Crockpot Steak Bites: Easy Weeknight Dinner
Effortless Comfort Food Beef.
Tender, juicy steak bites slow-cooked for a perfect, easy weeknight meal.
I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday. Between work, after-school pickups, and a mountain of laundry, the idea of cooking felt impossible. But then I remembered I had prepped these steak bites that morning. Walking in the door to that rich, savory aroma... it honestly felt like a gift. The day's stress just melted away. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little bit of peace on a busy day.
Why This Recipe Feels Like a Hug
- •It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days.
- •The steak becomes unbelievably tender, just falling apart.
- •Your whole house will smell like a cozy, wonderful dream.
- •That savory, garlicky sauce is perfect for spooning over everything.
- •It feels special enough for Sunday dinner but is easy enough for a Tuesday.
Wow. My family absolutely devoured this. My husband, who is so picky about steak, said it was the most tender he's ever had. This is definitely going into our weekly rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is a great choice here. It's lean but has enough flavor, and it becomes beautifully tender in the slow cooker. Chuck roast also works wonderfully.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Using low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness, which is important since soy sauce and Worcestershire are also salty. It builds a better, more balanced flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is my secret weapon for deep, savory, umami flavor. It adds a complexity that you just can't get from salt alone. Don't skip it!
Complete Cooking Process
- Cut your steak into uniform, bite-sized cubes. About one inch is perfect.
- Pat them really dry with a paper towel. This is key for getting a good sear.
- Give the steak bites a quick sear in a hot pan. This step is technically optional, but honestly, it adds so much deep, rich flavor. It only takes a few minutes.
- Whisk all your sauce ingredients together in a bowl before pouring them in. This ensures everything is well-combined and the flavor is even.
- Place the seared steak in the crockpot and pour the sauce over top.
- Set it to low and walk away. Let the slow cooker do its thing for a few hours. The magic is in the waiting.
- Just before it's done, thicken the sauce with a simple cornstarch slurry to get that perfect, glossy consistency.
A Few Common Questions
→Do I have to sear the steak first?
You don't *have* to, but I really recommend it. Searing creates a beautiful crust and a much deeper, more complex flavor in the final dish. If you're really short on time, you can skip it, but it's worth the extra 5 minutes.
→What's the best cut of steak to use?
I love using sirloin for this. It's affordable and gets very tender. Chuck roast, cut into cubes, is another fantastic option as it breaks down beautifully over a long cook time.
→What should I serve with these crockpot steak bites?
Oh, so many comforting things! They are perfect over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli makes it a complete meal.
→Can I cook this on high to speed it up?
You can, but I find the texture of the steak is so much better when cooked low and slow. If you must, cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, but low is really the way to go for the most tender result.
Crockpot Steak Bites: Easy Weeknight Dinner
Crockpot steak bites recipe! Tender, juicy steak slow-cooked to perfection. Minimal prep for a quick, healthy, protein-packed meal. Try it tonight!
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
3-4 hours
Total Time
3 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 012 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 021 tablespoon olive oil
- 031/2 teaspoon salt
- 041/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 011 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 021/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 032 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 044 cloves garlic, minced
- 051 teaspoon onion powder
- 061 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 072 tablespoons cornstarch
- 082 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. You don't need to cook them through. Transfer the seared steak to the crockpot.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, and brown sugar if you're using it.
Pour the sauce mixture over the steak bites in the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until the steak is tender.
About 20 minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Stir the slurry into the crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened nicely.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Notes & Tips
- 1The brown sugar is optional but adds a lovely, subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- 2Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery to the crockpot for a one-pot meal.
- 3Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Tools You'll Need
- •Pat the steak completely dry before searing. A dry surface equals a better crust.
- •Don't overcrowd the pan when searing. Work in batches if you need to.
- •Always mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to avoid lumps.
- •Every slow cooker is a little different. Your steak might be done a little sooner or later, so check for tenderness.