Crockpot steak bites are hands-down one of the most satisfying, fall-apart tender meals you can make without standing over a stove all evening. Around here at Grandy Recipes, we call this dish the weeknight hero—because whether you’re juggling work, laundry, a cranky toddler, or all of the above, crockpot steak bites are the perfect solution, offering deep flavor, a tender, juicy texture, and hardly any effort at all.
As someone who’s been cooking since age 10 (thanks, Mom!), I’ve always believed that food should be simple, hearty, and memorable. That philosophy is baked into everything I share, and these crockpot steak bites are no exception. They’re packed with real ingredients—beef, broth, garlic, butter, and a savory au jus gravy mix—that slow cook to perfection while you get on with life.
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Crockpot Steak Bites
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 mins
Description
These crockpot steak bites are tender chunks of seasoned beef, perfectly seared and slow-cooked in a rich au jus sauce with sweet, caramelized onions.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs round steak (cut into small pieces)
- ½ onion diced
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4, stirring occasionally.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can also use stew meat or sirloin steak for Crock Pot Steak Tips! You can also brown the cuts of beef for 2-4 minutes before placing it in the crock pot to give the beef more color prior to cooking it.
Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5-7 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sodium: 733 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 5 2g
- Cholesterol: 162 mg
In our home, this recipe is a crowd favorite. My daughter Eliana helps me tweak the seasoning, while my son Daniel hovers until the first bite. Even Lola, our mischievous beagle, has tried to sneak a taste during photo shoots! We serve these crockpot steak bites over mashed potatoes, noodles, or even roasted cauliflower when we’re going low-carb. They never fail to satisfy.
So if you’re looking for an easy, protein-rich dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it, you’ve found it. Let your slow cooker do the work, and let crockpot steak bites be the reason your family fights over the last bite.
Check out our flavorful 3-Ingredient Steak Marinade if you want to prep your steak like a pro before slow cooking.
Table of Contents
Why Crockpot Steak Bites Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Crockpot steak bites: From Angie’s family table to yours
This dish isn’t just about steak. It’s about reclaiming your weeknights, feeding your people well, and soaking up every drop of au jus with a hunk of bread. At our house, crockpot steak bites are code for “everyone’s going back for seconds.” From my oldest daughter’s transformation to a high-protein lifestyle to my always-hungry son Daniel’s approval—it’s been tested and devoured by the best taste-testers I know.
The beauty? It feels gourmet, but it’s laughably easy. We’re talking just a few pantry staples, a slow cooker, and about 20 minutes of hands-on prep. The end result? This beef is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth.
What makes this recipe a winner? (Hint: Flavor, ease, and tenderness)
This isn’t just another “dump-and-go” crockpot meal (though it’s definitely that easy). What sets these crockpot steak bites apart is the depth of flavor packed into every bite. We start by searing the steak chunks, which caramelizes the edges and adds a golden crust. Then we drop them into the slow cooker with sweet onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire, and au jus gravy mix. Butter pats on top melt down into the sauce as it slow-cooks for hours.
What you get is a fork-tender, umami-rich plate of steak that tastes like you fussed for hours, even if you were just folding laundry, gardening, or stealing the last protein muffin from the fridge.
Looking for inspiration? Try our cozy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf next—your crockpot will thank you.
Ingredients Breakdown for the Best Crockpot Steak Bites
The best steak cuts for slow cooker steak bites
When it comes to making juicy, flavorful crockpot steak bites, the cut of meat you choose can make or break the dish. Sirloin is an excellent option—it’s lean, slow cooks wonderfully, and remains tender without breaking apart. But it’s not your only option.
Chuck roast is also fantastic, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative. It has the fat marbling that turns into melt-in-your-mouth richness after a few hours of slow cooking. Round steak and even stew meat can work well too, as long as you trim excess fat and cut everything into uniform bite-sized chunks. Uniformity helps ensure that every piece of meat cooks evenly and absorbs that savory au jus goodness.
Spices and secret ingredients you shouldn’t skip
The key to flavor-packed crockpot steak bites lies in a handful of pantry staples. Start with salt and black pepper for a basic seasoning. Then layer in minced garlic and sliced sweet onions to build depth.
Next up: the sauce. Mix together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a packet of au jus gravy mix. This combo adds richness and savory intensity that makes your slow cooker steak bites unforgettable. Don’t forget the butter—cut into pats and placed on top of the meat before cooking, it melts into the sauce for added smoothness and flavor.
Discover great ideas like this steak on mashed potatoes combo for your next hearty family dinner.
Prepping Like a Pro: From Cutting to Searing
How to cut steak chunks evenly for tender bites
Before your slow cooker works its magic, a little knife work goes a long way. Start by trimming any excess fat from your chosen cut. For crockpot steak bites, bite-sized really means about 1 to 1½-inch cubes. Uniform cuts ensure that every piece cooks evenly and becomes equally tender.
Use a sharp chef’s knife and slice against the grain to help tenderize the meat. If you’re prepping ahead of time, store the cut steak in an airtight container with a pinch of salt and pepper. Letting the meat rest like this allows the seasoning to start working before it hits the pan or crockpot.
Why searing matters: Locking in flavor the Grandy way
This step separates bland from bold. Searing the meat before slow cooking helps build a crust that locks in moisture and adds a layer of flavor that simply won’t happen in a slow cooker alone. Heat a skillet over medium-high with a splash of olive oil, then brown the steak chunks in small batches—don’t overcrowd the pan.
Each golden-brown sear equals more flavor in your final dish. Once seared, the steak is ready to layer on a bed of onions in your slow cooker for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Slow Cooking Magic: Step-by-Step Crockpot Instructions
Layering your ingredients the right way
The secret to tender, flavor-packed crockpot steak bites lies in how you build the layers. Start by placing a generous amount of sliced sweet onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This not only prevents the meat from sticking but also adds a natural sweetness that blends beautifully with the beef.
