Easy garlic butter steak bites crock pot Recipe

Why You’ll Love This garlic butter steak bites crock pot Recipe

Alright, friends, let’s talk about why these garlic butter steak bites crock pot are about to become a weeknight staple. First off, ease is the name of the game. Toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. What’s better than coming home to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and butter?

And the flavor? Seriously, these steak bites are bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness. They’re so tender, they practically melt in your mouth. Plus, the slow-cooker does all the magic. That low and slow cooking process ensures the steak is unbelievably juicy and flavorful, every single time. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Ingredients for Perfect garlic butter steak bites crock pot 

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these little bites of heaven. It’s a short and simple list, but each ingredient plays a crucial role.

Best Cuts of Steak for Crock Pot Cooking

Choosing the right cut of steak is key for tender, fall-apart steak bites. I recommend using chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast has amazing marbling, which means it gets incredibly tender and flavorful as it slow cooks. Sirloin is another option, but be careful not to overcook it; it’s leaner and can become tough.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Chuck Roast: My all-time favorite! The marbling is unreal, and it transforms into a super tender steak when slow cooked.
• Sirloin: A leaner option that still works well, but watch the cooking time.
• Round Steak: Another lean option, great for a more budget-friendly approach.

Garlic Butter Sauce Essentials

Now, for the star of the show: the garlic butter sauce! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must! Don’t skimp on it. About 4-6 cloves will do the trick.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps everything moist.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this brings a savory umami that complements the steak and garlic.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a touch of freshness and complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

Step-by-Step garlic butter steak bites crock pot Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Here’s the easy step-by-step process:

Prepping the Steak Bites

1. Cut the Steak: Cut your chosen steak into 1-inch cubes.
2. Season: In a bowl, toss the steak bites with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!

Slow Cooker Layering Technique

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Mix Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
4. Pour Over Steak: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak bites in the slow cooker.

How Long to Cook Steak Bites in a Crock Pot

Cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, but here’s a general guideline:

• Low: 6-8 hours
• High: 3-4 hours

The steak bites are done when they are fork-tender and easily shred apart.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings Garlic butter steak bites crock pot 

Okay, you’ve got these amazing steak bites, now what do you serve them with? Here are some of the best pairings to complete your meal:

Mashed Potatoes vs. Rice: Ideal Sides

This really boils down to personal preference, but here’s my take:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, comforting, and perfect for soaking up all that luscious garlic butter sauce. I like to add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for extra flavor.
• Rice: A lighter option that still does a great job of absorbing the sauce. Try serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a healthier twist.

Vegetable Pairings for a Balanced Meal

Let’s add some greens to our plate! Here are a few vegetable pairings that go perfectly with these steak bites:

• Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly crispy.
• Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with a little garlic and lemon juice. Simple and delicious!
• Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus is a classic pairing with steak.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Want to take your Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites to the next level? Here are some pro tips to ensure success:

Avoiding Overcooking in the Slow Cooker

The biggest fear with slow cookers is overcooking. To avoid dry, tough steak bites:

• Keep an eye on it: Start checking for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low or 3-hour mark on high.
• Don’t overfill: Overcrowding the slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking.
• Adjust liquid: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to let some evaporate.

Enhancing the Garlic Butter Flavor

Want an extra boost of garlic butter flavor? Try these tips:

• Roasted Garlic: Roast a bulb of garlic in the oven and add the cloves to the sauce for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder can intensify the garlicky goodness.
• Fresh Herbs: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for added freshness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigeration: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the steak bites in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the steak bites in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook them.

FAQ About Garlic butter steak bites crock pot 

How long do steak bites take in a crock pot?

Steak bites typically take 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a crock pot. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best steak to use for crock pot steak bites?

Chuck roast is my top pick! It has great marbling that makes it super tender and flavorful. Sirloin is another option, but be careful not to overcook it.

Can I use frozen steak for garlic butter steak bites?

I generally recommend thawing your steak before cooking it in the slow cooker for even cooking. While you can cook from frozen, it might affect the texture and cook time.

Can I make garlic butter steak bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and store them in the slow cooker in the fridge. Just add the sauce and turn it on when you’re ready to cook. Perfect for busy weeknights!

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a butter substitute, you can use olive oil or ghee for a similar richness. However, the flavor won’t be quite the same, as butter contributes significantly to the overall taste.