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Isn’t it amazing how our kitchens can bring back some of the most nostalgic memories? And slow-cooked meals, oh boy, they’re at the heart of it all. Today, I’m sharing with you a recipe that has the power to transport you right back to the cozy family dinners of yesteryears: Slow Cooker Steak Bites. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Do you have those moments where you just want to sink your teeth into something mouthwateringly delicious, but without slaving away in the kitchen for hours? Yeah, I’ve been there too! Here’s why this slow cooker steak bites recipe is about to become your new BFF:
- Easy-Peasy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s almost like the dish cooks itself.
- Tender Loving Bites: Slow-cooking ensures the steak becomes unbelievably tender.
- Rich, Deep Flavors: The au jus, my friend, is the game-changer. Every bite is a burst of layered flavors.
Slow Cooker Steak Bites Ingredients
- Sirloin Steak
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Au Jus Mix
- Beef Broth
- Onion
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Red Pepper Flakes, optional
*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High/7-8 hours on Low
Total Time: 3.5-4.5 hours on High/7.5-8.5 hours on Low
Servings: 4-6
- Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through. Remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the au jus mix, beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Pour the au jus mixture over the seared steak bites in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The steak should be tender and the flavors well combined.
- Optional if you prefer a thicker gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, you may choose to thicken the au jus. To do so, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites hot, drizzled with the rich au jus. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Slow Cooker Steak Bites:
Leftovers? Store the steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat Slow Cooker Steak Bites:
When you’re ready to dive into your leftovers, reheat gently on the stove, ensuring not to overcook them.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
Absolutely! Think of it as a culinary gift to your future self. Just let the steak bites cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, pushing out any excess air. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Of course! If you’re someone who loves to get a jump start on meal planning, this recipe is perfect. Prepare everything up to the step before slow cooking. Store your seared steak bites and au jus mixture separately in the refrigerator. On the day of, pour the mixture over the steak, set your slow cooker, and voila!
Substitutions & Variations
Don’t have sirloin steak? Feel free to use other beef cuts but make sure you pick a good quality cut to ensure the best steak bites.
As for the au jus, if you don’t have a packet on hand, a beef bouillon cube mixed with some soy sauce can be a delightful makeshift solution. And for the heat enthusiasts, throw in some chopped jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Go wild!
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Searing is Caring: Don’t skip the searing step. It locks in those delicious flavors and gives the steak an irresistible crust. A light searing is all you need to keep your steak bites from drying out.
- Saucy vs. Gravy: The au jus is intended to be a bit on the saucier side. But if you’re a fan of thicker gravies, the cornstarch trick mentioned in the instructions is gold.
- Sides: Mashed potatoes and crusty bread are classic choices. But for a low-carb twist, try cauliflower mash. So delish.
And there you have it: a dish that’s not just hearty and flavorful but also brimming with the comforts of home. So, next time you’re in need of some culinary TLC or simply want to spoil yourself and your loved ones, give these Slow Cooker Steak Bites a go.
Try Some of our Other Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
INGREDIENTS
For the Steak Bites
- 3 lbs Sirloin Steak or your choice of beef cut, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Au Jus
- 1 oz Au Jus Mix, 1 packet
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper flakes, for heat
INSTRUCTIONS
- Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak cubes and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through. Remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the au jus mix, beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Pour the au jus mixture over the seared steak bites in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The steak should be tender and the flavors well combined.
- Optional if you prefer a thicker gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, you may choose to thicken the au jus. To do so, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the steak bites hot, drizzled with the rich au jus. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
NOTES
Reheating and Storage Information
Leftovers? Store the steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dive into them again, reheat gently on the stove, ensuring not to overcook them. Alternatively, you can microwave, but make sure to do it in intervals so they heat evenly.Can This Be Frozen?
Absolutely! Think of it as a culinary gift to your future self. Just let the steak bites cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, pushing out any excess air. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Of course! If you’re someone who loves to get a jump start on meal planning, this recipe is perfect. Prepare everything up to the step before slow cooking. Store your seared steak bites and au jus mixture separately in the refrigerator. On the day of, pour the mixture over the steak, set your slow cooker, and voila!Substitutions & Variations
Don’t have sirloin steak? Feel free to use other beef cuts like chuck or round. And if you’re not big on beef, chicken thighs can also work wonders with this recipe. As for the au jus, if you don’t have a packet on hand, a beef bouillon cube mixed with some soy sauce can be a delightful makeshift solution. And for the heat enthusiasts, throw in some chopped jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Go wild, friend!Helpful Cooking Notes
- Searing is Caring: Don’t skip the searing step! It locks in those delicious flavors and gives the steak an irresistible crust.
- Saucy vs. Gravy: The au jus is intended to be a bit on the saucier side. But if you’re a fan of thicker gravies, the cornstarch trick mentioned in the instructions is gold.
- Sides: Mashed potatoes and crusty bread are classic choices. But for a low-carb twist, try cauliflower mash. So delish!