Description
Crockpot Steak Bites are a busy weeknight dream! Tender, flavorful beef simmered slow for an easy family meal. Perfect for busy schedules and happy tummies.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Steak Bites Ingredients:
- 2 lbs stew meat or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Flavorful Marinade & Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Thickening & Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for slurry)
- 3 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- Optional Serving Enhancements:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables
Instructions
- Prep Your Steak Bites:: First things first, grab your stew meat or sirloin and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You want them uniform so they cook evenly. Honestly, this is where I usually get a bit messy, with little bits of beef everywhere! Pat them dry with paper towels; it helps with the sear. Don’t skip this step, it really makes a difference for that lovely browned crust. I’ve definitely rushed this before, and the browning just wasn’t the same.
- Sear for Flavor (Optional, but Recommended):: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your steak in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan! Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This step, while optional, really develops a deep, rich flavor. I once tried to do it all at once and ended up steaming the beef instead of searing it, oops! It’s worth the extra five minutes, promise.
- Whisk Up the Sauce:: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined. This is where the magic starts to happen; you can already smell the savory goodness brewing! I always taste a tiny bit here, just to make sure the seasoning feels right.
- Slow Cooker Time!:: Place the seared steak bites, sliced onion, and minced garlic into your slow cooker. Pour the whisked sauce mixture over everything, making sure the steak is mostly submerged. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the steak is fork-tender. It’s so satisfying to see it all come together in the crockpot!
- Thicken the Sauce:: Once the steak is tender, remove the lid. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth – this is your slurry! Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly. Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. I didn’t expect that cornstarch would make such a difference, but it really does create a beautiful, rich gravy!
- Finishing Touches:: Stir in the butter until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. The aroma at this point is just incredible, honestly. It smells like pure comfort and good food, and it looks so inviting with that vibrant green parsley!