Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more); 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 cup unsalted beef stock; 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Introduction to Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

If you're a young professional juggling a hectic schedule, the slow cooker is your best friend. Between deadlines, meetings, and social events, finding time to prepare healthy, delicious meals can feel daunting. That’s where our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites come to the rescue! This recipe truly embodies the "fix-it and forget-it" concept that slow cooking champions.

Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender steak bites infused with mouthwatering garlic butter. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other priorities. Just sear the steak, toss in your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the magic. In addition, slow cooking retains nutrients and enhances flavors, making your meals both nutritious and packed with taste.

For even more easy weeknight meals, check out these resources on slow cooking benefits and recipe ideas that can make your life simpler.

With this recipe, satisfying, flavorful dinners are just a slow cooker away!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

When it comes to preparing a hearty meal without the fuss, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Get ready to delight your taste buds with these simple yet satisfying ingredients!

Essential Ingredients

3 pounds sirloin steak: Choose a good quality cut, as it enhances the flavor and tenderness of the dish.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the steak.
1 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds a nice kick.
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the steak; you may need a bit more depending on your pan.
1 small sweet onion: Thinly sliced, it brings a subtle sweetness to the mix.
3 cloves garlic: Sliced thin for maximum flavor infusion.
1 cup unsalted beef stock: Provides a rich base for cooking.
1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix: Enhances the sauce's flavor and thickness.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is the star, making everything wonderfully buttery!

These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and if you're interested in learning more about meat selection, check out Beef It's What's For Dinner for expert tips!

Step-by-step preparation for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites is an effortless way to impress your friends and family with a delicious meal, all without the stress of standing over the stove. Let’s break down the preparation steps, ensuring you have a delicious outcome every time.

Gather your ingredients

Before diving into cooking, it's essential to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 teaspoons of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (you might need a bit more)
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup of unsalted beef stock
1 ounce packet of au jus gravy mix
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Having everything ready will keep the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. For tips on choosing the best cuts of steak, check out this guide from the USDA.

Season and sear the steak

Once your ingredients are assembled, it’s time to season. Place the sirloin steak pieces in a large bowl, and sprinkle in the kosher salt and black pepper. Give everything a good toss to ensure the steak bites are evenly seasoned.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding in that vegetable oil until it's hot but not smoking. In batches, sear the steak pieces until they’re beautifully browned. Remember, we’re not cooking them through, just giving them a great color! If you find the pan getting dry, don’t hesitate to add a touch more oil.

Combine everything in the slow cooker

Once all your steak bites are seared, it’s time to transfer them to your slow cooker. Layer in the sliced sweet onion and garlic, gently stirring to combine. These aromatics will add a beautiful depth of flavor as they cook down.

Now pour in the unsalted beef stock for that rich, savory base. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top, ensuring it’s well-distributed. Finally, lay the thinly sliced butter atop everything—this is where the magic happens!

Cover and cook to perfection

With everything in the slow cooker, pop the lid on and cook to perfection. For high heat, let it go for about 3-4 hours, or if you prefer low heat, set it for 6-8 hours. Stirring once an hour, when possible, will help enhance even cooking.

Serve and enjoy!

When the cooking time is up, you’ll be greeted with the tantalizing aroma of your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Serve them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal. A perfect dish for entertaining or a cozy night in, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with friends and family. After all, good food is meant to be enjoyed together! For more comforting recipes, consider browsing Food Network. Happy cooking!

Variations on Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Are you looking to mix things up in the kitchen? Here are two delightful variations that embrace the slow cooker garlic butter steak bites concept while catering to different tastes!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

For a lighter twist, consider swapping out the sirloin for bite-sized chicken pieces. Simply follow the same steps, using chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with the same kosher salt and black pepper. The chicken will soak up that luscious garlic butter flavor beautifully. This option is not only delicious but also packs a punch with protein! Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.

Vegetarian Garlic Butter Bites

Even your vegetarian friends can join in on the garlic butter goodness! Replace the steak with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and bell peppers. Toss them in a mixture of melted garlic butter and your favorite seasonings before slow cooking. These savory bites make for a fantastic appetizer or side dish, pairing wonderfully with your favorite grain or pasta.

Expand your culinary repertoire by exploring these variations; you won’t be disappointed!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Cooking slow cooker garlic butter steak bites is all about balancing flavors and achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here are some handy tips:

Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin steak is a fantastic choice, but if you want extra tenderness, consider using chuck roast. It breaks down beautifully during cooking.
Searing is Key: Don’t skip the browning step! It enhances flavors through the Maillard reaction, giving depth to your dish.
Add Veggies: For a burst of color and flavor, toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions and garlic.
Customize the Gravy: Experiment with different stocks, like chicken or vegetable broth, for varied tastes.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

When you whip up these slow cooker garlic butter steak bites, you’ll want to enjoy them to the fullest. Here are some delightful serving ideas that will elevate your dish!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This classic pairing absorbs the savory garlic butter sauce beautifully, creating a comforting meal.
Egg Noodles: Tossing some cooked egg noodles with the steak bites provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up all those delicious juices.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a fresh, vibrant touch to your plate.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce!
Salad: A crisp garden salad can balance the richness of the steak, making for a well-rounded meal.

Experimenting with these sides will ensure your slow cooker garlic butter steak bites become a centerpiece for many cozy gatherings!

Time Breakdown for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Preparation Time

Getting everything ready takes about 15 minutes. You'll spend this time cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces and prepping the garlic and onions. Quick and easy!

Cooking Time

Once everything is in your slow cooker, let it work its magic! The cook time ranges from 4 hours on high to 6-8 hours on low. It’s truly a set-and-forget situation.

Total Time

From start to finish, you're looking at about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at the end.

As you prepare for your delicious slow cooker garlic butter steak bites, remember that this hands-off cooking style not only enhances flavors but also gives you more free time! If you want to dive deeper into meal preparation ideas or slow-cooking tips, check out this article on Meal Prep 101. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

When it comes to a cozy, comforting meal like slow cooker garlic butter steak bites, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you savor every bite guilt-free.

Calories

Each serving contains approximately 330 calories, making it a tasty yet manageable addition to your dinner table.

Protein

Packed with protein, these delicious bites offer about 35 grams per serving. It's a fantastic way to fuel your body, especially for those busy days!

Sodium

With approximately 600 mg of sodium per serving, this dish brings flavor without going overboard. As always, you can adjust the seasoning to fit your dietary needs.

For more insights on balancing your diet while enjoying hearty meals, check out the Harvard Health for expert nutritional advice!

FAQs about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like flank steak or chuck shoulder. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become equally tender. For extra flavor, consider marinating your beef ahead of time.

How can I make it healthier?
If you're looking to lighten up your slow cooker garlic butter steak bites, consider reducing the butter or using a healthier fat like olive oil. You can also opt for low-sodium beef stock and serve the steak bites over a bed of sautéed vegetables or quinoa instead of traditional sides like heavy mashed potatoes or rice.

What are the best side dishes to serve with steak bites?
These flavorful steak bites pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving with:

Roasted vegetables for a nutritious crunch
Cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative
A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce

Incorporating these sides not only enhances the meal but also balances the richness of the steak bites. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Conclusion on Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites

In conclusion, slow cooker garlic butter steak bites are perfect for anyone looking to impress at dinner without spending all day in the kitchen. Their tender texture and rich flavors make them a versatile main dish that pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. Enjoy a hassle-free meal!