Crockpot Steak Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation: Minimal hands-on time lets your slow cooker do most of the work.
2. Tender Results Every Time: The slow cooking method guarantees perfectly tender beef without the risk of overcooking.
3. Rich Flavor Development: Hours of slow cooking allow flavors to develop and intensify.
4. Versatile Serving Options: Works as a main dish, appetizer, or even in sandwiches.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and reheated without losing quality.
6. Budget-Friendly: Works with less expensive cuts of beef that become tender through slow cooking.
7. Family-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

1. 6-quart slow cooker/crockpot
2. Sharp knife for cutting beef
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Mixing bowls for preparation
6. Whisk for sauce preparation
7. Tongs for handling meat
8. Optional: Slotted spoon for serving

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Cut: Select beef with some marbling for the most tender results.
2. Uniform Size: Cut beef into consistent 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
3. Browning Option: For enhanced flavor, brown the beef before adding to the crockpot.
4. Layer Properly: Place vegetables on the bottom with meat on top for even cooking.
5. Temperature Control: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat.
6. Final Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking for perfect flavor.
7. Rest Before Serving: Allow the steak bites to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

For the Steak Bites

• 2 pounds beef sirloin or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins

• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chunked

Directions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. If time allows, let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes for more even cooking.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
3. Layer the crockpot: Place diced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. If using any optional vegetables, add them next.
4. Add the beef: Place the beef cubes on top of the vegetables.
5. Pour in the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef. Add bay leaves.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender but not falling apart.
7. Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking on high until the sauce thickens.
8. Final adjustments: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

Additional Tips or Variations

1. Wine Addition: Replace 1/4 cup of beef broth with dry red wine for a richer flavor profile.
2. Spicy Option: Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
3. Herb Variations: Substitute fresh herbs (3x the amount of dried) during the last hour of cooking.
4. Asian-Inspired: Add 1 tablespoon of ginger paste and substitute half the soy sauce with hoisin sauce.
5. Stroganoff Style: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream just before serving and serve over egg noodles.
6. One-Pot Meal: Add baby potatoes and carrots to the crockpot for a complete meal.
7. Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings without optional ingredients:

• Calories: Approximately 290
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Iron: 15% DV
• Zinc: 30% DV
• Vitamin B12: 40% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe? A: While fresh beef is recommended for best results, you can use frozen beef. However, add an additional 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.

Q: What are the best cuts of beef for this recipe? A: Chuck roast, sirloin, or beef stew meat work well. Look for meat with some marbling for tenderness.

Q: Can I prep this the night before? A: Yes! Prepare everything through step 4, store the beef and sauce separately in the refrigerator overnight, then combine in the slow cooker in the morning.

Q: How can I tell when the steak bites are done? A: The beef should be fork-tender but still hold its shape. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? A: Yes, use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

Conclusion

These Crockpot Steak Bites represent slow cooking at its finest – transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef with the deeply flavored sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether served for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers consistent results and satisfied diners. The versatility of serving options and easy adaptations means you can enjoy this dish in multiple ways without tiring of it. Make these Crockpot Steak Bites part of your regular rotation, and you’ll always have a reliable, delicious meal solution at your fingertips.