These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are tender and full of flavor! You simply toss bite-sized pieces of steak with seasonings and let them cook slowly until they’re juicy and delicious.
Cooking them in a slow cooker means less fuss for you. I love serving them over rice or with veggies for an easy meal. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while they cook! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is great for this recipe because it’s tender and has good flavor. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, flank or chuck steak can work too. Just remember, tougher cuts may require longer cooking times for tenderness.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami kick. If you’re watching sodium levels, low-sodium soy sauce works well. Tamari is also a good gluten-free option. For a sweeter flavor, consider using coconut aminos instead.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth and complexity. If you need a substitute, you can mix a bit of soy sauce with vinegar and sugar to mimic the flavor. It’s not exact, but it’ll do in a pinch!
Seasonings: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika or even chili powder can substitute, but you might miss that smoky essence. Onion powder is also key for a subtle onion flavor without the bits!
How Can I Get Perfectly Flavored Steak Bites?
The key to amazing steak bites lies in marinating and searing. Mixing your beef with the marinade well allows the flavors to seep in, making your steak more delicious. Letting the beef marinate for a few hours (or even overnight) blues up the taste.
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl, then coat the steak evenly.
- If you have time, let it sit covered in the fridge for at least an hour or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- While optional, searing the steak before slow cooking adds a nice caramelization that enhances flavor. Just a few minutes on high heat will do!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cook time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, add the bite-sized beef sirloin pieces. Pour in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until the steak bites are well-coated in the marinade. Let the mixture sit while you get the skillet ready.
2. Sear the Beef (Optional):
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. If you want, add the marinated steak bites to the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes, turning them until they are browned on all sides. This will add extra flavor! If you skip this step, it’s totally fine; your steak bites will still be tasty.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Now, carefully transfer the beef mixture into the slow cooker. If you seared the steak, pour in any delicious juices from the skillet too. This helps enhance the flavor even more.
4. Slow Cook the Steak Bites:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The steak is done when it’s super tender!
5. Final Touches:
Once your cooking time is up, give the steak bites a good stir. Taste a piece and see if it needs a bit more salt or pepper to your liking. Adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serving the Steak Bites:
Serve those warm, tender steak bites in a bowl, garnished with fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy them on their own or use them as a filling for tacos or sandwiches for a hearty meal! Yum!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use cuts like flank steak or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may take longer to become tender, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar (like apple cider or red wine vinegar) for that tangy flavor. A bit of honey or sugar can also enhance the sweetness if you like!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to help keep the steak moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker with the beef. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as vegetables may release moisture and help flavor the dish!
