Okay, y’all, let’s talk about dinner… and let’s make it EASY. I’m talking “dump-it-and-forget-it” easy. These Garlic Butter Steak Bites cooked in a crockpot are seriously a game-changer. Juicy, flavorful steak, smothered in garlicky, buttery goodness… what’s not to love? And the best part? The crockpot does almost all the work!
Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to get a delicious, satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, this is IT. I’ve been making these for years, tweaking the recipe until it’s absolutely perfect. My family begs for these, and honestly, I love making them because I can prep everything in the morning and then just relax while the crockpot works its magic. Trust me, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot Recipe
Seriously, you’re gonna LOVE this recipe! Here’s why:
Effortless Cooking
The crockpot does ALL the work! Just sear, dump, and go. Seriously, what’s easier than that?
Flavorful and Tender
Wow, that garlic butter sauce is just… *chef’s kiss*. And the steak? Melts in your mouth! No tough, chewy steak here, promise!
Family-Friendly Meal
Even picky eaters will gobble these up, trust me. My kids ask for this every week – it’s a total win!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Garlic Butter Steak Bites in your crockpot. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s what makes it sing!
- 1.5 lbs steak, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. I usually grab sirloin or tenderloin, but honestly, whatever’s on sale works great! Just make sure it’s a cut that’s good for quick cooking.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Real butter, folks! None of that spread stuff.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. I’m a garlic FIEND, so sometimes I throw in even more!
- 1 tsp dried thyme. Adds that little something-something.
- 1/2 tsp salt.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 2 tbsp olive oil. For searing!
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. That secret ingredient that adds SO much flavor!
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the nitty-gritty! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on the best Garlic Butter Steak Bites ever!
Searing the Steak Bites
First things first, searing! This is SUPER important – don’t skip it! It locks in all those yummy juices and gives the steak a beautiful, caramelized crust. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it HOT! Then, sear your steak bites in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear. We’re going for golden brown deliciousness! Each batch should only take a couple of minutes per side. Once they’re seared, transfer them to your crockpot.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now for the magic sauce! In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all those steak bits add extra flavor!), melt your butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Oh man, the aroma is AMAZING! Careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll taste bitter. We want that sweet, garlicky goodness!
Slow Cooking the Garlic Butter Steak Bites in the Crockpot
Pour that beautiful garlic butter mixture right over the steak bites in your crockpot. Then, add the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a little stir to make sure everything’s coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the steak bites are nice and tender. Check them after 2 hours – you want them to be fork-tender, but not falling apart. Every crockpot cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on them!
Serving the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Once the steak bites are cooked to perfection, it’s time to dig in! Garnish with that fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. These are AMAZING served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. You could also serve them as an appetizer with some crusty bread for dipping in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot
Want to take these Garlic Butter Steak Bites from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few of my top tips!
Choosing the Right Steak
Okay, so I mentioned sirloin or tenderloin, but honestly, chuck roast works GREAT too! Just trim off any excess fat and cut it into bite-sized pieces. The longer cook time in the crockpot actually makes it super tender. Score!
Don’t Overcook
This is KEY! Overcooked steak is tough and sad. Check the steak bites after 2 hours, and then every 15-20 minutes after that. You want them to be fork-tender, but not falling apart. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a little even after you turn off the crockpot.
Adding Extra Flavor
Wanna kick things up a notch? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat! Or, add a splash of beef broth to the crockpot for even more depth of flavor. Mmm!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down. Now, let’s get a little crazy! This recipe is SO versatile – you can totally customize it to your liking. Here are a few of my favorite variations:
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Feeling a little fiery? Toss in a pinch (or a whole bunch!) of red pepper flakes. Or, for a real kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Trust me, that little bit of heat takes these steak bites to a whole new level!
Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Experiment with different herbs! Rosemary and oregano are both AMAZING with steak. Just throw in a sprig or two along with the thyme. Wow, the aroma is incredible!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Vegetables
Wanna make it a complete meal in one pot? Add some veggies! Sliced onions, bell peppers (any color!), or mushrooms are all fantastic additions. Just toss them in the crockpot along with the steak bites. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing, garlicky, buttery steak bites… now what? Well, honestly, they’re pretty darn good all by themselves! But if you want to make it a meal, here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside:
- Mashed potatoes (duh!)
- Fluffy rice
- Your favorite pasta
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts… you name it!)
- A simple side salad
Storing and Reheating Your Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are just as good the next day. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave them (easy!), or for best results, warm them up in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra butter. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot
Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about my Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot recipe.
Can I use frozen steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot?
Okay, so technically, YES, you *can* use frozen steak, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Frozen steak releases a lot of water as it cooks, which can make your steak bites a little… well, soggy. If you absolutely HAVE to use frozen steak, make sure you thaw it completely first. Pat it dry with paper towels before searing to get the best results.
How long can I store Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot leftovers?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Honestly, they never last that long at my house – they’re just too good! But yeah, 3-4 days is the safe bet.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the things I LOVE about this recipe! You can prep everything the night before – sear the steak, make the garlic butter sauce, and then just store it all in the crockpot in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the crockpot and let it do its thing. Easy peasy!
What if my Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot are too tough?
Oops! That usually means they’re overcooked. Next time, try checking them a little earlier. Also, make sure you’re using a cut of steak that’s good for slow cooking, like chuck roast. The longer cooking time actually helps to tenderize it. Adding a splash of beef broth can also help to keep things moist.
Does this recipe work in an Instant Pot?
Heck yeah! If you’re short on time, you can definitely make these in your Instant Pot. Sear the steak bites using the sauté function, then add the garlic butter sauce and cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Just keep an eye on them – they’ll cook much faster than in the crockpot!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot Recipe
Okay, friend, now it’s YOUR turn! If you try these Garlic Butter Steak Bites, PLEASE come back and leave a comment below! And if you loved them (which I KNOW you will!), give the recipe a rating. Share it with your friends, too – let’s spread the garlic butter love!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot
Okay, quick disclaimer time! I’m not a nutritionist, and these numbers are just estimates. The actual nutritional information for your Garlic Butter Steak Bites will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (brands, cuts of steak, etc.) So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?
That being said, here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving (based on the recipe above):
Calories: Around 350 (give or take!)
Hey, at least you know it’s gonna be delicious, right? Enjoy!
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot: Foolproof 3 Hour Meal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful garlic butter steak bites cooked in a crockpot. This easy recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a quick appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak bites in batches until browned on all sides.
- Transfer seared steak bites to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour garlic butter mixture over the steak bites in the crockpot.
- Add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until steak bites are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your crockpot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg