These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are juicy and packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner. Just toss the steak in the slow cooker with some tasty spices, and let it do the work!
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I find it so easy to prep, then enjoy a movie while the magic happens. It’s a win-win! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin and flank steak are great choices for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, chuck roast or tenderloin could work as well. Just remember, tougher cuts may need a bit more cooking time for tenderness.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can replace it. While the flavor changes slightly, both are good options. Homemade broth adds richness, but store-bought works just fine too.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce. If you want less sodium, look for low-sodium soy sauce. Coconut aminos is another tasty alternative for a sweeter flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, you can mix equal parts of soy sauce and vinegar for a similar taste. Just add a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness.
Olive Oil: Use any cooking oil you like, such as canola or vegetable oil, if you don’t have olive oil. Searing is optional but definitely adds a nice depth of flavor!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from Searing the Meat?
Searing the steak bites can greatly enhance the flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding olive oil. This helps achieve that nice brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches for even cooking. Each batch should cook for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Let the meat sit undisturbed for the first minute to form a good crust, then turn to brown all sides.
Skipping this step is fine too! Just place the raw steak directly into the slow cooker. The sauce will still infuse flavor during cooking, but searing adds that extra touch!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds beef steak (sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect dish to set and forget while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by cutting your beef steak into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, season the steak pieces with black pepper, onion powder, and brown sugar. Toss the beef until it is evenly coated with the seasonings. This gives the steak a flavorful kick right from the start!
2. (Optional) Sear the Steak:
If you want to add more flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak bites in batches. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This step is optional, but it really enhances the flavor of your steak bites.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir everything together to make a flavorful sauce that will soak into the meat as it cooks.
4. Combine and Coat:
Add the seared steak bites (or raw if you skipped the searing step) into the slow cooker. Gently stir the steak bites in the sauce to make sure they’re nicely coated. This will help all those delicious flavors get into the meat during cooking.
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 3-4 hours. The steak will be tender and flavorful when it’s done!
6. Check and Serve:
When the cooking time is up, give the steak bites a good stir. Taste and check for seasoning. If you think it needs more salt or pepper, feel free to adjust to your liking. Serve the steak bites hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. They’re awesome as an appetizer, on top of rice, or tucked into tacos!
Enjoy your slow cooker steak bites! They’re so delicious and easy to make.
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak works great, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or round steak. Just remember that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times for tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. You can also try mixing equal parts of beef broth and balsamic vinegar as a substitute, but note that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! If you like some heat, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. You can also include sliced jalapeños or sriracha; just adjust to your heat preference!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist if needed.
