Are you tired of the same old recipes and looking to try something new in your crockpot? Look no further! These crockpot steak bites are not only incredibly tender and juicy, but they are also packed with flavor. Flavored with a delectable mix of au jus gravy, onion, garlic, beef stock, and butter, these steak bites are sure to win over your family’s taste buds.
The Perfect Comfort Food
There’s nothing quite like a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family can enjoy. These slow-cooked steak bites are super tender and bursting with flavor. Simply toss all the ingredients in your crockpot in the morning and let it simmer all day long. When you come home, you’ll be greeted with the incredible aroma and a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Reasons to Make This Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe
- Fuel for Your Body: This protein-packed dinner will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
- Endless Options: Serve these steak bites over a bed of noodles, mashed potatoes, or enjoy them plain. The versatility of this recipe allows it to be paired with various sides to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will approve! The combination of flavors in this recipe is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
- Hands-Off Cooking: With just a little prep in the morning, you can leave the crockpot to work its magic all day long. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hassle-free dinner.
- Transform Tough Cuts: If you have a tougher cut of steak on hand, don’t worry! The slow cooking process will turn it into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering steak bites, gather the following ingredients:
- Beef Steak: We recommend using sirloin steak for this recipe. The goal is to have bite-sized pieces that are tender and easy to eat.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and au jus gravy mix are used to enhance the flavor of the beef. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish.
- Oil: You’ll need oil to pan-fry the steak and achieve that rich crust.
- Onion: A sweet onion thinly sliced adds a sweet and tender element to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic or jarred minced garlic works well in this recipe.
- Beef Stock: The liquid in this recipe provides depth of flavor to the slow-cooked steak bites.
- Butter: Real butter adds both tenderness and flavor to the meat.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve these delicious steak bites in a variety of ways. For a low-carb option, pair them with spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve them with egg noodles or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. White or jasmine rice is also a great choice, as the rich sauce from the steak will enhance the flavor even further. Don’t forget to add your favorite vegetables, a crisp green salad, dinner rolls, or any other desired side dishes to complete the meal!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Bone broth: Substitute beef stock with bone broth for added richness.
- Mushrooms: Add mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Beef Stew Meat: Swap out the steak for beef stew meat for a heartier bite.
- Onion Soup Mix: Try using onion soup mix instead of au jus gravy mix for a different flavor profile.
- Homemade Au Jus Mix: Create your own au jus mix from scratch for a more personalized taste.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your crockpot steak bites turn out perfectly:
Searing Meat
Searing the seasoned steak before adding it to the slow cooker not only enhances the texture but also deepens the flavors. While you can skip this step if you’re short on time, we recommend taking the extra few minutes to achieve the delicious golden brown crust.
Crockpot Liners
Consider using crockpot liners for easy cleanup. These plastic liners make removing the cooked ingredients a breeze and save you precious time and effort in the kitchen.
Thinly Sliced Onions and Garlic
For optimal tenderness, slice your onions and garlic thinly. This allows them to cook down properly and become tender in the slow cooker.
Low and Slow Cooking
For the best results, cook your steak bites on the low setting. This ensures that the meat becomes soft, tender, and full of flavor. While the high setting can be used if you’re short on time, the low and slow method is worth the wait.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover steak bites, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in a sealed container. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the microwave to prevent splattering. Alternatively, you can freeze any remaining steak by placing it in a freezer bag or container for up to 4-5 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of steak for steak bites in the crockpot? A: Yes! Feel free to use sirloin, tenderloin, beef stew meat, or even ribeye. The slow cooking process will tenderize any type of steak, even budget-friendly cuts.
Q: Do I need to sear the steak before adding it to the crockpot? A: While not mandatory, searing the steak adds depth and richness to the overall dish. We highly recommend taking the extra step and searing the steak bites before slow cooking.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the steak bites? A: Absolutely! Along with onions and garlic, you can add carrots, mushrooms, peppers, or any other vegetables of your choice. This will further enhance the flavor of the meat.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce in the crockpot? A: If your sauce is too thin, you can turn the crockpot to high during the last 30 minutes of cooking. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until well combined. Stir this mixture into the crockpot and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
More Delicious Beef Recipes
If you’re craving more tasty beef recipes, be sure to check out our other recipes! Try our Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup, Crack Chicken, or Slow Cooker Meatloaf for more fantastic meals that are perfect for a busy weeknight.
