Description These Crockpot Steak Bites are an effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak without much hands-on cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort, this recipe delivers juicy, bite-sized pieces of steak cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. The slow cooking process ensures the steak remains incredibly tender, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak: Begin by patting the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial because it helps the steak sear and brown better during the cooking process. This step ensures that the steak develops a more appealing texture and enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This marinade is the foundation of the recipe’s flavor profile, combining savory, umami, and slightly smoky notes that complement the richness of the steak.
Step 3: Add to Crockpot: Place the bite-sized steak cubes into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the steak, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. This guarantees that each steak bite absorbs the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a uniform and delicious taste.
Step 4: Add Butter: Dot the steak bites with small pieces of butter. Distributing the butter evenly over the steak adds extra richness and helps to create a luscious sauce as the steak cooks. The butter melts into the marinade, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Step 5: Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the steak bites are tender and cooked to your liking. The slow cooking process allows the steak to become incredibly tender, as the low and slow heat breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. Monitor the steak’s doneness, adjusting the cooking time as needed to achieve your preferred level of tenderness.
Step 6: Serve: Once the steak bites are cooked to perfection, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the warm, tender steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or polenta. They also make a fantastic appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Why you will love this recipe
This Crockpot Steak Bites recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a hassle-free yet incredibly flavorful meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak bites without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process ensures that the steak becomes unbelievably tender, soaking up all the savory flavors of the marinade. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss. Additionally, the versatility of these steak bites means they can be served in various ways, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Crockpot Steak Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that perfectly complements the rich, savory steak bites.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- As an Appetizer: Skewer the steak bites and serve with toothpicks for an easy and delicious appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- In Tacos or Wraps: Use the steak bites as a filling for tacos, burritos, or wraps, adding your favorite toppings and sauces for a customized meal.
- With Polenta: Creamy polenta is a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a unique texture and flavor that pairs well with the steak bites.
- Over Pasta: Toss the steak bites with your favorite pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, and a creamy sauce for a hearty and satisfying dish.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Steak: For the best results, use a good quality sirloin steak. The better the quality of the steak, the more tender and flavorful the steak bites will be.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: While this recipe doesn’t require searing the steak, you can sear the steak bites in a hot pan before adding them to the crockpot for an even deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the marinade to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a tablespoon of honey for a hint of sweetness.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Taste the sauce at the end and add more soy sauce or salt if needed.
- Storage: Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Freezing: These steak bites can be frozen for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
4-5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Total Time:
4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (on low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (on high)
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories:
Approximately 350 kcal per serving (may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size)
Protein:
Approximately 40g per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 400mg per serving (may vary depending on the type of soy sauce used)
Conclusion
These Crockpot Steak Bites are an absolute winner for anyone who loves a tender, flavorful steak but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or as a fun appetizer, these steak bites are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. The easy preparation and minimal cleanup make this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of these Crockpot Steak Bites and savor every tender, flavorful bite!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
A: Yes, while sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of flavor and tenderness, you can certainly use other cuts of steak. Chuck steak is a good alternative as it becomes very tender when slow-cooked. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Flank steak or round steak could also work, but they might require a bit more cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness.
Q2: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? Is there a substitute?
A: Worcestershire sauce adds a unique umami flavor to the marinade, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of tamarind paste or even a splash of balsamic vinegar. Another option is to use a small amount of fish sauce, but be cautious as it can be quite strong. The goal is to replicate the savory and slightly tangy notes that Worcestershire sauce provides.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot along with the steak?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the crockpot is a great way to make this a complete one-pot meal. Hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions work particularly well. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process so they have enough time to become tender. Softer vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can be added in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Q4: How do I prevent the steak bites from becoming dry in the crockpot?
A: To prevent the steak bites from drying out, it’s important not to overcook them. Ensure that the steak is fully submerged in the marinade, and use the recommended cooking times as a guideline. If you’re using a leaner cut of steak, you might want to add a bit more butter or olive oil to the crockpot to help keep the meat moist. Also, avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases moisture and can prolong the cooking time.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sauté the steak bites in the Instant Pot with a bit of oil until browned on all sides. Then, add the marinade ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Check the tenderness of the steak, and if needed, cook for a few more minutes. The Instant Pot version will significantly reduce the cooking time while still delivering tender and flavorful steak bites.
