Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to enjoy steak—crockpot steak bites! Seriously, these tender, flavorful morsels are a game changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, there’s nothing like coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly cooked steak bites. They’re so versatile, too! You can serve them over rice, with veggies, or even nestled in a warm tortilla. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe—you’re gonna love it!
Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites
- 2 pounds of sirloin steak: Cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect tender morsels.
- 1 onion: Chopped to add a sweet and savory depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch that makes everything better.
- 1 cup beef broth: This gives the steak bites that rich, savory flavor as they cook.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this adds umami and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick and balance.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This gives a lovely warmth and color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak bites; it adds richness and helps with browning.
How to Prepare Crockpot Steak Bites
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—preparing these delicious crockpot steak bites! You’ll see how simple and straightforward it is, and I promise you’ll feel like a rockstar chef in your own kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal waiting for you by the end of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the steak bites: Start by generously seasoning the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This is where the flavor begins, so don’t skimp on it!
- Heat the olive oil: In a skillet over medium heat, add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s hot and shimmering, you’re ready to sear.
- Sear the steak bites: Carefully add the seasoned steak bites to the skillet. Sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides—about 3-4 minutes. This step locks in those juicy flavors!
- Add onion and garlic: Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes, just until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Wow, your kitchen is gonna smell amazing!
- Transfer to the crockpot: Next, transfer the entire steak and onion mixture into your crockpot. This is where the magic happens!
- Pour in the liquids: Add the cup of beef broth and the tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot. These will add depth and richness to those steak bites as they cook.
- Set it to cook: Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just set it and forget it! You can go about your day while the flavors meld perfectly.
- Serve warm: Once it’s done, give everything a gentle stir and serve those warm, tender steak bites right away. They’re perfect over rice or alongside your favorite veggies!
And there you have it! It’s so easy to whip up a batch of these delightful crockpot steak bites, and trust me, the results are absolutely worth it. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while the crockpot works its magic.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of searing the steak and slow cooking creates an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfectly Tender: Cooking the steak bites slowly ensures they’re incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them over rice, with veggies, or even in a warm tortilla for a tasty twist!
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as tasty and can be stored for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot steak bites turn out just as delicious as you imagine, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid any common pitfalls and elevate your dish!
- Don’t Rush the Searing: I know it’s tempting to skip the searing step, but don’t! It adds so much flavor and texture. Make sure your skillet is hot enough to get that beautiful brown crust on the steak bites.
- Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste: Remember, everyone’s palate is different! Taste as you go and feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preferences.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded while searing, the steak bites won’t brown properly. Work in batches if needed to ensure they get that lovely caramelization.
- Check Your Crockpot Settings: Every crockpot is a bit different! Keep an eye on your steak bites, especially the first time you make them. If your crockpot runs hot, you might want to check them a bit earlier.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the steak bites rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them extra tender!
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to throw in some veggies like bell peppers or carrots during the last hour of cooking for an all-in-one meal that’s even more colorful and nutritious!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most amazing crockpot steak bites that are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Variations of Crockpot Steak Bites
If you’re like me, you love to mix things up in the kitchen! These crockpot steak bites are already delicious, but there are so many fun ways to change them up and keep things exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in a handful of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during the last hour of cooking for an aromatic boost that complements the beef beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms alongside the onions and garlic for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition!
- BBQ Style: Swap the Worcestershire sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy version that’s perfect for summer vibes.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce and add ginger and sesame oil for a delicious Asian flair. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
- Steak and Potatoes: For a hearty meal, add cubed potatoes or sweet potatoes to the crockpot at the beginning. They soak up all the amazing flavors from the steak and broth!
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations! The best part about these crockpot steak bites is their versatility—you can customize them to suit your cravings or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these scrumptious crockpot steak bites! I always find it helpful to know what I’m serving up, especially when it’s a hearty dish like this one. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per serving, which is about one-fourth of the total recipe:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you serve them. It’s always a great idea to adjust seasonings and sides to fit your dietary preferences. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re fueling your body with something tasty!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these amazing crockpot steak bites? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I hear, along with my answers:
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is my go-to for these crockpot steak bites, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or flank steak. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require a bit more cooking time to become tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prep everything and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, pop it into the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s perfect for busy schedules!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through!
Can I freeze these steak bites?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
What can I serve with crockpot steak bites?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can serve them over rice, with mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite veggies. They also make a great filling for tacos or sandwiches. Get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve enjoyed those delicious crockpot steak bites, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers properly so you can savor them again later! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll want to save every last bite.
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the steak bites to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to lock in all that flavor!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to keep them around for longer, you can freeze the steak bites! Just let them cool down, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label the container with the date!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, there are a couple of ways to reheat them. If you’re using the microwave, place the steak bites in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warmed through. If you prefer the stovetop, simply place them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep them moist while they warm up.
- Serving Suggestions: Once reheated, you can serve them just like you did originally! They’re fantastic over rice, in tacos, or even on their own for a quick snack.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your crockpot steak bites beyond the first meal. Happy eating!
Print
Crockpot Steak Bites: 7 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and flavorful steak bites cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Season the steak bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the steak bites until browned on all sides.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the steak and onion mixture to the crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot steak bites, slow cooker steak, easy steak recipe
