Crockpot Steak Bites

Crockpot Steak Bites are a quick and easy appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Tender chunks of steak cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce make these steak bites both delicious and versatile. Whether served over rice, pasta, or enjoyed on their own, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best results.
• Sauce: A combination of beef broth, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings creates a rich and savory flavor.
• Vegetables: Optional additions like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Steak Bites

• 2 pounds beef sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Steak
   Season the steak cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared steak to the crockpot.
2. Add Vegetables (Optional)
   If using, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the crockpot, distributing them evenly over the steak bites.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot.
4. Cook the Steak Bites
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Thicken the Sauce (If Needed)
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove a ladleful of the sauce from the crockpot and whisk it with a tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Return the mixture to the crockpot and stir well. Cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the steak bites over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy them as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time

4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~400
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Protein: ~35g

Expert Tips

• Choose the Right Cut: Use a tender cut of steak like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor.
• Sear the Steak: Searing the steak before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor and helps lock in juices.
• Avoid Overcooking: Cooking the steak bites on low ensures they remain tender and juicy. Overcooking on high can lead to tougher meat.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce to suit your taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, you can use frozen steak. Just ensure you thaw it completely before cutting into cubes and searing.

Can I substitute the beef broth with another liquid?
Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

How long can I store leftover steak bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Refrigerate the steak bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the steak bites in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tofu and use vegetable broth for the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier version.
• Sweet and Sour: Incorporate pineapple chunks and a splash of rice vinegar for a sweet and sour twist.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to change the flavor profile.

Crockpot Steak Bites

Crockpot Steak Bites are a quick and easy appetizer or main dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Tender chunks of steak cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce make these steak bites both delicious and versatile. Whether served over rice, pasta, or enjoyed on their own, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• #### Steak Bites
• - 2 pounds beef sirloin or ribeye steak cut into 1-inch cubes
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• #### Sauce
• - 1/2 cup beef broth
• - 1/4 cup soy sauce
• - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• #### Optional Vegetables
• - 1 medium onion sliced
• - 1 bell pepper sliced
• - 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• #### Garnish
• - Fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• - Crockpot or slow cooker
• - Cutting board
• - Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Mixing bowl
• - Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. **Prepare the Steak**
2. Season the steak cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared steak to the crockpot.
3. **Add Vegetables (Optional)**
4. If using, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the crockpot, distributing them evenly over the steak bites.
5. **Prepare the Sauce**
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot.
7. **Cook the Steak Bites**
8. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. **Thicken the Sauce (If Needed)**
10. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove a ladleful of the sauce from the crockpot and whisk it with a tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Return the mixture to the crockpot and stir well. Cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
11. **Serve**
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the steak bites over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy them as an appetizer with toothpicks.