Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Imagine perfectly seared steak morsels slow-cooked in a dreamy bath of garlic, butter, savory au jus, and sweet onions until meltingly tender. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe brings restaurant-level flavor right to your table — and gives you plenty of hands-off time to boot. Let’s dive into how you can make this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so wonderful about these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites is that every ingredient has a purpose — simple, familiar pantry staples come together to create out-of-this-world flavor and irresistible texture.

Sirloin steak (3 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces): Sirloin is tender and lean, making it perfect for slow-cooked, juicy steak bites.
Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural beefy flavors.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a punch of subtle heat that wakes up every bite.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, possibly more): Key for getting that irresistible golden sear on the steak before slow cooking.
Sweet onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Melts down for sweetness and delicious flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic (3 cloves, thinly sliced): The real star, infusing every bite with aromatic garlicky goodness.
Unsalted beef stock (1 cup): Adds moisture and depth — helps create that luscious, savory sauce.
Au jus gravy mix (1 ounce packet): For a savory, beefy finish and an extra-rich pan sauce.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, thinly sliced): This is where the “butter” magic happens — rich, creamy, and utterly luxurious.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Step 1: Season the Steak

Start by adding your bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss everything together so each piece of steak gets a little love. This simple seasoning does wonders, making sure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites have mouthwatering flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it get really hot — you want that satisfying sizzle when the steak hits the pan! Sear the steak pieces in batches, just until they get some gorgeous brown color. Don’t cook them all the way through. Browning adds a deep, beefy flavor to your final dish, and while it may feel like an extra step, it’s so worth it. Add a bit more oil if the skillet gets dry.

Step 3: Fill the Slow Cooker

Transfer all those beautifully seared steak bites into a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic over the top, then gently give everything a little mix. This ensures the aromatics are nestled in with the steak, ready to infuse every bite with flavor as it cooks low and slow.

Step 4: Add the Flavors

Pour the cup of unsalted beef stock right over the steak and veggies. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over everything — it’ll dissolve into the stock and make the most delicious savory sauce. Lay the thin slices of butter over the top, and as it melts, you’ll get that signature richness the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are famous for.

Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Magic

Pop the lid on and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re home, give it a gentle stir once an hour to distribute all the flavor (but if you’re out, don’t worry — it’ll still be fantastic). When the steak is fork-tender and the sauce is glossy and fragrant, your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are ready for the table!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a finishing touch of freshness. If you like a little extra garlic kick, a tiny dusting of freshly grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon right before serving is heavenly.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes, creamy rice, or buttery egg noodles make the ultimate base to soak up every drop of the luxurious garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites over steamed veggies or alongside a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try loading the steak bites and sauce onto crusty baguette slices for a fun appetizer, or tuck them into toasted rolls as decadent sliders. You can even pile them on top of baked potatoes for a next-level comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any remaining steak bites to cool, then transfer them with a bit of sauce into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze slow cooker garlic butter steak bites, let them cool completely before placing them (along with the sauce) in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in a covered dish in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to keep things saucy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin is the recommended choice for juicy, tender bites, you can use ribeye or strip steak for an even richer result, or stew meat for a budget-friendly option (just expect a slightly different texture).

Do I have to sear the steak first?

Searing is highly recommended for the best depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it — your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites will still come out wonderfully tender, just with a bit less caramelized flavor.

Can I add veggies directly to the slow cooker?

Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby potatoes work especially well. Just add them in with the steak and onions for a complete one-pot meal.

What if I want more sauce?

If you prefer extra sauce for spooning over sides, simply increase the beef stock by half a cup and add an extra tablespoon of butter. The sauce is truly crave-worthy!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your au jus gravy mix and beef stock labels to confirm. There are plenty of gluten-free options available if you need them.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that combines indulgent comfort and no-fuss cooking, these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites are about to become a new classic in your kitchen. Trust me — once you sneak a taste of that garlicky, buttery goodness, you’ll want to make them part of your weekly rotation!