garlic butter steak bites

Garlic butter steak bites have become my saving grace on those hectic weeknights when I crave something rich and satisfying but don’t have the time to hover over the stove. There’s something magical about watching humble cubes of sirloin transform into tender, flavor-packed morsels swimming in a velvety garlic butter sauce all while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting!

Growing up, my grandmother would spend hours tending to her roasts, carefully monitoring temperatures and basting religiously. When I first experimented with this slow cooker version, I was skeptical—could hands-off cooking really deliver that same depth of flavor? The first time I lifted the lid after four hours of gentle simmering, the rich aroma that filled my kitchen transported me right back to her Sunday dinners.

This recipe is perfect for busy parents, meal preppers, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of a protein-packed dinner that practically makes itself. The slow cooker approach tenderizes even budget-friendly cuts of beef while infusing each bite with incredible garlic butter flavor. My favorite tip? Don’t rush the initial searing step those caramelized edges make all the difference in the finished dish.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The heart of these tender slow-cooked steak bites relies on quality sirloin, fresh garlic, and real butter that creates that irresistible silky sauce. I always opt for unsalted butter so I can control the seasoning myself. The garlic butter steak bites get their depth from a simple combination of pantry staples like Worcestershire and soy sauce. Find the complete ingredients list and measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites

The process begins with a quick sear on your sirloin cubes to lock in flavor before they slowly simmer in a savory slow cooker environment. The garlic-infused butter sauce gradually penetrates the meat while herbs like rosemary and thyme work their aromatic magic. This hands-off cooking method reminds me of my favorite chicken corn chowder set it and forget it until dinner time!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Tender beef steak bites simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce in your crockpot until melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This easy comfort food requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 475

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Steak

• 2 lbs sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tbsp butter unsalted
• 8 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup beef broth low sodium
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme

For Finishing

• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Prepare the Steak

1. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Quickly sear the steak bites for about 1-2 minutes, just to brown the outside (they’ll finish cooking in the crockpot). Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Transfer the seared steak bites to your slow cooker.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites in the slow cooker.

Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until the steak is tender. Avoid cooking longer as the meat can become tough.

Finishing Touches

1. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
2. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the sauce has thickened.
3. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
4. Serve the garlic butter steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

For best results, choose a good quality steak like sirloin or ribeye with some marbling. You can add mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Pro Tips for Making These Garlic Butter Steak Bites

After making these garlic butter steak bites countless times for my family, I’ve discovered a few game-changing techniques that elevate them from good to absolutely irresistible.

My Secret Trick: I always pat the steak completely dry before searing. This simple step prevents steaming and ensures you get that beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in all the juices.

For the most tender results, cut your sirloin against the grain into even-sized cubes. I aim for 1-inch pieces to maintain consistency in cooking time and ensure every bite is perfectly tender.

Don’t overcrowd your pan when searing the steak bites. Working in batches might take a few extra minutes, but the improved flavor is absolutely worth it trust me on this!

Let the finished dish rest with the lid off for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and lets the flavors fully develop for a more complex taste experience.

Fun Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Switch Up Your Protein

While sirloin makes perfect garlic butter steak bites, don’t be afraid to experiment! My husband loves when I use beef tenderloin for special occasions it’s splurge-worthy but melts in your mouth. For budget-friendly options, chuck roast cut into cubes works surprisingly well with the longer cook time.

Play With Flavor Profiles

For a French-inspired twist, add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and a splash of cognac to the sauce mixture. The tangy depth creates a sophisticated dinner that impresses every time.

Make It Spicy

When my brother visits, I kick things up with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño in the sauce. The heat beautifully balances the richness of the butter in these slow-cooker beef bites.

Add Vegetables

Transform these garlic butter steak bites into a complete one-pot meal by adding quartered mushrooms, pearl onions, or baby potatoes during the last hour of cooking. The vegetables absorb all that wonderful sauce and make for an effortless weeknight dinner solution.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Steak Bites

These garlic butter steak bites pair beautifully with so many sides, making them perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining. I love serving them over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up all that incredible sauce not a drop goes to waste in my household!

For a lighter option, try pairing with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness of the slow-cooked beef. The contrast in textures works wonderfully together.

My family’s absolute favorite combination is serving these tender slow cooker steak bites alongside garlic bread for dipping in the sauce. It reminds me of the comforting warmth of my favorite crockpot lasagna soup night pure comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

For entertaining, I serve these with toothpicks as an appetizer alongside a board of sharp cheeses and crusty bread. The presentation always impresses, but nobody needs to know how effortless it was!

How to Store Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Refrigerator Storage

These garlic butter steak bites keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I actually think they taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together! Just be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezer Tips

When I’m meal prepping, I often make a double batch and freeze portions for future quick dinners. Store cooled steak bites with sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I like separating into individual portions for easier reheating.

Reheating Your Leftovers

For the best texture when reheating garlic butter steak bites, I recommend gentle warming in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to refresh the sauce if needed. Microwaving works in a pinch, but use 50% power and short intervals to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Nutritional Benefits

These garlic butter steak bites deliver substantial protein for muscle maintenance and iron for healthy blood circulation. The beef provides essential B vitamins while the garlic offers immune-supporting compounds. When I’m looking for a satisfying meal that provides real nutrition along with flavor, this slow cooker recipe strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for garlic butter steak bites?

Yes! Sirloin works wonderfully, but chuck roast, ribeye, or tenderloin also work nicely. Just adjust cooking time slightly tougher cuts benefit from the full slow cooking time, while tender cuts might need less.

Can I make these garlic butter steak bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! These actually taste better the next day as flavors deepen. Make up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, then gently reheat with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

Why are my steak bites tough?

This typically happens if the meat was overcooked or not cut against the grain. For tender garlic butter steak bites, ensure you’re cutting properly and following cooking times precisely.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can simmer garlic butter steak bites covered in a Dutch oven at 325°F for about 2-3 hours, or use a pressure cooker on high for 20 minutes with natural release.

Conclusion

These garlic butter steak bites have become a staple in my household for good reason they deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort, proving that slow cooker meals can be both convenient and impressive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a busy day or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of rich indulgence and hands-off simplicity. If you enjoy hearty crockpot meals, you might also love my crockpot hamburger potato casserole recipe for another family favorite.