There’s something incredibly cozy about tender steak bites swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe with you—it’s an effortless way to enjoy rich, melt-in-your-mouth steak without standing over the stove all evening.

A white plate holds a layered dish starting with a base of creamy white mashed potatoes, soft and fluffy in texture. On top of the mashed potatoes are several chunks of dark brown beef stew coated in rich, glossy brown sauce, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. To the side, there is an ear of yellow corn with hints of white, coated lightly with seasoning and small green herb pieces. A small bunch of fresh green parsley is placed next to the corn for garnish. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with parts of a colorful cloth napkin visible nearby and two silver forks resting beside the plate. 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

This recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it transforms simple steak into a luxurious dinner, no fancy skills required. I love how the slow cooker develops those deep, savory flavors while keeping every bite incredibly tender.

Hands-Off Cooking: You toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it—perfect for busy days or when you want a stress-free dinner.
Ultimate Tenderness: Slow cooking breaks down the meat beautifully, making each steak bite juicy and buttery soft.
Garlic Butter Goodness: The rich sauce infused with fresh garlic and butter adds that crave-worthy depth of flavor.
Versatile Serving: These steak bites pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a filling, comforting meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe comes from quality ingredients working together effortlessly. Each one plays a key role—from seasoning to sauce—that guarantees those mouthwatering steak bites.

Flat lay of fresh raw sirloin steak cut into bite-sized cubes arranged neatly, whole brown garlic bulbs with several individual peeled cloves, a large sweet onion thinly sliced in delicate rings on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with vibrant golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing rich dark low sodium beef broth, several unsalted butter slices stacked simply on a white dish, small piles of coarse kosher salt, freshly ground black peppercorns, bright red paprika powder, and a handful of chopped fresh green parsley leaves scattered artfully, 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 are great for slow cooking; sirloin gives you leaner meat while chuck roast adds that melt-in-your-mouth fattiness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the beef well and helping it retain moisture during cooking.
Black Pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity without overpowering the garlic sauce.
Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor for those who want that punch in every bite.
Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky undertone without spiciness—perfect to balance the richness.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the meat and onions, bringing out deeper flavors before slow cooking.
Sweet Onion: Thinly sliced onions soften beautifully in the crockpot, adding subtle sweetness.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Provides a savory base and keeps the steak juicy as it cooks.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds a rich, beefy depth and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
Fresh Garlic: Pressed garlic gives the sauce a bright, fresh kick you’ll notice right away.
Unsalted Butter: Sliced in and melted slowly, butter rounds out the sauce with luscious richness.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: An easy garnish that adds color and a fresh contrast to the buttery sauce.

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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 experimenting with this recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to make it your own.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding mushrooms along with the onions—they soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly and add an earthy flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for your own version of spicy steak bites.
Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred in during the last hour of cooking gives it an aromatic touch that feels really special.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version without losing any flavor.

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

This image shows a white plate with three main layers: at the bottom is a creamy, light beige mashed potato layer with a soft texture, above it are dark brown chunks of beef stew covered in a shiny, thick brown gravy and sprinkled with small green herb pieces, and to the side is a bright yellow corn on the cob coated in a creamy sauce and topped with red spices and green herbs. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft lighting that highlights the gloss on the stew and the colors of the corn. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak Bites

Start by patting your steak cubes dry—this helps get a nice crust. Then, generously season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, and sear the steak bites in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of brown. You want that golden crust for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the thinly sliced sweet onions. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized—about 5 minutes. Those sweet onions add a lovely balance to the garlicky richness later on.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared steak and onions to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the Au Jus gravy mix evenly over the top. Press in the fresh garlic cloves, then layer the sliced butter over everything. The butter melts slowly, infusing the sauce with incredible richness.

Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for about 7 hours or until the steak is fork-tender. The slow cooking process gives the garlic and butter time to fully integrate with the beef, creating an indulgent sauce.

Top Tip

From countless dinners making these steak bites, I’ve learned a few tips that really make the difference between good and spectacular.

Sear in Batches: Never crowd the pan when browning the steak—it’s tempting to rush, but that sear adds essential flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Butter: I used to skimp, but the butter is what turns this from just “good” to downright luxurious.
Fresh Garlic Over Powder: Adding pressed fresh garlic at the end of prep really brightens the dish, while garlic powder is better early for seasoning.
Check Your Slow Cooker Temperature: Slow cookers vary a lot, so if your beef isn’t as tender as you like after 7 hours, just add more time instead of bumping the heat.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

garlic butter steak bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top these steak bites with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and a clean, fresh note that cuts through the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, which soak up that garlic butter sauce perfectly. On lighter days, I’m all about garlic green beans or roasted asparagus to keep it fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving these steak bites in individual mini cast iron skillets—it keeps everything warm and feels chef-worthy. Adding a dollop of horseradish cream on the side also adds a fun zing that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep amazingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the steak bites get even more flavorful after a day, though the butter sauce may firm up—just warm gently before serving.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully too. Just portion the steak bites and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep the sauce smooth. Take care not to overheat or the steak can become tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin and chuck roast are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or even brisket, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure softness.

How do I prevent the steak bites from becoming tough?

Make sure to sear the meat properly and cook low and slow in the crockpot. Avoid high heat as it can dry out the steak. Also, do not skip the butter since it helps keep the meat moist and tender.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to choose a gluten-free Au Jus gravy mix or make your own gravy blend. Most other ingredients like beef, garlic, and butter are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve these steak bites for a crowd?

Serve the steak bites buffet style with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and crusty bread. You can keep the slow cooker on the warm setting so guests can help themselves anytime.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe has found a permanent place in my dinner rotation—it’s a dish that feels like a big warm hug after a busy day. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and enjoy both the easy process and the incredible flavor as much as I do. Trust me, sharing it with friends will have everyone asking for seconds!