Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food—tender, juicy, and packed with bold, garlicky flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when you want something hearty with minimal prep. With just a handful of ingredients and your slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll end up with rich, buttery steak bites that melt in your mouth. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to choose the best beef, prep your ingredients, and nail the timing for flawless results every time. These Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Table of Contents
Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Your New Favorite
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
These Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are melt-in-your-mouth tender, coated in rich garlic butter, and slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal prep and big flavor, they’re ideal for weeknights or meal prep. Just toss in the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and come back to a hearty, comforting dish.
Ingredients
2 pounds sirloin or chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: mushrooms, baby potatoes, red chili flakes, parsley
Instructions
Season cubed steak generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
(Optional) In a hot skillet, sear steak bites for 1 minute per side.
Transfer steak to the crockpot. Add minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and half the butter.
Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until tender.
Stir in the remaining butter during the last 30 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with potatoes, rice, or bread.
Notes
Use sirloin for leaner, firmer bites or chuck roast for richer, more marbled texture.
Stew meat works too but may need extra cooking time.
Add veggies like mushrooms or baby potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
Refrigerates well for 4 days; freezer-friendly up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
- Sodium: 550mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Au jus gravy, sirloin steak, beef stock, sweet onion, black, Sirloin steak, asparagus, yukon gold potatoes, worcestershire, Beef stew meat, mini potatoes
The Story Behind These Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Why I Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites in a Crockpot
I still remember the first time I made Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. It was one of those Saturdays when I craved something hearty but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. I tossed chunks of steak into my crockpot with garlic, butter, and a splash of broth. A few hours later, the aroma hit me—rich, savory, and mouthwatering. The first bite sealed the deal: tender steak dripping in garlicky butter goodness. It felt like I’d struck gold with almost no effort.
What I love most about Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites is how they transform basic ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. The slow cooking tenderizes every piece while the garlic butter seeps deep into the meat. It’s the kind of recipe you can start in the morning and forget about until dinnertime, and the payoff is huge.
If you’ve ever tried Garlic Butter Steak Bites Crockpot with Potatoes, you already know how comforting this dish can be. We keep it on our family-favorites list and rotate it in for guests, lazy weekends, or anytime we want something warm and flavorful without the stress.
A Comfort Food That’s Simple and Satisfying
Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are one of those meals that make you feel like a better cook than you actually are. The garlic and butter combo is unbeatable, and the slow-cooker magic does all the work. It’s the perfect bridge between simplicity and indulgence—especially on busy weeknights.
You don’t need special tools or fancy ingredients. Just your slow cooker, a decent steak, and pantry staples. As the dish cooks, the smell of garlic butter fills your kitchen and makes it nearly impossible to wait for dinnertime. It’s also super flexible—add mushrooms, potatoes, or keep it classic. This recipe is a staple in our meal-prep routine and one we never get tired of.
Whether it’s your first time using a slow cooker or you’re a seasoned pro, Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites deliver reliable, delicious comfort every time.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
The Best Steak Cuts for Tender Steak Bites
Choosing the right cut is key to the perfect Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. You want a steak that’s marbled but not too fatty—sirloin is ideal. It’s tender, flavorful, and stays juicy even after hours in the slow cooker. Chuck roast is another winner. It’s a bit fattier, which means extra flavor, and it breaks down beautifully during long, slow cooking.
Stew meat is a common choice, and yes—you can use it for Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Just keep in mind that it’s a mix of cuts, so cooking times may vary. If you’re making this for a week of hearty dinners, consider buying a whole chuck or sirloin and cubing it yourself for consistency.
Lean cuts like eye of round can work, but they might be chewier. The secret is low and slow—give it time, and even the tougher cuts will reward you with melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Essential Ingredients You Shouldn’t Skip
The heart of Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites is right in the name: garlic and butter. Skip either and you miss the soul of this dish. I recommend using real butter—unsalted if you want more control. For garlic, go fresh. It makes a difference. I usually toss in six cloves for maximum impact.
To build depth, add beef broth, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and some dried herbs like Italian seasoning or thyme. Red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat if you like a little kick. Want to make it a full meal? Add mushrooms or baby potatoes, like in this potato-packed version. They soak up all that garlic butter for an extra punch of flavor.
These ingredients are simple, but combined in a slow cooker, they turn into something magical. That’s the real beauty of Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites—big flavor from a handful of pantry staples.
Cooking Method for Perfect Crockpot Steak Bites
To Sear or Not to Sear? What You Need to Know
One of the most common questions when making Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites is whether you need to sear the meat first. The short answer? You don’t have to—but it can absolutely elevate the flavor. Searing caramelizes the outside of the steak, creating a rich crust that adds depth and complexity to the final dish. If you’ve got five extra minutes and a hot skillet, go for it.
