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Lu-Ann Simon January 6, 2026

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Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Imagine a Sunday afternoon where the house smells of warm butter and roasted garlic, and the slow, steady bubble from the crockpot promises tender, savory bites of steak that melt in your mouth. Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the kind of comfort food that feels both indulgent and effortless, perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or a cozy night in when you want a dish that delivers bold flavor without fuss. If you enjoy the rich, buttery garlic profile then you might also like a heartier, oven-roasted take such as garlic butter steak bites and potatoes, which leans into that same cozy vibe with roasted potatoes on the side.

Why This Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites Works

This recipe takes a simple, high-quality cut of steak and treats it gently, using low heat to coax out deep beefy flavor while keeping the meat tender. The crockpot is a forgiving way to cook steak when you are after soft, succulent morsels rather than a quick sear, and finishing with garlic butter brightens and elevates every bite.

The flavors are straightforward and timeless, letting the steak shine while butter and garlic add richness and aroma. The method frees you from constant attention, so you can focus on sides or conversation while the crockpot does the heavy lifting.

  • Slow cooking transforms tougher fibers into tender, juicy bites
  • Butter and garlic create a glossy coating and irresistible scent
  • Minimal seasoning keeps the dish approachable and family friendly

What You’ll Need

A few pantry staples and good steak are all you need to make these Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites sing. The spices season the meat, Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth, and fresh parsley at the end gives a bright lift.

1.5 pounds steak, sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Notes, if you like: choose sirloin for a budget-friendly, flavorful option, or tenderloin for an extra buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you prefer a slightly leaner cut, top round trimmed of excess fat will also work.

How to Cook Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

  1. In a crockpot, combine steak pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss gently so each piece is evenly coated, then spread the steak in an even layer so it cooks consistently. You will smell the Worcestershire and spices as they begin to mingle.

  2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until steak is tender. Look for pieces that give easily to a fork, and note the surface will darken and the juices will collect at the bottom of the crockpot.

  3. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, melt butter in a small skillet over medium low heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and pale golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with warm garlic aroma, and the butter should glisten but not brown.

  4. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the steak, stir well to combine, and let cook for an additional 30 minutes. Coat each bite in the glossy garlic butter, and watch the sauce cling to the meat, creating a silky texture.

  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. The finished dish should look glossy and inviting, with tender pieces of steak flecked with bright green parsley and a garlicky sheen.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~3 to 8 hours, Total ~3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~4, Kcal ~520 per serving

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can prepare several steps ahead to make dinner effortless. Trim and cut the steak into bite-sized pieces up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Mince the garlic and measure the dry seasonings into a small jar or resealable bag so you only need to open the crockpot when you are ready to cook.

If you want to assemble everything in the crockpot insert earlier in the day, cover and refrigerate until you are ready to start cooking, but allow the insert to come close to room temperature before switching the crockpot on to avoid lengthened cook times. The garlic butter finish is best made fresh, but you can melt the butter and keep it warm in a small covered container for up to an hour before pouring it over the steak.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate cooked Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or a heavy zip-top bag for up to 2 months, pressing out excess air before sealing. Label the container with the date so you can track freshness.

To reheat from the fridge, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covering the pan briefly to steam and keep the meat tender. In the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts to preserve texture. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above. A sure sign your leftovers are still good is a fresh, slightly beefy aroma and glossy sauce, not sour or off smells.

Perfect Pairings

  • Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the garlic butter sauce
  • Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a crisp, bright contrast
  • Buttery egg noodles or a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and lemon zest
  • A crisp, peppery salad to cut through the richness of the butter
  • Warm crusty bread to mop up every last drop of garlic butter

If you want another dish that leans into creamy, garlicky comfort then try the garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta for a change of protein and a saucier finish.

Variations and Swaps

Try these ideas to tailor Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites to your tastes or what you have on hand.

  • Add mushrooms for an earthy note, tossing in sliced cremini or button mushrooms during the last hour of cooking so they stay tender but not soggy.
  • Brighten with lemon, stirring in a teaspoon of lemon zest with the garlic butter or squeezing a little juice over the plated steak before serving.
  • Make it smoky by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the spice mix, which gives the dish a subtle warmth without overpowering the garlic.
  • Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch if you want a salty, crisp accent, cooking the turkey bacon separately and crumbling it over the finished steak.
  • Add heat with crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when you melt the butter, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
  • For a richer sauce, finish with a tablespoon of heavy cream stirred into the garlic butter before pouring it over the steak, creating a velvety coating.
  • Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free base that soaks up every drop of buttery sauce.

All of these swaps keep the dish free from pork or alcohol, and each one changes the texture or flavor profile in a small, satisfying way.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Choose the right cut, sirloin or tenderloin offer great flavor and tenderness when cut into small pieces.
  • Dry and season, pat steak pieces dry before seasoning so they release less water and concentrate flavors.
  • Give space, avoid packing the crockpot too tightly so the steak cooks evenly and the sauce can circulate.
  • Gentle heat is key, cook low for the most tender results, especially with leaner cuts that can dry out.
  • Finish with fresh herbs, parsley adds color and a clean finish that balances the butter.
  • Check doneness by feel, the steak should be fork tender and easy to break apart, not tough or stringy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of steak is best for Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Sirloin gives a great balance of flavor and value, and tenderloin produces the most buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you use a leaner cut like top round, trim excess fat and keep an eye on cooking time to prevent drying.

Can I sear the steak before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, searing in a hot skillet for a minute or two per side will deepen the flavor and create a bit of crust, but it is not required. The crockpot will soften the meat nicely on its own, and the garlic butter finish adds plenty of richness.

How do I prevent the steak from becoming stringy or dry?
Cook on low rather than high when possible, and remove the meat once it is fork tender. Overcooking can break down fibers too much and change the texture, so check it earlier if you have a lean cut.

Is Worcestershire sauce necessary, and can I substitute it?
Worcestershire adds savory depth and umami, but if you do not have it, a small splash of soy sauce or a pinch of anchovy paste can play a similar role. Keep substitutions modest so they do not overwhelm the garlic butter profile.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt it, using a short saute for searing if you like, then pressure cook for a shorter time to achieve tenderness. Release pressure according to your device instructions and finish with the garlic butter as described for the best texture.

How should I serve this dish for a dinner party?
Keep it warm in the crockpot on the low setting and place the garlic butter in a small pot to refresh before pouring it over the steaks just before serving. Garnish with parsley and present with sides that soak up the sauce, like mashed potatoes or buttery noodles.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites make weeknight cooking feel special without adding stress, bringing together simple ingredients to produce a dish that smells like home and tastes like comfort. The slow, patient cooking transforms steak into tender, richly flavored bites that shine when finished with fragrant garlic butter and a sprinkle of parsley. Give this recipe a try on a busy evening or for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal, and enjoy the warmth and ease it brings to your table.

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Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites


  • Author: anastasia-rice
  • Total Time: 255 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

Tender and savory steak bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce for a comforting and effortless meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds steak (sirloin or tenderloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a crockpot, combine steak pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until steak is tender.
  3. In the last 30 minutes, melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  4. Pour garlic butter over steak, stir, and let cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a budget-friendly option, use sirloin. If a leaner cut is desired, top round trimmed of excess fat works well too.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 240 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: crockpot, garlic butter, steak bites, comfort food, easy dinner