These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are juicy and full of flavor! Just toss some tender steak cubes in your slow cooker with tasty seasonings and let them cook low and slow.
It’s the perfect no-fuss meal! I love serving them with rice or on toothpicks for a fun party snack. Plus, the house smells great while they cook—talk about a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin and flank steaks are great choices for this recipe. They’re flavorful and tender when cooked slowly. If you need a budget-friendly option, try chuck steak, just know it might be a bit tougher.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and umami. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds tanginess. In a pinch, use soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar to replicate its flavor. I sometimes use hot sauce if I want a little kick!
Beef Broth: This keeps the steak juicy. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works too. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is best when possible!
How Can I Enhance Flavor with Marinating?
Marinating is key for infusing flavor into the steak. You can speed this up, but letting the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours allows the flavors to penetrate better. Here are my tips:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well before adding the steak.
- Ensure all pieces of steak are coated well, allowing the marinade to work its magic.
- Cover and refrigerate if marinating for longer than 30 minutes.
For extra flavor, feel free to add a splash of hot sauce or some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. The results are so worth it! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds steak (sirloin or flank steak), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours of cooking in the slow cooker on low (or 3-4 hours on high). If you marinate the steak for a while, it enhances the flavor even more, but it’s optional!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well until everything is combined perfectly—this will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the bite-sized steak pieces to the marinade and toss them gently to coat them evenly. If you have time, let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak in all the flavors. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but it really does help!
3. Sear the Steak (Optional):
Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak pieces in batches, searing them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step brings out even more flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the seared steak bites to the slow cooker. Pour any leftover marinade over the steak, ensuring that each piece is well-covered. This will keep your steak juicy as it cooks.
5. Slow Cook Until Tender:
Cover the slow cooker and let the steak cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender your steak will be!
6. Final Touches:
Once the steak bites are tender and ready, give them a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If they need a bit more seasoning, feel free to add a pinch of salt or pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the steak bites warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. They make a fantastic dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use chuck steak or ribeye if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that tougher cuts may require a bit more cooking time to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. If you’re avoiding soy altogether, mixing equal parts of balsamic vinegar and beef broth can mimic the flavor profile in this recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can definitely prepare the steak bites ahead of time! Marinate and sear the steak, then place it in the slow cooker and keep it in the fridge. Just start the slow cooking process when you’re ready to eat, adjusting the cooking time as needed based on when you started cooking.