Once the onions are down, arrange the seared steak chunks right on top. Make sure they’re evenly distributed. Next, pour the prepared sauce over the meat—a mix of beef broth, au jus gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Let the sauce drizzle down into the onions and under the beef.
Top it all off with butter slices. As the dish cooks, the butter will melt into the sauce, adding richness and helping the flavors blend.
Low and slow vs. high heat: What delivers better flavor?
When it comes to crockpot steak bites, patience pays off. Cooking on low for 4 to 5 hours delivers the best texture—moist, fork-tender beef that practically melts. While it’s tempting to crank it to high and speed things up, that route often leads to tougher meat.
If you’re short on time, 2½ to 3 hours on high can still work—but low is the gold standard.
Crockpot Steak Bites Variations You Need to Try
BBQ, Teriyaki, and Mushroom Gravy twists
One of the best parts about crockpot steak bites is how versatile the recipe is. You can stick with the savory au jus original or branch out with bold flavors your family will love.
Craving smoky and sweet? Swap the au jus mix for your favorite BBQ sauce. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of brown sugar for extra tang and depth. These BBQ steak bites are perfect for serving over mashed sweet potatoes.
For a fun Asian twist, go with teriyaki sauce and toss in some pineapple chunks. The slow cooker will caramelize the pineapple while the sauce thickens into a sweet, sticky glaze. Serve it over jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Prefer something rich and creamy? Try adding sliced mushrooms with the onions and swapping the au jus for a mushroom gravy mix. The mushrooms soak up the beefy broth and give your crockpot steak bites a savory, earthy edge.
Adding veggies: Potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and more
Boost the flavor and nutrition by adding chopped vegetables. Bell peppers, baby potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms hold up well in the slow cooker. Layer them beneath the steak so they cook evenly in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Dish
Perfect pairings: Mashed potatoes, rice, or garlic bread?
Once your crockpot steak bites are perfectly tender and swimming in that rich, buttery sauce, it’s time to think about what to serve them with. Mashed potatoes are a classic go-to. They soak up all that savory au jus like a dream and make every bite creamy and satisfying.
If you’re looking for something lighter, fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice both work great. Jasmine or basmati adds a little fragrance that pairs nicely with the steak’s deep flavors. Want to keep things low-carb and protein-packed? Try serving your crockpot steak bites over sautéed spinach or mashed cauliflower for a keto-friendly twist.
Garlic bread is another winner. A slice of crusty, buttery bread is the perfect tool for mopping up every last drop of that slow-cooked sauce.
How to plate crockpot steak bites like a pro
Presentation doesn’t have to be fancy. Start with your base—mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies—then spoon your steak bites and onions on top. Drizzle extra sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color.
Storage, Meal Prep & Freezing Tips
How long do crockpot steak bites last in the fridge?
Once cooled, crockpot steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store them with the sauce to keep the beef moist and flavorful. When you’re ready to reheat, warm the bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent overcooking.
These leftovers also make excellent meal prep options. Portion the steak and sauce into containers alongside rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Reheating without drying out the steak
The best way to reheat crockpot steak bites is low and slow—just like they were cooked. Add a splash of beef broth or water before reheating to revive the sauce and keep the beef juicy. Cover the pan or container during reheating to trap moisture.
To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Check out our savory Deep Fried Ravioli for another crave-worthy family favorite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking, under-seasoning, or choosing the wrong cut
Even though crockpot steak bites are simple to make, a few small mistakes can ruin the whole dish. One of the most common issues? Overcooking. Yes, your slow cooker is designed for long cooking, but that doesn’t mean you can leave steak in there all day. After cooking on low for 4 to 5 hours, the beef should become nice and tender. Leave it much longer and you’ll end up with dry or mushy bites.
Another pitfall is under-seasoning. Because this dish relies on broth and au jus for its flavor, it’s easy to forget to season the meat itself. Salt and pepper the steak before searing—it makes a big difference in the final flavor.
The last mistake? Picking the wrong cut. Lean cuts like filet mignon tend to dry out. You want something with marbling, like sirloin or chuck, that can break down and become juicy during the slow cook.
Oil management and crock layering mistakes
When searing your steak bites, avoid using too much oil. A light coating of olive oil is enough. Too much fat can leave the final sauce greasy.
Also, layer your ingredients properly. Onions go at the bottom, then the meat, then the sauce, and finally the butter. This ensures even cooking and flavor.
FAQs About Crockpot Steak Bites
Can you put raw steak in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! But for the most flavorful crockpot steak bites, it’s highly recommended to sear the meat first. Searing caramelizes the surface and locks in juices, giving your dish a richer taste and better texture. If you’re pressed for time, skipping this step won’t ruin the meal—it’ll still turn out tasty and tender.
Which cut of steak is ideal for making steak bites?
Sirloin is the most popular choice for crockpot steak bites because it’s lean, affordable, and holds up well in the slow cooker. Chuck roast and round steak are great alternatives. these cuts have more marbling, which makes them exceptionally tender after slow cooking. Just be sure to trim off any large pieces of fat before cooking.
What’s the method for cooking steak chunks in a slow cooker?
Start by cutting steak into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. sear the steak pieces in a hot pan, then place sliced onions at the base of the slow cooker. Add the seared steak on top, pour in a flavorful mix of broth, au jus, Worcestershire, and garlic, then top with butter. Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Are steaks good in the crockpot?
Absolutely. Slow cooking transforms even tougher cuts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. That’s why crockpot steak bites are a fan favorite—they’re low-effort, high-reward meals that work every time.
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