Slow Cooker Garlic Steak Bites

This slow cooker garlic butter steak bites recipe transforms ordinary sirloin into tender, flavor-packed bites that practically melt in your mouth. The combination of rich garlic butter and savory au jus creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort on your part.

I first made this during a particularly busy week when I needed something impressive yet easy. My family was so captivated by the rich flavors that it's become our go-to Sunday dinner when we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steak: Provides the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor while staying juicy in the slow cooker
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps create a beautiful sear
• Black pepper: Adds essential warmth and depth to the dish
• Vegetable oil: Allows for high-heat searing without burning
• Sweet onion: Melts into the sauce creating natural sweetness
• Fresh garlic slices: Infuse the entire dish with aromatic flavor
• Unsalted beef stock: Forms the foundation of our silky sauce
• Au jus gravy mix: Contains concentrated flavors that develop beautifully during slow cooking
• Unsalted butter: Creates the luxurious finish that makes this dish extraordinary

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Season the meat:

Cut your sirloin into uniform bite-sized pieces then season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Be sure to toss well so every piece gets seasoned. This step builds the foundation of flavor.

Sear in batches:

Get your skillet screaming hot before adding oil and steak pieces. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding which would steam rather than sear the meat. You want a rich brown crust on each piece which takes about 45 seconds per side. This step creates deep flavor through caramelization.

Layer in slow cooker:

Place your seared steak pieces into the slow cooker then add the thinly sliced onion and garlic. The order matters here as it helps the flavors infuse properly throughout cooking.

Add liquids and seasonings:

Pour beef stock around the edges rather than directly on top of the meat to maintain the sear. Sprinkle the au jus mix evenly over everything then place butter slices on top where they will slowly melt into the meat.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. The longer cooking time on low yields even more tender results. Stir occasionally if possible to distribute the flavors.

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My family particularly loves the rich garlic butter sauce that develops during cooking. My son actually taught me to reserve some of the sauce in a small bowl for bread dipping. Now we always serve crusty bread alongside this dish to soak up every last drop of that liquid gold.

Perfect Pairings

These steak bites are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. My personal favorite is spooning them over creamy mashed potatoes which become even more decadent when soaked with the garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option try serving over cauliflower mash or alongside roasted vegetables.

For a complete meal consider adding a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to counterbalance the richness of the steak. The bright acidity of the dressing complements the savory meat perfectly.

Make-Ahead Options

This recipe actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it up to two days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The meat stays tender and the sauce maintains its velvety texture.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop making day two sometimes even better than day one. For longer storage freeze portions in freezersafe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat avoid high heat which can toughen the meat. Instead warm gently on the stovetop over mediumlow heat or use 50% power in the microwave with occasional stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck steak or ribeye, though cooking times may vary depending on the cut's tenderness.

→ Do I have to sear the steak before adding to the slow cooker?

Searing the steak is recommended for added flavor and color, but the recipe will still work without this step if you're short on time.

→ Can I substitute the beef stock?

You can use chicken stock or vegetable broth if needed, but beef stock provides the richest flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice are excellent side options to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

→ Can I cook this on low instead of high heat?

Yes, cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours instead of high for 3-4 hours will still yield tender steak bites.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.