There’s something wonderfully cozy about tender steak morsels bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce after hours of slow cooking. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is exactly the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone eager to gather around the table.

The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes with a rough texture. On top of the mashed potatoes, there is a generous layer of dark brown beef stew chunks, covered in a shiny rich brown gravy, with small bits of fresh green parsley sprinkled over. To the side of the beef and mashed potatoes, there is a piece of corn on the cob, bright yellow with some white dressing and a light sprinkling of herbs. A few sprigs of fresh green parsley decorate the plate, adding color contrast. 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 can’t get enough of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe — it’s hands-off but feels totally indulgent. Sharing it with friends always makes for special dinners, and it’s super forgiving for those busy days when you just want to set it and forget it.

Rich, Tender Flavor: Slow cooking allows the steak bites to soak up garlic butter and spices, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Hands-Off Cooking: Just prep your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and come back to an amazing meal without hovering over the stove.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice — so you can switch things up based on what’s in your kitchen.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes a big batch that stores well, so you’ll have comforting leftovers ready to enjoy anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe plays a special role in building layers of flavor and tenderness. Choosing the right cut of meat and combining it with fresh garlic, butter, and just enough seasoning makes all the difference.

Flat lay of fresh raw sirloin steak cubes arranged neatly, a small mound of coarse kosher salt, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a tiny white bowl of garlic powder, a small heap of sweet paprika powder, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a large sweet onion thinly sliced in delicate rings, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, six whole peeled garlic cloves, several slices of unsalted butter stacked, and a small bunch of chopped fresh parsley scattered nearby, 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: I like sirloin for a leaner bite and chuck for extra tenderness and flavor after hours of slow cooking.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural deliciousness of the beef.
Black Pepper: A classic pairing that adds just the right hint of spice without overpowering.
Garlic Powder: Compliments fresh garlic while adding a deep, rounded flavor.
Paprika: Adds subtle smoky sweetness — use regular paprika to keep it mellow.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the meat and adds a touch of fruity richness before slow cooking.
Sweet Onion: Thin slices soften beautifully and give that gentle sweetness balancing the savory steak.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful braising liquid without making it too salty.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: Boosts umami and enriches the sauce effortlessly.
Fresh Garlic: Freshly pressed cloves pack that punch that garlic lovers crave.
Unsalted Butter: Sliced in at the end for a luxuriously smooth, garlicky finish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color right 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

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Feel free to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand—you can’t really go wrong.

Variation: Once, I swapped the sirloin for filet mignon for a super tender, melt-in-your-mouth version that wowed my dinner guests. It’s pricier but definitely a treat.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker if you like a little heat—it works surprisingly well with the garlic butter.
Herb Boost: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs while cooking for an earthy aroma that complements the beef perfectly.
Diet-Friendly: Use ghee instead of butter if you want to keep it dairy-free; it still delivers that rich, buttery taste.

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

On a white plate set on a white marbled surface, there is a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is creamy, soft mashed potatoes in a pale off-white color, spread evenly across the plate’s base. On top of the potatoes, there are chunks of dark brown beef stew pieces covered in a rich, glossy gravy with hints of herbs sprinkled over. Positioned at the back right of the plate, half a cob of bright yellow corn is coated with a creamy white sauce and sprinkled with spices and herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Steak Bites

Start by cutting your sirloin or chuck roast into bite-sized cubes, aiming for even pieces to cook uniformly. I like to season them well with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This dry rub really lets the flavors sink in before the slow cook.

Step 2: Sear Your Steak for Extra Flavor

Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a hot skillet and quickly sear the steak bites until browned on all sides—this locks in juices and adds that crave-worthy caramelized crust. Don’t skip this step; it takes a bit of time upfront but rewards you with richer flavor.

Step 3: Layer Onions and Broth in the Slow Cooker

Next, spread thinly sliced sweet onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in beef broth mixed with your Au Jus gravy packet—this mixture creates the perfect simmering bath for your steak and onions to mingle and soften over hours.

Step 4: Combine Steak and Garlic

Add the seared steak bites on top of the onions and broth, then press in fresh garlic cloves for that bright, rich garlic flavor that really makes this dish pop.

Step 5: Slow Cook and Finish with Butter

Set your slow cooker on low for about 7 hours or high for 4 hours for tender, juicy steak bites. Just before serving, stir in those slices of unsalted butter right in the pot to melt gently through the sauce, creating that irresistible lusciousness you want.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a zesty lift and a splash of color—then get ready to enjoy your creation.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that a little prep makes a huge difference with this dish—especially the searing step. It’s tempting to skip and just toss everything in the slow cooker, but that quick caramelization really elevates the final flavor. Plus, adding butter at the end avoids an overly greasy sauce and gives you perfect silky richness.

Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the steak bites locks in juices and adds flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
Use Fresh Garlic: Pressed fresh garlic adds an unbeatable aroma and taste that garlic powder can’t mimic on its own.
Butter In Last: Adding butter just before serving keeps the sauce rich but silky without turning oily.
Keep Even Pieces: Cut your steak into similarly sized bites for evenly cooked, tender results every time.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

garlic butter steak bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with chopped fresh parsley—it brightens every forkful and adds a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of garlic butter. Sometimes, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a quick squeeze of lemon juice takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce, buttery noodles tossed with a hint of garlic, or steamed rice for a simple, comforting meal. Roasted or sautéed green beans add a fresh, crisp contrast that I really enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, serve these steak bites over a bed of garlic butter garlic bread or inside warm pita pockets with a dollop of sour cream and fresh greens. I also love piling them onto a big wooden board alongside roasted veggies and crusty bread for a rustic, shareable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let them cool completely before refrigerating to maintain sauce thickness and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these steak bites a few times with great results. Just cool them, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the leftovers on low in a skillet or slow cooker to keep the steak tender and the sauce silky. A splash of beef broth or a bit more butter helps loosen the sauce and keeps everything from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sirloin and chuck roast work best for tenderness after slow cooking, but you can use brisket or round roast. Keep in mind, leaner cuts might be less juicy, so adjusting cooking time or adding a bit more broth can help.

How long should I cook the steak bites in the slow cooker?

For tender, flavorful steak bites, cook on low for 7 hours or on high for around 4 hours. Longer slow cooking breaks down connective tissue and makes the meat very tender.

Can I make this recipe without searing the meat first?

You can skip searing if short on time, but searing adds important caramelization and flavor depth. I recommend at least a quick sear to get the best taste, but the slow cooker will still do the work to tenderize the meat.

What are the best side dishes to serve with garlic butter steak bites?

Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, or steamed rice make perfect bases to soak up the rich sauce. Roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus add a fresh crunch that balances the richness wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both a comforting classic and a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly flavorful it is, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners like it did mine.