Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h 20 min
Total time: 7 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds Sirloin Steak or Chuck Roast, cut into bite-sized cubes; 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt, or to taste; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika, not the hot one; 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided; 1 large Sweet Onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth; 1-ounce packet Au Jus Gravy Mix; 6 cloves Garlic, pressed; 5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, sliced; Chopped Fresh Parsley, for garnish

There’s something irresistibly cozy about tender steak morsels melting into a luscious garlic butter sauce, simmered all day to perfection. That’s exactly why I love sharing this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe—it transforms simple ingredients into an effortlessly elegant meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The dish shows a white plate with three layers. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, soft and white with a slightly rough texture. On top of that is a layer of dark brown beef stew chunks, chunky and covered in a shiny, rich sauce. The stew pieces look tender and moist. To one side on the plate, there is a bright yellow corn on the cob, sprinkled with small green herbs and a light sauce, giving it a slightly glossy look. Some fresh green parsley leaves sit next to the corn, adding color contrast. The entire plate rests on a white marbled surface with part of a colorful cloth napkin and two old forks nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always excited when a recipe is both insanely easy and incredibly flavorful. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe fits the bill perfectly—while the slow cooker does its magic, you get to relax, knowing dinner will turn out tender, rich, and just downright satisfying.

Hands-off cooking: You barely lift a finger once everything’s in the slow cooker—great for busy days or when you want stress-free cooking.
Deep garlic butter flavor: The butter and garlic infuse the steak with so much richness, it’s hard to believe it’s made in a slow cooker.
Versatile and comforting: Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles, so you can change it up depending on what you have at home.
Budget-friendly steak options: You can use sirloin or chuck roast, so it works whether you want to splurge or save a bit.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this dish is all in the simple but smart combo of ingredients that layer flavors with minimal fuss. Every ingredient has a job—from tenderizing the steak to building that signature garlic butter richness.

Flat lay of fresh raw sirloin steak cubes arranged neatly, a few whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, another white bowl filled with ground black pepper, a small white bowl containing paprika powder, thinly sliced rings of a large sweet onion fanned out on the side, peeled whole garlic cloves grouped together, several slices of pale yellow unsalted butter stacked, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, and a small bunch of vibrant chopped fresh parsley scattered delicately, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sirloin Steak or Chuck Roast: Both cut into bite-sized cubes, they become meltingly tender after slow cooking; sirloin is leaner, while chuck roast is a bit more budget-friendly.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the beefy flavors and balances the rich butter.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the garlic without overpowering.
Garlic Powder: Boosts garlic flavor in a convenient way alongside fresh garlic.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and warmth, not hot but adds depth.
Olive Oil: Used for searing and layering flavor before slow cooking.
Sweet Onion: Thinly sliced to sweeten and soften, melting into the sauce.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Creates a savory, rich base that keeps the steak juicy and tender.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: The secret weapon for building a quick, flavorful gravy without extra effort.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Pressed for maximum garlicky punch in every bite.
Unsalted Butter: Adds luscious creaminess and helps meld all flavors together.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note just before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my own spin on this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. It’s just that flexible—in fact, I often double the garlic for an even bolder punch, but you can dial it back if you prefer something milder.

Variation: For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika—you’ll get that subtle barbecue vibe without turning on the grill.
Low-carb option: Skip the sides or serve over cauliflower rice for an easy keto-friendly meal.
Vegetable boost: Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers an hour before it’s done to make it even heartier.
Make it spicy: If you enjoy heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the seasoning for a subtle kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of creamy mashed potatoes, soft and pale with a smooth texture spread evenly across the plate. On top of this, there is a generous pile of dark brown beef stew chunks covered in a shiny, rich sauce, with a slightly thick texture that glistens under the light. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled over the meat and potatoes, adding a fresh contrast. At the back of the plate, nestled beside the beef and mashed potatoes, sits a bright yellow corn on the cob, coated with a white creamy layer and lightly sprinkled with a reddish seasoning, giving it a textured but moist look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak Bites

Start by cutting your sirloin or chuck roast into bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches works well. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help them sear nicely. Then, sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the meat. I find seasoning both sides sets the flavor foundation you'll appreciate later.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the steak cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until browned. This step might feel like extra work, but trust me, it locks in flavor and gives the final dish a beautiful color and depth.

Step 3: Layer Flavors in the Slow Cooker

Once your steak is browned, toss the sliced sweet onions at the bottom of your slow cooker crock. Add the seared steak bites on top. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and au jus gravy mix, then pour it over everything. Press in the fresh garlic cloves on top and dot with slices of butter.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours. The key is low and slow for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. I always check towards the end to make sure the steak bites are soft and the sauce has thickened nicely. If the sauce seems a bit thin, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that really elevate this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe from good to unforgettable. Don’t skip the searing step—it truly makes a world of difference! Also, patience with the cooking time pays off in the rich, tender texture you want.

Don’t rush searing: Getting a good brown crust on the steak cubes adds caramelized flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
Use fresh garlic: It gives a brighter, more vibrant garlic flavor than powder alone.
Butter at the end: Adding butter in slices lets it melt gently, enriching the sauce without separating or getting greasy.
Patience is key: Resist the urge to peek or rush the cook time—the slow cooker needs that full time to make the meat perfectly tender.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the steak bites right before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal lift that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll add a little extra cracked black pepper on top for a bit of texture and subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is downright perfect over creamy mashed potatoes—the garlic butter sauce soaks right in. I’ve also served it with buttered egg noodles or simple steamed rice. For a veggie side, roasted green beans or a crisp Caesar salad are my go-tos for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like plating the steak bites over a bed of garlic parmesan risotto, topped with a few fried shallots for crunch. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish and impress guests without too much extra effort. Serving in individual cast iron skillets also makes for a fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well up to 3 days and taste just as good warmed up because that garlic butter sauce really sticks to the meat nicely.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe—just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop to keep the sauce smooth and avoid drying out the steak bites.

Reheating

I recommend reheating slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to toughen the beef and separate the butter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef besides sirloin or chuck roast?

You absolutely can. Cuts like ribeye or strip steak will work too but tend to be pricier. Chuck roast or sirloin offer the best balance of tenderness and value for slow cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.

Do I have to sear the steak bites before slow cooking?

Searing isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It locks in flavor, gives the meat a nice color, and adds a delicious caramelized note that slow cooking alone can’t provide. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the end result won’t be quite as rich.

How do I prevent the steak bites from drying out in the slow cooker?

Choosing cuts with some marbling like chuck roast and cooking on low heat helps keep the meat tender and juicy. Also, adding enough liquid like beef broth and butter, and avoiding overcooking ensure the steak bites stay moist and flavorful.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe reheats beautifully and can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove. Just add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has become one of my reliably comforting go-to dishes when I want something hearty without fuss. The way those tender steak cubes soak up the garlicky butter sauce reminds me of cozy family dinners. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s genuinely that kind of recipe you’ll return to time and time again.