Pin
These crock pot steak bites have quickly become a go-to comfort dish in my kitchen when I want a hearty meal that everyone will actually be excited about. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have juicy, flavor-packed steak ready to serve up at dinnertime. Whether it's a lazy Sunday or a chilly weeknight, the savory aroma filling the house as these slow-cook is a surefire way to bring everyone to the table.
When I first made these for a football game night, my family practically fought over the last pieces. Now they ask for them any time there is a gathering.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: Cut into bite sized pieces gives a combination of tenderness and hearty beef flavor. It is better to use fresh sirloin as it cooks well and stays juicy.
- Soy sauce: Layers in a rich salty note and marinates the beef for deeper flavor. Go for low sodium soy sauce if you want to cut back on salt.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds tang and savory complexity making the sauce taste as if it simmered all day. Choose a brand with real anchovy for punch.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced create classic steakhouse aroma and depth. Use firm bulbs that feel heavy for their size for maximum freshness.
- Olive oil: Coats every piece and helps keep the steak moist as it slowly cooks. Look for an oil with a fresh grassy aroma.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Wakes up every bite and adds a light warmth. Choose whole peppercorns and crack them yourself for optimal flavor.
How to Make It
- Prepare the Steak:
- Cube your sirloin into even bite sized pieces using a sharp chef knife. Keep them as uniform as possible so everything cooks evenly. Place in a deep mixing bowl.
- Season the Meat:
- Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, olive oil and black pepper directly to the steak bites. Stir thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon. Take care that each piece is well coated, letting the marinade reach every angle. Let the steak rest in the marinade for at least ten minutes while you get the crock pot ready.
- Add to the Crock Pot:
- Transfer the marinated steak bites into your slow cooker. Use a spoon to spread them into a single level layer. This makes sure the heat circulates and cooks the meat evenly.
- Cook the Steak Bites:
- Put the lid on your crock pot. Set the heat to high for a three to four hour cook or low for a six to eight hour cook. Check on the meat after about three hours on high or six hours on low. Stir gently. The steak should be fork tender and deeply flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, transfer the steak bites to a platter. Spoon some of the savory juices over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thyme if you want color and extra freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or crisp green beans.
For me the best part of this dish is the way the Worcestershire and soy sauce caramelize around the steak bites leaving a sticky flavorful coating. My little nephew once declared these disappeared before he could even make a second plate and that is always the best compliment.
Flavor Boosters
If you do not have sirloin, try flank or chuck beef which also tenderize well in a slow cooker. For soy sauce, coconut aminos is a good substitute for lower sodium and a subtle sweetness. If you want to dial up the garlic, swap one clove for a small shallot or use garlic powder in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bites are fantastic over rice, creamy mashed potatoes or even buttered noodles. For a lighter spin, try stuffing them in lettuce wraps with sliced cucumbers and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can serve them as cocktail bites with toothpicks for casual gatherings.
Creative Twists
Steak bites are inspired by classic American steakhouse flavors but the method is influenced by the widespread use of slow cookers for making affordable meat cuts succulent. Soy sauce and Worcestershire betray a little international flair, blending Asian and British tang into an approachable home dish.
One friend tried this recipe with venison and was floored by how tender it came out. The aroma alone will always remind me of my family crowding into the kitchen with eager forks ready.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I ensure steak bites stay tender?
Use good-quality sirloin and cook low and slow in the crock pot for even, tender results. Avoid overcooking.
- → Can I substitute the steak cut?
Yes, other cuts like ribeye or chuck work well, though sirloin provides lean and tender pieces.
- → What sides pair well with steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad complement the savory flavors perfectly.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, steak bites can be prepared and cooked in advance, then reheated gently before serving.
- → Are there alternative seasonings I can use?
Feel free to add smoked paprika, onion powder, or a dash of chili flakes for a flavor boost.