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Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

ByFoodarshia

So you want steak but also don’t want to babysit a pan while dodging oil splatters? Yeah, same. Enter Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites — the easiest way to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth, juicy steak without needing Gordon Ramsay-level skills.

It’s rich, garlicky, buttery, and so tender that your fork will practically do the work for you. Bonus: your house will smell like a five-star steakhouse, minus the hefty bill.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe hits all the marks — it’s easy, flavorful, and classy without trying too hard. You can toss everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come back to sizzling, buttery steak bites ready to impress anyone (including yourself).

It’s also super versatile — serve it with mashed potatoes for comfort, toss it over rice for a weeknight dinner, or toothpick those bad boys for an appetizer that’ll disappear faster than free Wi-Fi.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American Comfort
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2–3 hours on low
Calories: ~450 per serving
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes – choose quality meat for that buttery finish.
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup) – because garlic butter makes everything better.
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced – not optional. Garlic is the soul of this dish.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the butter cling to the meat.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds that umami depth.
  • 1 teaspoon salt – season like you mean it.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – because why not add a dash of fancy?
  • Fresh parsley – for garnish (and pretending we’re classy).

Optional but amazing:

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – if you like a hint of heat.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce – for extra savory depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the meat. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This helps it sear better and develop that flavor magic.
  2. Sear (optional, but worth it). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the steak bites for about 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t fully cook them — just a quick sear for color and flavor.
  3. Load the crockpot. Add the seared steak bites (or raw, if you’re skipping that step) into your slow cooker.
  4. Add the good stuff. Pour melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings over the meat. Stir lightly to coat everything in buttery goodness.
  5. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1½ hours — until the steak is tender but not falling apart.
  6. Finish with flair. Garnish with chopped parsley, and maybe drizzle the leftover garlic butter from the pot over your serving. (Yes, it’s as glorious as it sounds.)

Pro Tip: If you like your steak more browned and crispy, pop the cooked bites under the broiler for 3–4 minutes before serving. Game-changer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the steak. Slow cookers are forgiving, but not that forgiving. You want tender, not mushy.
  • Using cheap meat. This dish only shines if you start with decent steak. Skip the bargain-bin stuff unless you enjoy chewing rubber.
  • Forgetting the garlic. Never. Ever. Forget the garlic.
  • Adding too much liquid. The butter and steak juices make their own sauce — no need to drown it.
  • Cooking on high for too long. This will make the steak tough. Patience, my friend.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Butter substitute: Try ghee or garlic-infused olive oil if you’re dairy-free (but seriously, butter is the star here).
  • Different cuts: Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are ideal, but flank or flat iron work too if you marinate longer.
  • Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms or pearl onions halfway through cooking for extra flavor (and bonus points for looking fancy).
  • Make it keto: Serve it over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a guilt-free feast.

Personal Tip: I sometimes mix in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end — it brightens the richness perfectly. Try it once and you’ll see what I mean.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use frozen steak?
Nope. Always thaw first. Frozen steak in the crockpot cooks unevenly and loses that tender texture we’re after.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can sear the steak and store it in the fridge overnight. Just dump everything into the crockpot the next day and let it work its magic.

Do I have to sear the meat first?
Not strictly, but it adds an insane amount of flavor. IMO, it’s worth the extra 5 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just make sure not to overcrowd your crockpot. Use a larger one or cook in batches.

What sides go best with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or rice — basically anything that helps you soak up that buttery sauce.

Can I use chicken instead?
Technically, yes. But then it’s not steak. Don’t do that to yourself. 😉

Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Garlic butter with heat? Chef’s kiss.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished steak could be both fancy and effortless, this Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe is your dream come true. It’s rich, juicy, and practically foolproof — perfect for weeknights, date nights, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

So grab your crockpot, your favorite steak, and a stick of butter. Throw on some music, light a candle, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Because sometimes, dinner should taste like luxury — even if you barely lifted a finger. 🥩✨

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