These delicious Crockpot Steak Bites are a real treat! Just toss your steak pieces, seasonings, and some broth into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. Tender and full of flavor!
I love serving these bites with some rice or veggies on the side. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a tasty dinner with friends. Plus, who doesn’t love an easy-peasy meal? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender over time. If chuck roast isn’t available, you can use sirloin or brisket, though the texture might be a bit different.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil or even butter for a richer taste.
Onion & Garlic: These are key for flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them and use more garlic or add shallots instead. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works too!
Beef Broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. You can use chicken broth as a lighter alternative if desired, and vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian twist.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a good swap, or try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. If out of stock, a mix of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar can be a substitute.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Meat?
Searing the beef helps lock in juices and creates a nice crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil; it should shimmer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this causes steaming instead of browning.
- Cook the beef on each side for about 2-3 minutes until it is browned.
If you find that the meat sticks to the pan, let it cook a little longer. It will release when it’s ready!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water for a slurry. Here’s how:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a bowl.
- Stir until smooth, then add it into the slow cooker.
- Let it simmer for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
This simple method will give your dish a nice coat that sticks to the beef perfectly!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to let the slow cooker do its magic for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Grab a book or watch your favorite show while it cooks. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized pieces of beef and sear them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This helps lock in flavors! Once browned, transfer the beef into your slow cooker.
2. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This will add wonderful flavor to your steak bites. Once done, add this mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Preparing the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good stir to mix everything well. Pour this delicious sauce over the beef and onion mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated nicely.
4. Cooking the Steak Bites:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful. It’s like a cozy hug! If you’d like a thicker sauce, don’t forget about the cornstarch—mix it with a little water to make a slurry and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serving:
Once cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your steak bites over rice, noodles, or just on their own! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is great for slow cooking, you can substitute with sirloin or round steak. Just remember, tougher cuts will benefit from the long cooking time to become tender, while more tender cuts might need less time in the slow cooker.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will provide a savory flavor similar to soy sauce. Adjust the amount to taste, as they can vary in saltiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Cook This Recipe on the Stovetop Instead?
Yes! Simply brown the beef in a pot, then add the onion and garlic. After mixing in the sauce, bring it to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
