Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Introduction

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the epitome of comfort food, offering the perfect balance of savory and rich flavors. The best part? This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Tender steak bites are cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that’s nothing short of mouthwatering. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing something special for guests, these steak bites are guaranteed to impress.

I’ve made these steak bites countless times, and each time, they’re a huge hit. The slow cooker does most of the work, which means I can go about my day without worrying about dinner. When I walk into the house after it’s been cooking, the rich aroma of garlic butter fills the air, and I can’t wait to dig in. The steak is always so tender and flavorful, practically melting in your mouth. The garlic butter sauce is everything—it’s the kind of sauce you want to pour over everything on your plate!

I love serving these steak bites over mashed potatoes or rice, but they’re also great with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. It’s the perfect easy, yet indulgent meal that comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something to make for a gathering, these steak bites will quickly become a go-to recipe.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Special occasions
• Family gatherings
• Steak lovers
• Easy meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here’s why Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites will quickly become a favorite:

• Tender, Flavorful Steak: The slow cooker ensures the steak becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors of the garlic butter and seasonings.
• Minimal Prep Time: With just a few ingredients and a quick prep, you can let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on other things.
• Versatile Serving Options: You can serve the steak bites over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is savory, aromatic, and utterly irresistible, enhancing the steak bites with its rich, comforting flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The slow cooker makes this recipe ideal for meal prepping. Simply cook the steak bites in the morning, and they’ll be ready when you’re hungry.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (depending on the size of the steak bites)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

To make these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak (or your preferred cut)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sirloin Steak: This cut of beef is tender and flavorful, making it perfect for slow cooking. It holds up well in the slow cooker and soaks up the savory garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic and Butter: The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish, infusing the steak with rich flavors that make each bite irresistible.
• Herbs and Spices: Rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika give the steak a delicious depth of flavor, while salt and pepper help to bring all the ingredients together.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak before slow cooking, olive oil adds richness and helps lock in moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

Prep the Steak:

1. Cut the Steak: Cut the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
2. Season the Steak: Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, if using. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the seasoning.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Toss the Steak in Sauce: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the steak cubes and toss until the steak is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.

Slow Cook the Steak:

5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned steak bites in the slow cooker and spread them out evenly.
6. Cook the Steak: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the steak is tender and fully cooked. The low and slow method ensures the steak bites remain juicy and tender.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Serve: Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
8. Enjoy: Serve the steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a versatile dish and can be served in several ways:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the steak bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• With Rice: Serve the steak bites with a side of fluffy white or brown rice to complement the rich flavors.
• On a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the steak bites on top of a fresh green salad with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the steak bites with roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
• As an Appetizer: These steak bites are also great as a finger food appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites turn out perfect every time:

• Sear the Steak First: For added flavor, you can sear the steak cubes in a hot pan with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps lock in the juices and adds a nice color to the meat.
• Use the Right Cut of Meat: While sirloin is a great choice, you can also use other tender cuts of beef, like ribeye or tenderloin, for a richer flavor.
• Add Vegetables: If you like, you can add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the steak, as it can become tough if cooked too long.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give the dish a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here are 10 variations you can try for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites:

• Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Balsamic Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the garlic butter sauce for a tangy twist.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Butter: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to create a custom garlic butter blend.
• Mushroom Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor that complements the steak.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Teriyaki Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Mix in some teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor.
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Top the cooked steak bites with melted cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, before serving.
• Steak Bites with Onions: Add thinly sliced onions to the slow cooker for added sweetness and flavor.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Bacon: For an even richer flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles on top of the steak bites before serving.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These steak bites can be frozen after cooking. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent the steak from becoming tough.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites easier:

• Slow Cooker: The star of the recipe, a slow cooker ensures your steak bites are tender and flavorful with minimal effort.
• Large Pan (for searing): If you choose to sear the steak before slow cooking, a large skillet or pan will be helpful.
• Tongs: Tongs are great for handling the steak pieces without losing their shape or juiciness.
• Cutting Board: Use a cutting board to easily cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
• Small Bowl: A small bowl is helpful for melting the butter and mixing the garlic, herbs, and seasonings.

FAQ Section for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
   Yes, you can use ribeye, tenderloin, or flank steak, but make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Can I skip searing the steak?
   While searing adds flavor, it’s not necessary. You can skip this step and just add the seasoned steak to the slow cooker.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare and cook the steak bites in the slow cooker and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat when ready to serve.
4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
   Yes, adding vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers will enhance the flavor and make it a more complete meal.
5. How can I make the steak bites spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick of heat.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a flavorful and effortless meal that brings together tender steak and a rich garlic butter sauce. The steak becomes perfectly cooked and infused with savory garlic and butter, making each bite irresistible. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or simply on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy any craving and elevate your mealtime experience.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the convenience of the slow cooker. While the steak cooks to perfection, you can focus on other tasks or simply relax, knowing that a delicious meal is preparing itself. Plus, the garlic butter sauce adds a comforting richness that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

I’d love to see how your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Feel free to leave a comment and share how you made this dish your own!