Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Sirloin is great for tenderness and budget-friendliness, but ribeye makes this luxuriously rich. Chuck roast or stew meat work, but they’ll need the full low-and-slow cook time to get tender.

Do I really have to brown the steak first?

You’ll get so much more flavor by searing first—the caramelization creates a deeper, beefier taste. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but if you can spare 10 extra minutes, your taste buds will thank you.

What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?

No worries—use a tablespoon of beef bouillon granules or a concentrated beef stock paste. You can also mix a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the steak as directed, then simmer everything in a Dutch oven on your stovetop, covered, over very low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Imagine tender, juicy bites of sirloin steak, coated in a heavenly garlic butter sauce, all with barely any hands-on cooking. That’s exactly what you get with these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites. This recipe is a true gift for anyone who craves serious flavor but just doesn’t have the energy for fussy dinners. You’ll enjoy every juicy, buttery mouthful—and best of all, you can pull this off on even your busiest weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Simple, So Impressive: It asks for just a handful of everyday ingredients, with most of the work being done by your slow cooker. Minimal prep, maximum flavor—my kind of dinner.
Incredible Flavor: Sirloin steak, browned for that irresistible caramelized edge, then slow-cooked in garlic, onions, and butter… need I say more? The beef is fork-tender, and that buttery, savory sauce? Absolutely addictive.
Versatile and Family-Friendly: You can serve these steak bites any way you like—over mashed potatoes, slicked over noodles, or just as they are for a low-carb treat.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen as they sit, so leftovers are even better (if you have any). Double up, serve for a crowd, or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the essentials you need for big flavor—without complicated steps:

Sirloin Steak: Cut into bite-sized pieces; use for tenderness and quick browning. Any marbled steak will work if you want to experiment.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental for drawing out the beef’s rich flavor. Don’t skimp!
Vegetable Oil: Essential for searing and developing that delicious brown crust.
Sweet Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it slow-cooks.
Garlic: Thinly sliced for a mellow, buttery punch after hours of cooking.
Unsalted Beef Stock: Forms the liquid base, soaking up fond and intensifying meaty flavor.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: Instant umami! Adds rich, savory notes without fuss.
Unsalted Butter: The magic that binds it all together. Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Steak bites are incredibly versatile—feel free to play with them!

Herb Lovers: Add a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary before slow cooking for herbal warmth.
Mushroom Boost: Sauté some cremini or button mushrooms with the onions for extra savoriness.
Spicy Kick: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle a little grated parmesan or even sharp provolone on top right before serving.
Swap the Meat: Try the same recipe with boneless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin for a whole new twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Toss your steak bites in salt and black pepper to make sure every little piece is perfectly seasoned. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the vegetable oil. Wait until it’s hot, then brown the steak pieces in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want real color, not steaming! This step just takes a few minutes, but the rich flavor it gives to the stew is unbeatable.

Step 2: Layer up the Slow Cooker

Transfer all your beautifully seared steak into the crock of your slow cooker. Spread the sliced onion and garlic over the top. Don’t worry about perfection—the flavors will blend as everything slow-cooks.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Pour the unsalted beef stock over the meat and veggies. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly across the top (this is your shortcut to deep, beefy flavor). Layer the sliced butter right over everything. Pop the lid on.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Let the slow cooker do all the hard work. Set on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. If you’re nearby, give it a gentle stir every hour—but no stress if you’re busy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When the steak is meltingly tender and the sauce is glossy, it’s time to serve. Don’t forget to spoon all that luscious garlic butter sauce over the top!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Sear, Don’t Skip: Taking a few minutes to brown the steak adds a flavor you just can’t get from skipping this step.
Slice Evenly: Try to cut steak bites to the same size for uniform cooking.
Check for Salt: Au jus mixes vary in saltiness, so always taste before adding extra.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning, do it in small batches so the meat sears, not steams.
Butter on Top: Lay butter on last so it slowly melts through the whole dish as it cooks.

How to Serve

Pair these steak bites with whatever comfort food suits your mood:

Classic & Cozy

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce.
Toss with buttered egg noodles for a rustic pasta bowl.
Ladle over fluffy steamed rice for a no-fuss, hearty meal.

Lighter Fare

Spoon over roasted cauliflower or steamed green beans.
Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for dunking.

Entertaining Ideas

Pile steak bites into warm slider rolls with a sprinkle of provolone.
Skewer bites for a game day snack with toothpicks—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then transfer steak and sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Spoon into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring in a splash of beef stock or a knob of butter to refresh the sauce. Microwave works fine, too—just don’t overdo it, as steak can toughen if zapped too long.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Sirloin is great for tenderness and budget-friendliness, but ribeye makes this luxuriously rich. Chuck roast or stew meat work, but they’ll need the full low-and-slow cook time to get tender.
Do I really have to brown the steak first?

You’ll get so much more flavor by searing first—the caramelization creates a deeper, beefier taste. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but if you can spare 10 extra minutes, your taste buds will thank you.
What if I don’t have au jus gravy mix?

No worries—use a tablespoon of beef bouillon granules or a concentrated beef stock paste. You can also mix a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the steak as directed, then simmer everything in a Dutch oven on your stovetop, covered, over very low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites prove that you can have an impressive, melt-in-your-mouth dinner without any kitchen stress. The sauce is outrageously flavorful, the meat stays buttery tender, and the whole process is easy enough for a weeknight—yet special enough for company. Don’t wait for a special occasion; try this recipe for your next craving—it’s bound to become your new go-to!