Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of tender, savory beef filling your kitchen, and these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites deliver just that. Each bite is infused with rich garlic and butter flavors, creating a truly decadent yet incredibly simple meal.

This recipe has become a weeknight lifesaver for me, offering a delicious, fuss-free dinner that even the pickiest eaters will devour. It’s the perfect meal to have simmering away while you tackle your busy day.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true gem for busy households. It requires minimal prep, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful beef that tastes like it simmered for hours, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a comforting meal without the stress. It’s a guaranteed win for any night of the week!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Ingredients

The magic of these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites lies in the simple yet powerful combination of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, all brought together by the depth of au jus. It’s a flavor profile that’s both classic and incredibly satisfying. You’ll find all the precise measurements in the printable recipe card below, but here’s a peek at the stars of our dish:

• Sirloin Steak: This is our star. It gives us that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite we crave.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings make a big difference. They boost the beef’s natural taste.
• Vegetable Oil: A little oil for searing creates a beautiful crust and locks in flavor.
• Sweet Onion: This adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely aroma. It mellows nicely in the slow cooker.
• Garlic: Nobody can resist the amazing scent of garlic cooking. It’s essential for that signature flavor.
• Beef Stock: This provides the flavorful liquid for our slow cooker. It keeps the beef moist and tender.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: This little packet is a flavor powerhouse. It gives our beef bites that deep, savory goodness.
• Unsalted Butter: A few pats of butter melt into the sauce. They make it wonderfully rich and silky.

Substitutions and Tips:

Need a swap? Chuck roast or flank steak are great alternatives to sirloin, just cut them up small. Don’t have au jus mix? An onion soup mix packet works too for that savory kick. Want even more flavor? Throw in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf. Experimenting is half the fun!

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Prepare the Steak

The first step to achieving incredibly flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is to properly prepare your sirloin steak. Cut the beef into uniform, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, season the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Sear for Flavor

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, allowing it to get nice and hot. Sear the seasoned steak pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides, which adds a crucial depth of flavor. Add more oil if needed between batches.

Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Once all the steak has been seared, carefully transfer it into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the slow cooker with the beef. Gently stir these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.

Add Liquids and Butter

Pour the unsalted beef stock over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the au jus gravy mix over the top. Finally, lay the thinly sliced unsalted butter slices over everything. This combination creates the luscious sauce for your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites.

Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. For best results and to help distribute the flavors evenly, give the contents a stir once an hour if your schedule allows. The beef should be incredibly tender when done.

Serve Your Delicious Bites

Once cooked, your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are ready to be enjoyed. They are exceptionally delicious served over fluffy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy white rice.

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How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Keeping your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites pristine is easy. Proper storage preserves their delightful taste and tender mouthfeel. Let them cool a bit first. Then, pop leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For longer enjoyment, stash them in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 or 3 months. Reheat them gently on the stove or in your microwave.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip searing. It builds deep flavor.
• Ensure steak pieces are uniform. This means even cooking.
• Stirring helps meld flavors throughout.
• Cooking times vary by slow cooker. Adjust as needed.
• Taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper then.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To whip up these amazing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, you’ll want a few trusty kitchen companions:

• A reliable 6-quart Slow Cooker.
• A good-sized skillet for searing.
• Tongs are handy for moving beef.
• A sturdy cutting board and sharp knife are essential.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
• Airtight containers are perfect for storing leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites family-style over creamy mashed potatoes.
• They’re also fantastic spooned over tender egg noodles or fluffy white rice.
• For a complete meal, pair them with a simple, crisp green salad or some lightly steamed seasonal vegetables.
• Don’t forget crusty bread; it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory au jus sauce.
• A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites ahead of time?

 Absolutely! You can prep most of the work for these delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites in advance. Sear your beef and chop your veggies a day before. Store them separately in the fridge. Then, just pop everything into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have sirloin steak?

 No worries if sirloin isn’t in your fridge! Other tender beef cuts like chuck roast or flank steak work beautifully for these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I ensure the beef is tender?

 Searing the beef before it hits the slow cooker is key for tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. For maximum tenderness, choose the low setting and cook for a longer time, like 6 to 8 hours. This gentle cooking process truly transforms the beef.

Can I thicken the sauce for my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites?

 You sure can! If you like a thicker sauce, whip up a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will thicken beautifully.