These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of beef that cook slowly for rich flavors. Perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without the fuss!
Honestly, these bites are so good, they might just steal the show at dinner! I love serving them with some veggies or over rice for a complete, yummy meal. 🥩✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak/Sirloin Steak: Flank steak is lean and flavorful, perfect for this recipe. Sirloin is a great alternative if you prefer a slightly softer cut, but any tender beef cut will work. You could also use ground beef if you’re in a hurry.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works great! For a lighter option, switch to chicken or vegetable broth. If you’re looking for low-sodium, there are variations available at most grocery stores.
Soy Sauce: This helps with flavor and color. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. You could also use liquid aminos for a similar taste without the soy.
Brown Sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness. If you want a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can substitute. For a low-calorie choice, try a sugar substitute, but adjust to taste as sweetness may vary.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Steak for Maximum Flavor?
Searing steak enhances its flavor and texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high until hot—this is key!
- Add olive oil and let it heat for a minute.
- Place the steak pieces in a single layer; don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them, so they develop a nice crust.
- Flip each piece and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but remember that it really boosts flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time to cut and season the steak. Then, you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, making it a convenient dish to prepare ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Steak (Optional):
If you like a deeper flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in batches, searing them until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, and the steak will still be delicious!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and add the minced garlic, brown sugar, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Use a spoon to stir everything together until well combined. This sauce adds wonderful flavor to the steak!
3. Combine Steak with Sauce:
Gently place the steak bites into the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the sauce mixture. This helps absorb all the tasty flavors while cooking.
4. Cook the Steak:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The steak is ready when it’s tender and easily falls apart—perfect for eating!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once your steak bites are cooked to perfection, give them a good stir to mix the sauce and steak together nicely. You can serve them as is or over rice, noodles, or even inside tortillas for a tasty wrap. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch before serving!
Can I Use A Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin steak works best, you can use cuts like chuck roast or ribeye. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require a bit longer to become tender, so adjust your cooking time as needed.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can also use a combination of water and a bouillon cube!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double-check all other ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free as some sauces may contain gluten.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months; just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
