky bite!

Lily