That said, I’ve skipped searing plenty of times, and the results are still delicious. The garlic butter and slow cooking process do a lot of heavy lifting. Especially if you’re making a big batch or prepping a few meals for easy weeknight dinners, tossing everything straight into the crockpot makes life easier. Just make sure to season your steak well before it goes in.
If you do sear, keep it quick—just 30 seconds to a minute per side in a screaming hot pan. You want color, not a full cook-through. Then scrape those browned bits right into the slow cooker; they carry so much flavor. Whether you sear or not, Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites turn out juicy and flavorful either way.
How Long to Cook and When to Add Garlic Butter
Timing is everything when it comes to tender, fall-apart bites. For most steak cuts, you’ll want to cook Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow and steady heat gives the beef time to break down while locking in all that buttery, garlicky goodness. Stir halfway through if you’re around, but it’s not necessary.
The garlic butter can go in at the beginning if you want it deeply infused into every bite. But for a fresher garlic flavor, I often reserve half the butter and stir it in about 30 minutes before serving. It gives the sauce a rich finish without overpowering the dish. Either way, it’s all about balance.
Want to round it out into a one-pot meal? Add mushrooms, green beans, or small gold potatoes during the final 2 hours. They’ll soak up the flavor and transform your Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites into a full comfort-packed dinner.
If you love effortless meals like this, check out more in the slow cooker category for ideas that fit every season and craving.
Tips, Variations, and Storage Ideas
Can You Use Stew Meat for Steak Bites? + Creative Add-ins
Yes, you can definitely use stew meat for Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites—and many people do. It’s affordable, pre-cut, and easy to find. However, keep in mind that stew meat typically comes from assorted beef cuts—some more tender, others tougher—which can lead to slight texture differences. This can lead to slightly uneven texture. If you choose this route, cook it low and slow for the full 6 hours to give those tougher bits time to break down.
For extra flavor and balance, consider adding ingredients like baby bella mushrooms, chopped onions, or pearl potatoes. These additions soak up the garlic butter sauce and turn your dish into a full meal—just like the one in this garlic butter steak bites with potatoes recipe. You can also play with seasoning: smoked paprika for depth, red chili flakes for heat, or rosemary for a woodsy finish.
If you’re prepping for comfort-food Sundays, toss in a splash of cream at the end for a richer, stew-like consistency. The options are endless—and every variation still centers around that irresistible base of Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Leftovers, Meal Prep, and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites is how well they reheat. The flavor deepens overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. Let the steak cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
For reheating, add a splash of broth or butter to loosen up the sauce and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. On the stove, warm over medium-low heat until just heated through—don’t overcook, or the steak can get rubbery. If you meal prep like we do in our meal-prep section, portion your bites with veggies or rice for ready-to-go bowls throughout the week.
You can also repurpose leftovers into other meals: toss them into quesadillas, stuff them in hoagie rolls for a garlic steak sandwich, or even serve them over a baked potato. No matter how you enjoy them the next day, Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites stay bold, buttery, and satisfying.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are more than just a recipe—they’re a reminder that great meals don’t need to be complicated. Using everyday ingredients and hands-off cooking, your slow cooker transforms basic components into a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you sear the meat, add your favorite veggies, or keep it classic, this dish delivers every time. Try it once, and chances are it’ll become a repeat request in your kitchen. So go ahead—grab that crockpot and let the garlic butter do the talking. Your dinner table will thank you.
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FAQ
Do you need to sear the steak bites before putting them in the slow cooker?
Searing isn’t required, but it’s highly recommended if you want deeper flavor. A quick sear creates a caramelized crust that adds richness to your Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. That said, they’ll still turn out tender and tasty if you skip this step—especially with a flavorful garlic butter base doing the heavy lifting.
What is the best steak for steak bites?
Sirloin is the top choice for its balance of tenderness and flavor. Chuck roast is also excellent—it’s affordable, well-marbled, and perfect for slow cooking. If you want the most consistent texture, cube your steak yourself instead of buying pre-cut meat.
How long does this need to cook?
Cook your Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, depending on the cut of beef. Thicker or tougher cuts benefit from the full low-and-slow method to become perfectly tender.
Can you use stew meat for steak bites?
Yes, you can! Just know that stew meat often includes a variety of cuts, which may cook at slightly different rates. To get the best results, give it plenty of time—use the full 6 hours on low to make sure all the pieces turn out fork-tender.