Easy Slow Cooker Steak Bites

On those packed weeknights when you want a hearty, comforting meal but don't have the time to stand over a hot stove searing meat, your crockpot will be your best friend. When I need a budget-friendly, quick meal, I lean on these slow cooker steak bites.

Slow Cooker Steak Bites use a budget-friendly cut of beef with just a few pantry staples. This recipe eliminates the dinnertime stress, being a true dump-and-go recipe. Over the years, I've learned you don't need expensive cuts of steak like ribeyes for those melt-in-your-mouth bites. With a little bit of slow-cooking know-how, a cheaper cut transforms into a rich, savory masterpiece that your family will devour.

Jump to:

• What are Slow Cooker Steak Bites?
• Key Takeaways
• Ingredient Notes
• How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
• Pro Tips for Best Steak Bites
• Variations and Substitutions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What to Serve with Slow Cooker Steak Bites
• Storage and Reheating
• More Dinner Recipes from Longbourn Farm
• Easy Slow Cooker Steak Bites

What are Slow Cooker Steak Bites?

Slow cooker steak bites are bite-sized pieces of beef, typically round steak, slowly simmered in a savory onion and garlic broth until fork-tender. This cooking method breaks down tough meat fibers, creating a rich, velvety gravy right in the pot that pairs perfectly with comfort sides.

Key Takeaways

• Budget-friendly by using an affordable cut of steak plus pantry ingredients.
• Dump and go recipe; easily dump this into the slow cooker or Crockpot and go!
• Meal prep friendly; the leftovers will taste just as good as the fresh food.
• Prep for the crockpot or slow cooker in less than 10 minutes.

Ingredient Notes

Round Steak: Cut into uniform pieces that break down into tender perfection when cooked low and slow.

Lipton Onion Soup Mix: One convenient packet provides all the deeply savory, salty, and aromatic onion flavor that the gravy needs.

Water: Used to thin out the ingredients and to pair with the cornstarch for the slurry.

Beef Bouillon: Adds an extra punch of rich, beefy flavor to the cooking liquid.

Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory base of the gravy without needing to mince fresh cloves.

Salt and Pepper: Used to provide additional flavor to taste.

Cornstarch: Whisked with cold water at the end of cooking to turn the thin broth into a glossy, delicious gravy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites

1. Cut steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1½ inches). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Place the steak bites in the slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, add the water, onion soup, bouillon, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and pour over the steak.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the steak is fork-tender.
5. If you’d like a thicker gravy, whisk together ⅓ cup cold water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir into the slow cooker during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar until thickened.
6. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the steak bites and gravy over mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or egg noodles.

Pro Tips for Best Steak Bites

• Cook on low if possible; while the high setting works in a pinch, the most tender texture is achieved by cooking low and slow.
• Cut the beef in uniform cubes or beef chunks.
• Be aware of the salt content; there is salt in the onion soup mix. Add additional salt to taste, but remember that salt is already in the seasoning.
• Cold water is key for the cornstarch; always mix it with cold water before adding it to hot liquids; this prevents any clumps.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cut Swaps - If you can't find round steak, use beef chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin tips.
• Mushrooms and Onions - Toss in freshly sliced mushrooms and yellow onion for an earthy, elevated flavor.
• Broth Substitution - If you don't have beef bouillon on hand, substitute it and the water for 1 cup of high-quality beef broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Steak Bites

Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Oven Roasted Potatoes

Easy Green Beans

Dinner Rolls

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm the steak bites and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove; stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, it can be reheated in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes until warm.

With a few minutes of morning prep, this slow cooker steak bites recipe can be easily dumped right into the slow cooker, simmering all day while you work out on the farm. This is the best easy, home-cooked meal for a busy weeknight!