Slow Cooker Steak Bites

Category: Beef Recipes

Tender, juicy Slow Cooker Steak Bites are the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner! Made with flavorful seasonings and succulent beef, these bites cook to perfection while you go about your day. Ideal for family meals or game day snacks, simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Save this recipe to impress your friends and family at your next gathering!

Slow Cooker Steak Bites are juicy, tender pieces of steak cooked low and slow, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare!

These bites are perfect for a busy day. Just toss them in your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Plus, they pair great with rice or veggies for a filling meal! 🍽️

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Steak: Sirloin or flank steak works great for this recipe. If you want something leaner, try eye of round or tenderloin. If you’re cooking for a crowd, bulk up with a cheaper cut like chuck roast, which is tenderized during slow cooking.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice if you’re watching your salt intake. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative that’s slightly sweeter.

Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken or vegetable broth can work just fine. Using broth adds depth. Always opt for low-sodium if that’s a concern.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to 4 cloves of fresh garlic.

Herbs: Dried thyme complements the meat, but feel free to use other herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor note. Just ensure you adjust the quantity since some herbs can be stronger.

How Do I Make Sure the Steak is Tender?

To make steak bites tender, marination and cooking time are key. First, marinate the steak pieces well before cooking. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce help to break down tougher meat fibers.

  • Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to get maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Slow cooking on low heat (4-5 hours) is the best method for tender steak. It allows the meat to cook gently, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth bites.

If you’re short on time, cooking on high (2-3 hours) will work, but keep an eye on it. Test for doneness with a fork—if it falls apart easily, it’s ready!

How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Steak Bites:

  • 2 lbs steak (such as sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or any preferred herb)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious slow cooker steak bites recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll need to cook it for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your schedule. Altogether, you can have this flavorful dish ready in about 5 hours, with some of that time being hands-off!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir everything well until it is nicely combined.

2. Marinate the Steak:

Add the bite-sized pieces of steak to the bowl, making sure all the pieces are covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to overnight for even better flavor.

3. Cook the Steak Bites:

Once marinated, transfer the steak and all the marinade into the slow cooker. Spread it out a little to make sure everything cooks evenly. Cover with the lid, then set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the steak is tender and cooked through.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. About 15-30 minutes before serving, add this slurry to the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it cook on high until the sauce thickens.

5. Final Touches:

After cooking, taste the steak bites and adjust any seasonings if you like. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch!

6. Enjoy!

Serve your warm steak bites on their own, over rice or mashed potatoes, or even as a hearty filling in tacos. Enjoy every savory bite!

Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak works great, you can also use cuts like chuck or ribeye for even more flavor. Just remember, tougher cuts may need a little more cooking time to become tender.

How Long Can I Marinate the Steak?

You can marinate the steak bites for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is recommended. Just ensure that you don’t exceed 24 hours, as the meat can become overly tender and mushy.

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftovers! Make sure to let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.

What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?

If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use coconut aminos for a gluten-free, soy-free option. Alternatively, tamari works well for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Just adjust to taste, as these options may be milder or sweeter than traditional soy sauce.

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