Say goodbye to tough steak and hello to ultimate tenderness with this incredible slow cooker garlic butter steak crockpot recipe. We make achieving melt-in-your-mouth steak bites effortless. This recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal hands-on time, allowing your slow cooker to do all the work. Prepare for a truly delicious meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
You are going to adore this garlic butter steak crockpot recipe for so many reasons. It truly embodies the spirit of easy, flavorful cooking.
- Ultimate Tenderness: Your steak bites will be incredibly soft and juicy, practically melting in your mouth every single time.
- Rich Garlic Butter Sauce: Every bite is coated in a savory, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Hands-Off Convenience: The slow cooker handles almost all the cooking, freeing up your time for other things.
- Versatile Serving: These tender steak bites pair perfectly with a variety of sides, making meal planning simple.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even new cooks can achieve fantastic results with this straightforward recipe.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Garlic Butter Steak Bites (Crockpot)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the steak pieces in a large bowl and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Optional: Heat a skillet with a small amount of oil and sear the steak bites in batches until browned on all sides; transfer to the slow cooker. (This adds flavor but isn’t required.) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Add the sliced onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the steak. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Lay the sliced butter pats over the top of the meat and seasonings. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the steak is tender. Stir occasionally if possible. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Notes
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this fantastic slow cooker steak crockpot recipe. Quality ingredients make all the difference for flavorful results.
- 3 lbs Sirloin steak (or similar), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (more if needed for searing)
- 1 small Sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Unsalted beef stock
- 1 oz packet Au jus gravy mix
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with some ingredients to make this slow cooker steak crockpot recipe your own. Feel free to adjust based on what you have available.
For the steak, chuck roast or round steak can also work well; just ensure they are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Fresh garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic is a convenient substitute in a pinch. If you do not have unsalted beef stock, use low-sodium beef broth instead. An envelope of brown gravy mix or onion soup mix can replace the au jus for a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
Equipment
Gather these basic kitchen tools to make your garlic butter steak crockpot recipe a breeze. You likely already have most of them.
- Large skillet for searing
- 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
- Sharp knife for cutting steak and vegetables
- Cutting board for prep work
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious garlic butter steak crockpot recipe. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve such a flavorful meal.
- Prepare the steak: Place your 3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, into a large bowl. Season the steak generously with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the steak pieces thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning. This forms the base flavor for your steak crockpot recipes.
- Sear the steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it get super hot. Once shimmering, add the seasoned steak pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan; searing in batches ensures a beautiful brown crust. Brown the steak pieces on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per batch. We are only browning them to develop color and flavor, not cooking them all the way through. Add more oil to the pan if needed between batches.
- Combine in slow cooker: Once all the steak is seared, transfer the browned pieces into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced, and the 3 cloves of thinly sliced garlic directly into the slow cooker with the steak. Gently stir the ingredients together to combine them well.
- Add liquids and flavor: Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock evenly over the steak and onion mixture in the slow cooker. Next, sprinkle the 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix uniformly over the top of everything. Finally, arrange the 4 tablespoons of thinly sliced unsalted butter over the top of the ingredients.
- Slow cook: Secure the lid onto the slow cooker. Cook the steak and sauce on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours. If you are able, give the mixture a gentle stir once an hour to distribute the flavors. The long, slow cooking process is key to achieving tender steak.
- Serve: Once the cooking time is complete and the steak is fork-tender, gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to mix the sauce and steak. Serve your delicious garlic butter steak bites immediately with your favorite accompaniments. Enjoy this comforting and easy steak crockpot recipe!
Prep Ahead Tips
Save even more time by doing some prep work in advance. You can cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and slice the onion and garlic up to a day before cooking. Store these prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also measure out your salt, pepper, and gravy mix, keeping them ready to go.
Pro Tips for the Best Steak Bites
Achieve perfect garlic butter steak bites every time with these helpful tips. These small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Sear for Deep Flavor: Do not skip searing the steak. This crucial step creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices, enhancing the overall taste of this steak crockpot recipe.
- Choose Ideal Cuts: While sirloin is excellent, fattier cuts like chuck or short ribs also shine in a slow cooker, becoming incredibly tender.
- Don’t Overfill: Never fill your slow cooker more than two-thirds full. This ensures even cooking and proper heat distribution.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Different au jus mixes can vary in saltiness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best cooks run into occasional hiccups. Here’s how to fix common problems with this steak crockpot recipe.
- Dry or Tough Steak: This often happens from overcooking or using too lean a cut. Ensure sufficient liquid and check for tenderness earlier.
- Thin Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the hot sauce in the slow cooker and cook for an extra 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Bland Flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning. You might need more salt, pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile garlic butter steak crockpot recipe offers endless possibilities for serving and enjoyment.
Serving Ideas
These tender steak bites are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with many sides. Classic pairings include fluffy mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles, perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also serve them over white or brown rice for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, add a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. Don’t forget some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover garlic butter steak bites and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen steak bites in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock if the sauce seems too thick during reheating.
Delicious Variations
Elevate your slow cooker steak crockpot recipe with these simple and tasty variations.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs added with the stock will infuse an earthy aroma and taste.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a pleasant warmth to the dish.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided below is an estimate. It is based on the ingredients and serving size listed in this steak crockpot recipe. Exact values can vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and any substitutions made. For precise dietary information, consider using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making delicious garlic butter steak crockpot recipes.
Can I skip searing the steak?
You technically can, but searing the steak first creates a richer flavor and a beautiful crust, which significantly enhances the finished dish. It is a worthwhile step for the best results.
What if I don’t have au jus mix?
No problem! You can substitute with a packet of brown gravy mix, a dry onion soup mix, or even a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch for similar savory depth.
Can I use frozen steak in the slow cooker?
It is generally not recommended to put frozen raw meat directly into a slow cooker due to food safety concerns, as it can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature for too long. Always thaw steak thoroughly in the refrigerator before using this steak crockpot recipe.
Can I use frozen steak in the slow cooker?
It is generally not recommended to put frozen raw meat directly into a slow cooker due to food safety concerns, as it can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature for too long. Always thaw steak thoroughly in the refrigerator before using this steak crockpot recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and it will thicken beautifull
Conclusion
This garlic butter steak crockpot recipe truly delivers on its promise of tender, flavorful steak with minimal effort. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a comforting meal without the fuss. We encourage you to try this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker method. Prepare to be amazed by the melt-in-your-mouth results and let us know how your ultimate steak crockpot recipe turns out!