Fail-Proof Crockpot Steak Bites in Under 1 Hour

Okay, so, weeknights, right? They’re usually a total disaster in my house. Juggling work, kids, and trying to get something–*anything*–on the table before everyone turns feral? Forget about it. But then I discovered the magic of Crockpot Steak Bites! Seriously, tender steak in a rich sauce, ready when *you* are? Yes, please!

The real game-changer is how crazy easy it is. I mean, toss everything in the slow cooker, and boom! Dinner’s practically making itself. I remember one night, I was running late after a soccer game, totally dreading having to cook. But then I remembered I’d prepped these Crockpot Steak Bites that morning. Walked in, served ’em over rice, and bam! Instant hero. Total lifesaver, trust me!

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Steak Bites

Seriously, what’s not to love? These Crockpot Steak Bites are…

• **So easy!** Dump, set, and forget. That’s it!
• **Fall-apart tender:** The slow cooking makes the steak incredibly tender.
• **Minimal effort:** Seriously, you barely have to lift a finger.
• **Packed with flavor:** The sauce is rich and savory – everyone loves it!

Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to for busy weeknights!

Ingredients for Crockpot Steak Bites

Okay, so here’s what you’ll need for these amazing Crockpot Steak Bites. Don’t skimp on the quality of the steak—it really does make a difference! And make sure everything’s prepped and ready to go. Nobody wants to be chopping onions when they could be relaxing, right?

• 2 lbs steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

That’s it! Pretty simple, huh?

How to Prepare Crockpot Steak Bites: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, are you ready to make some seriously delicious Crockpot Steak Bites? Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal in no time. I promise, even if you’re not a pro cook, this is totally doable!

1. First things first: **Sear those steak cubes!** Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want to sear the steak in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Trust me, this step adds *so* much flavor! Just a quick sear on all sides – we’re not trying to cook it through, just get a nice crust.

2. **Transfer to the crockpot:** Once those steak cubes are seared, toss ’em into your trusty crockpot. Don’t worry about getting every last bit of oil in there.

3. **Add the aromatics:** Now, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic right on top of the steak in the crockpot. The smell alone is gonna make your mouth water!

4. **Make the magic sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Make sure that brown sugar is nicely dissolved – you don’t want any sugary clumps! Then, pour that deliciousness over the steak, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.

5. **Slow cook to perfection:** Cover the crockpot and cook on *low* for 6-8 hours or on *high* for 3-4 hours. Seriously, the low and slow method is key for that fall-apart tenderness! If you’re using a leaner cut of steak, definitely stick to the low setting.

6. **Thicken that sauce (optional, but recommended!):** About 30 minutes before serving, grab a small bowl and mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Make sure it’s nice and smooth – no lumps allowed! Stir the slurry into the crockpot. This will thicken the sauce and give it a beautiful, glossy finish.

7. **Serve and enjoy!** Serve those amazing Crockpot Steak Bites over rice or mashed potatoes. And don’t forget to spoon that luscious sauce all over – it’s the best part! Enjoy!

See? It’s as easy as pie…or, you know, Crockpot Steak Bites!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Steak Bites

Okay, let’s talk secrets! I’ve made these Crockpot Steak Bites *a lot*, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make them absolutely perfect. You know, that melt-in-your-mouth, “OMG where did you get this?” kind of perfect. (Spoiler: you made it!)

First off, don’t skip the searing! I know, it adds a step, but trust me, it’s worth it. Searing the steak creates a gorgeous crust and locks in all those yummy juices. Speaking of juices, if you want a thicker sauce, make sure to mix the cornstarch slurry really well before adding it. Lumps are *not* our friend! I learned that the hard way one time…oops! Also, every crockpot cooks differently, so keep an eye on things. If the steak is already super tender after 5 hours on low, don’t keep it going for 8! You want tender, not disintegrated. Trust your gut!

Variations for Your Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Crockpot Steak Bites? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy! The best thing about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to make it your own. Feeling adventurous? Let’s do this!

Why not throw in some veggies? Carrots and potatoes are classic, but bell peppers or even broccoli would be amazing. Just toss them in with the steak. And, hey, if you’re feeling fancy, why not try a different kind of broth? Beef broth is great, but a little garlic roasted vegetables would add a whole new layer of flavor! You could even swap out the soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor. The possibilities are endless, so go wild!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Steak Bites

Alright, you’ve got these amazing Crockpot Steak Bites ready to go…but what do you serve them with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! My go-to is always rice—it soaks up all that yummy sauce. Mashed potatoes are also a winner, especially if you want something super comforting. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, noodles are a great shout too!

And don’t forget the sides! Some steamed veggies or a simple salad are perfect for balancing out the richness of the steak bites and believe me, these roasted cabbage wedges recipe has changed dinner at my home adding a lot of flavor and texture to our dishes. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of these ideas and if you don’t have any, you can always ask for advice while serving those bites!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Steak Bites

Got questions about making these amazing Crockpot Steak Bites? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! I’ve been making these for years, so I’ve heard pretty much every question you can imagine. Here are a few of the most common ones – and my tried-and-true advice!

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While I usually go for something like sirloin or chuck roast (because they get super tender in the slow cooker), you can definitely experiment. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts might dry out a bit more, so you might wanna reduce the cooking time just a tad.

Can I cook these on high instead of low?

Yep, you totally can! If you’re in a rush, cook ’em on high for about 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low. Just keep an eye on them – every crockpot is different, and you don’t want the Crockpot Steak Bites to become tough!

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Of course! That’s what makes this recipe so great – you can customize it to your heart’s content! Potatoes, carrots, onions, even bell peppers would be delicious. Just toss ’em in with the steak and let everything cook together. You might want to cut the vegetables into larger pieces, so they don’t get too mushy during the long cooking time.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you’re looking for a really thick sauce, just increase the amount of cornstarch you use in the slurry. Start with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, and see if that does the trick. If not, you can always add a little more slurry at the end until it reaches your desired consistency!

How to Store Leftover Crockpot Steak Bites

Okay, so you’ve made these amazing Crockpot Steak Bites, but you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing them properly is super easy and means you can enjoy them again later (because let’s face it, you *will* want to!).

For fridge storage, just pop the steak bites and that delicious sauce in an airtight container. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days – perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner! If you want to freeze them, that’s totally doable too! Just make sure they’re completely cool first. They’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, just thaw them out and warm them up in a skillet or the microwave. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Steak Bites

Alright, so here’s the deal: I’m no nutritionist! The following information is an estimate. Just remember that these numbers can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

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