These slow cooker steak bites are juicy and full of flavor! Just toss in some tender meat, a few seasonings, and let the slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a delicious meal without hovering over the stove. I like to serve mine with some rice or veggies—perfect for soaking up all that tasty sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: I suggest using sirloin for its great flavor and tenderness, but flank steak works too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken or turkey for bite-sized pieces, keeping in mind they’ll cook faster.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works well too. If you’re vegetarian or want to keep it lighter, vegetable broth is a fine substitute. Just adjust seasoning to your preference.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides a classic taste, but if you’re avoiding gluten, try tamari. You can also use coconut aminos for a less salty alternative that works for many diets.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar can do the trick. Just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe if you go this route!
Brown Sugar: It gives a nice sweetness. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup, but consider that it may alter the flavor slightly. For a no-sugar option, try using stevia or a sugar substitute of your choice.
How Do I Make Sure the Steak is Tender?
Getting tender steak bites is all about cooking them low and slow. The slow cooker does this perfectly! Here’s how to ensure the best results:
- Cut the steak into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This longer cooking time helps break down tough fibers, making the meat tender.
- Make sure you have enough liquid in the pot; it helps keep things moist.
If you choose to cook on high, check after 3 hours; you want it fork-tender! Don’t rush it, as patience is key for these bites to be juicy!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds beef steak (sirloin or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, you’ll spend a little extra time thickening the sauce. Overall, it’s a hands-off recipe that gives you delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Add in the black pepper, salt, and paprika if you like a little spice. Stir everything well to combine—this is your tasty sauce!
2. Coat the Steak:
Take your bite-sized pieces of steak and add them to the bowl with the sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated in that delicious mixture. This will help the steak absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
3. Slow Cook the Steak:
Now, transfer the steak and sauce mixture into your slow cooker. Spread the steak pieces out evenly so they cook nicely. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and juicy.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
After the cooking time is up, it’s time to thicken the sauce! In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into the slow cooker. This will help give your sauce that rich, thick consistency.
5. Final Cooking:
Set the slow cooker to high and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken beautifully. Keep an eye on it to get your desired thickness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, serve the steak bites hot. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color! Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer, a comforting main dish, or pair them with rice or vegetables. Dig in and savor each bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great options, you can also use cuts like chuck or round steak. Just remember that different cuts may require slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on the tenderness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure that your beef broth is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of beef broth to keep the sauce moist!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the slow cooker. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them in with the steak to cook through. They will add great flavor and color to the dish!
