Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Tender, juicy steak bites infused with rich garlic butter, perfect for a hassle-free, mouthwatering dinner! Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs (700g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Season steak bites with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. 🧂 (Duration: 5 minutes)
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In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. (Duration: 1-2 minutes)
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Transfer garlic butter and sautéed garlic to the slow cooker.
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Add seasoned steak bites to the slow cooker, tossing to coat evenly with the garlic butter. (Duration: 2 minutes)
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Cook on low heat for 3 hours or on high heat for 1.5 hours, until steak bites are tender and juicy.
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Just before serving, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter and drizzle over the steak bites for extra richness.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings.
Why Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Are a Must-Try
Slow cooker garlic butter steak bites are the ultimate comfort food. Tender beef, rich garlic butter, and hearty potatoes create a mouthwatering combination. Using a slow cooker ensures the meat turns out perfectly tender while allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Best Meat for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
The best cuts for this recipe are sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak. These cuts stay juicy and tender after slow cooking. Stew meat also works well if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef steak (sirloin, ribeye, or stew meat)
Baby potatoes, halved
Butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor
While optional, searing the steak cubes in a hot skillet with a little butter adds a deep, rich flavor.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add steak cubes on top. Scatter minced garlic and herbs over the beef.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Cut butter into cubes and place evenly across the top. This ensures every bite gets coated in buttery goodness.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The steak will be tender, and the potatoes perfectly cooked.
Garlic Butter Variations
Cowboy Butter: Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, and parsley to your butter mix.
Herb Butter: Blend butter with rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. A side salad adds freshness, while roasted vegetables bring extra color to the plate.
Tips for the Best Results
Always season generously for rich flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; allow steam to circulate.
Add fresh herbs at the end for a burst of freshness.
Why Slow Cooking Works So Well for Steak Bites
Cooking steak slowly allows connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender, juicy meat. The potatoes absorb the garlic butter, becoming buttery and flavorful.
What Happens if You Put Steak in a Slow Cooker?
When steak is cooked slowly, it becomes tender and flavorful. The gentle heat breaks down the muscle fibers without drying the meat.
When to Put Garlic Butter on Steak?
For the best flavor, add garlic butter at the start so it infuses the meat and potatoes. Add a fresh drizzle before serving for extra richness.
Is 3 Hours on High the Same as 6 Hours on Low?
Yes, in most slow cooker recipes, cooking on high for 3 hours equals low for 6 hours. Low heat often produces more tender results.
Can You Put Raw Meat in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can. However, searing the steak first adds a richer flavor and locks in juices.
What to Marinate Steak Bites In?
A mix of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs works beautifully. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
What Herbs Work Best for Garlic Butter?
Fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme pair wonderfully with garlic butter. These herbs enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
How Long Does Steak Take in the Crockpot?
Depending on the cut, steak bites take about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to become fork-tender.
Does Slow Cooking Make Steak Tender?
Absolutely. Slow cooking breaks down collagen, making even tougher cuts juicy and flavorful.
Perfect Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy green balance.
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up buttery sauce.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comfort food match made in heaven.
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Roasted Veggies: Adds color and extra nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is rich, flavorful, and effortlessly prepared. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it perfect for busy days. You’ll end up with steak bites so tender they melt in your mouth, and potatoes bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness.
FAQs
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What is the best cut of steak for slow cooker garlic butter steak bites?
Many recommend sirloin, stew meat, round steak, or flat iron for tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. -
Do I need to sear the steak before putting it in the slow cooker?
Searing is optional but highly recommended—it locks in flavor, adds color, and enhances the final taste. -
Can I cook steak bites on high instead of low, and for how long?
Yes. Cooking on high for about 3–4 hours works, though low (6–8 hours) typically yields more tender results. -
What can I serve with slow cooker garlic butter steak bites?
Common pairings include mashed potatoes (to soak up the gravy), rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread. -
How long can leftovers of garlic butter steak bites be stored, and can they be frozen?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days and can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to retain moisture.
Link source:
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Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_cooker
Anchor Text: Slow Cooker Cooking Tips -
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_food
Anchor Text: Easy Dinner Ideas -
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steake
Anchor Text: How to Cook Steak Perfectly
