There’s a special kind of kitchen magic that happens when you combine good beef, a handful of simple ingredients, and the patient warmth of a slow cooker.

It’s the magic of walking in after a long day to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of dinner, already done, already perfect.

Why This Recipe Just Works

These steak bites are about transforming an affordable cut into something truly luxurious, with minimal effort on your part.

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning each piece fork-tender while the sauce deepens into something rich and savory.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Each ingredient here plays a specific role in building those incredible layers of flavor.

• Steak (3 lbs, like top sirloin): Cut into bite-sized pieces, this lean but flavorful cut becomes wonderfully tender during the long, slow cook.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper): This simple start is essential for seasoning the meat deeply from the inside out.
• Large Sweet Onion, thinly sliced: It creates a fragrant bed for the steak and slowly caramelizes, adding a subtle sweetness to balance the savory sauce.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for searing, it helps develop a beautiful, flavorful crust on the steak bites that seals in the juices.
• Fresh Garlic (4 cloves, minced): It provides that unmistakable, pungent aroma and foundational flavor that makes the sauce so inviting.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix (1 packet): This is our secret weapon for a robust, deeply savory base without needing a dozen extra spices.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): It becomes the liquid foundation of our sauce, enriching everything and creating that lovely au jus to spoon over your meal.
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): A splash adds a complex, tangy depth that brightens the rich beef flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, in pats): Placed on top at the end, it melts into the sauce, giving it a luxurious, velvety finish.

The Perfect Cut (And Handy Substitutes)

Sirloin is my go-to here because it strikes that ideal balance of flavor, tenderness, and value. It holds up beautifully.

But don’t feel boxed in. Chuck roast, cut into chunks, will become incredibly succulent. Flank steak works well too, just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain after cooking.

How to make Crockpot Steak Bites?

It’s a straightforward process that rewards you with a spectacular result. The key step? That quick sear at the beginning.

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Step 1- Season and Prep the Base

Start by patting your steak bites dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear, not steam. Toss them generously with the salt and pepper.

Next, thinly slice your onion and spread it evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful platform for everything else.

Step 2- Sear the Steak Bites

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the steak pieces.

Sear them for just a minute or two per side, until you get a nice brown crust. You’re not cooking them through, just building flavor. Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker, arranging it over the onions.

Step 3- Build the Sauce

In that same skillet, with all those glorious browned bits left from the steak, you’ll make the sauce. No need to wipe it out.

Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and the contents of the au jus packet. Whisk it all together, scraping up any bits from the pan, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4- Assemble and Cook

Carefully pour that fragrant sauce over the steak and onions in the slow cooker. Now, take your pats of butter and scatter them evenly over the top.

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. That’s it. The low, gentle heat is what coaxes the steak into perfect tenderness.

Step 5- Finish and Serve

Once the time is up, open the lid to that incredible aroma. Give everything a gentle stir—the butter will melt seamlessly into the sauce, making it rich and glossy.

Serve it straight from the pot, making sure to get plenty of those soft onions and that incredible au jus over everything.

Tips for Unbeatable Results

• Patience with the Sear: Don’t rush browning the steak. That caramelized crust is a huge flavor booster the slow cooker can’t replicate.
• Uniformity is Key: Try to cut your steak pieces to roughly the same size. It ensures every single bite is done to the same perfect tenderness at the same time.
• Low and Slow Wins: Resist the urge to crank the heat to high to save time. Cooking on low guarantees the meat fibers break down properly for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Skim if Needed: If you notice excess oil on the surface after cooking, just use a spoon to skim a little off the top for a cleaner, more appetizing sauce.

Brilliant Ways to Serve Your Steak Bites

This dish is the ultimate team player on your dinner table. It pairs wonderfully with so many things.

For a classic comfort meal, spoon it over a heap of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. The sauce soaks right in.

Want something lighter? Fluffy jasmine rice or a side of roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli are fantastic. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of that incredible jus.

Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s fun to play. The basic method is your canvas.

For a smoky twist, swap the au jus for a packet of brown gravy mix and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Throw in some sliced mushrooms, too, while you’re at it.

Craving something with a sweet and tangy kick? Use a teriyaki glaze instead of the aujus and add a cup of fresh pineapple chunks before cooking.

Storing and Reheating for Later

Leftovers are a gift, honestly. They taste even richer the next day.

Let the dish cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce needs loosening.

You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a nearly-instant fabulous meal.

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Print Recipe

Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Slow Cooking Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 300 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 5 hrs 25 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 20 Calories: 520

Best Season: Winter, Fall

Description

When you’re in the mood for something truly comforting, satisfying, and delicious, you’ve got to try our easy Crockpot Steak Bites. Our Slow Cooker Steak Bites are succulent pieces of seasoned steak, seared and simmered to perfection in a flavorful au jus sauce with caramelized onions.

ingredients

Servings

• 3 pounds steak (top sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 teaspoons salt (kosher)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced, preferably sweet onion)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 package Au Jus Gravy Mix (about 1-ounce)
• 1 cup beef broth (or bouillon prepared to 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter (unsalted, sliced into pats)

Instructions

1. Season the steak bites with salt and pepper in a large bowl.
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2. Place the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful bed.
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3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches until nicely browned on all sides. Transfer seared steak to the slow cooker on top of the onions.
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4. In the same skillet, add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Au Jus mix. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
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5. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak bites in the slow cooker.
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6. Place butter pats evenly over the top of the steak.
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7. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until steak is tender.
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8. Gently stir to melt butter into the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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9. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1 serving (approx. 8 oz with sauce)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 520kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 32g50%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 145mg49%

Sodium 980mg41%

Potassium 920mg27%

Total Carbohydrate 8g3%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 48g96%

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Calcium 4 mg

Iron 30 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make ahead tip: Sear steak and prepare sauce up to 2 days ahead; store separately in fridge. Combine in crockpot when ready to cook.
• Freezing: Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Variations: Try BBQ sauce instead of au jus for a smoky twist, or add mushrooms and swap for mushroom gravy mix.
• Serving ideas: Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keywords: crockpot steak bites, slow cooker steak, steak bites recipe, easy beef dinner, au jus steak