Picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, and my kitchen smells like a steakhouse – but I haven’t been slaving over the stove all day. Nope! My secret? These incredible crockpot garlic butter steak bites. I discovered this recipe during one of those crazy weeks when my kids had soccer practice every night, and let me tell you, it saved dinner (and my sanity).
The magic happens when tender sirloin pieces bathe in garlicky butter all day, transforming into these melt-in-your-mouth bites that even my picky eater devours. What I love most is how hands-off it is – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let the aromas work their magic while you go about your day. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps – just pure, garlicky steak goodness waiting for you when you’re ready to eat.
Now this recipe has become our family’s go-to for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. The best part? That rich garlic butter sauce makes even the simplest sides taste restaurant-worthy. Trust me, once you try these crockpot garlic butter steak bites, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked steak any other way!
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Let me tell you why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation:
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic: Toss everything in the crockpot before work, and come home to a steakhouse-worthy meal
- Butter + garlic = the most irresistible flavor combo that makes even cheap cuts taste luxurious
- Foolproof tenderness: The slow cooking transforms those steak bites into something so tender you could cut them with a spoon
- Minimal cleanup: One pot means more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pans
- Endless versatility: Perfect over rice, mashed potatoes, or even stuffed in a crusty roll
Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for that garlic butter aroma to fill your kitchen!
Ingredients for Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these heavenly steak bites (measurements matter – I learned the hard way!):
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak – cut into 1-inch cubes (trust me, uniform size means even cooking)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – melted (real butter only – your taste buds will thank you)
- 4 garlic cloves – minced (fresh is best, but 1 tsp jarred works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp salt – I use kosher for better flavor distribution
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you can
- 1 tsp each dried thyme and rosemary – rub between your fingers to wake up the oils
That’s it! Simple ingredients, incredible results – just how I like my recipes.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you probably have everything already! Here’s what I grab every time I make these steak bites:
- Your trusty crockpot – any size that fits 1.5 lbs of steak comfortably
- A good chef’s knife – makes cubing that sirloin a breeze
- Cutting board – sturdy enough to handle the steak
- Mixing bowl – for that heavenly garlic butter sauce
See? Nothing fancy needed – just basic kitchen essentials!
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe couldn’t be simpler, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these steak bites absolutely perfect every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
First things first – grab that beautiful sirloin and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Now, cut it into 1-inch cubes – I know it’s tempting to go bigger, but trust me, these bite-sized pieces cook evenly and soak up all that garlic butter goodness. Toss them with the salt and pepper right on your cutting board – no extra bowl needed!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
While your butter’s melting (microwave works fine here), mince that garlic nice and fine. I like to let the minced garlic sit for about 5 minutes – it develops more flavor this way. Mix everything together in a bowl – the melted butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Smell that? That’s the magic right there!
Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot
Now the easy part – dump those seasoned steak bites into your crockpot and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Give it one gentle stir to coat everything evenly, then put the lid on and walk away! Resist the urge to peek – every time you lift that lid, you’re letting heat escape. Just set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, give it one quick stir halfway through, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Pro tip: If you’re around when it’s done cooking, those steak bites will be perfect. But if life happens and they sit on “warm” for a bit? No worries – the crockpot keeps them tender without overcooking. That’s the beauty of this recipe!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
After making these steak bites more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for the best results every time:
- Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – that jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same rich flavor
- Don’t crowd your crockpot – leave some space between pieces so they cook evenly
- Taste the butter mixture first – adjust herbs to your liking (I sometimes add an extra garlic clove!)
- Pat your steak dry – this helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning
- Keep the lid on – every peek adds 15 minutes to your cooking time
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll have restaurant-quality steak bites with zero stress!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Oh, the possibilities! These garlic butter steak bites shine no matter how you serve them, but here are my family’s favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Over creamy mashed potatoes – that garlic butter sauce becomes the most incredible gravy
- With roasted asparagus or green beans – the perfect veggie vehicle for soaking up flavors
- Piled high on crusty bread – make little steak sliders that’ll disappear fast
- Alongside wild rice – the nutty flavor complements the rich steak beautifully
For parties, I serve them in mini cast iron skillets with toothpicks – they’re always the first appetizer to go!
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Here’s the scoop on keeping those delicious steak bites tasting fresh: They’ll stay perfect in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, I always use the stovetop on low – just warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep them juicy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but go easy! 20-second bursts are your friend – overcooked steak bites turn into little flavorless hockey pucks, and we definitely don’t want that!
Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites FAQs
I get asked about these steak bites all the time! Here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use frozen steak?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Frozen steak releases too much liquid as it thaws, making your garlic butter sauce watery. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and pat very dry first.
What other cuts work besides sirloin?
Ribeye makes amazing bites (though pricier), while chuck roast works great for budget meals – just cook it longer until tender. Avoid super lean cuts like filet – they dry out too easily.
How do I prevent dryness?
Two secrets: 1) Don’t overcook (stick to the times I gave), and 2) Make sure your steak pieces are uniform so small ones don’t dry out waiting for big ones to cook.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a bigger crockpot and stir more frequently. The garlic butter ratio stays the same – no need to double the sauce unless you want extra for dipping.
Why is my garlic turning bitter?
Ah! You might be cooking on too high heat. Low and slow is key – high heat can make garlic taste harsh. Also, make sure your garlic isn’t browning when you first mix it with the butter.
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates (your exact amounts might vary depending on your ingredients):
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 35g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Fat: 18g (that’s where all the flavor lives)
- Carbs: Just 2g (mostly from the garlic)
Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent, right? Of course, if you’re serving these over mashed potatoes or bread, you’ll want to factor those in separately.
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your crockpot garlic butter steak bites turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Happy slow cooking!
PrintIrresistible Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites in 4 Hours
Tender steak bites cooked in a crockpot with garlic butter for a flavorful and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place steak bites in the crockpot and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Stir halfway through cooking.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot settings.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg