There’s just something about steak that feels a little extra special, right? And when you combine that juicy, savory goodness with the ease of a crockpot, it’s a total game changer. These Crockpot Steak Bites are one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat — not just because they’re ridiculously easy, but because they come out so tender and flavorful every single time.

Now, I’m no stranger to tossing ingredients in a slow cooker and hoping for the best, but this one? This recipe is hands-down a keeper. I first whipped these up on a busy weekday when I had zero time to stand over a stove. I just wanted something hearty and comforting for dinner without the stress. And let me tell you — this recipe over-delivered.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to serve over mashed potatoes, a protein-packed topping for rice, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer with toothpicks on the side, these steak bites check all the boxes. They’ve got everything: deep, beefy flavor, a garlicky kick, a buttery finish, and a hint of smoky spice thanks to paprika. Plus, the prep is almost too easy. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs (900g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

STEP 1: Prep Your Steak for Maximum Flavor

Start by patting the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. I know it seems like a small step, but trust me — it makes a difference. Removing excess moisture helps the meat soak up that rich marinade and keeps it from steaming in the crockpot.

Choose a good-quality sirloin for this recipe. You don’t need to go top-tier expensive, but since the steak is the star of the show, a decent cut will give you that juicy, tender result we’re going for.

STEP 2: Whisk Together Your Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This combo creates a bold, savory base with just the right balance of salty, smoky, and garlicky flavors.

I love using smoked paprika here — it brings this subtle, almost BBQ-like warmth that pairs so well with beef. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but I highly recommend keeping the smoked kind on hand if you can.

STEP 3: Load It All Into the Crockpot

Now it’s time for the easy part — just toss everything in! Place the steak cubes in the crockpot and pour that beautiful marinade right over the top. Stir gently to make sure every piece gets a little love and is evenly coated.

Then, top everything off with the butter. Just scatter the pieces across the top. As the steak cooks low and slow, the butter melts into the sauce, adding richness and helping everything stay tender and moist.

STEP 4: Let Your Crockpot Work Its Magic

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, depending on your schedule. Either way, the result will be tender steak bites that practically fall apart in your mouth.

And here’s a little tip — if you’re home during the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can crack the lid open slightly to let the sauce reduce a bit. It’ll thicken naturally, giving you a more concentrated, flavor-packed finish.

Alright, now that your crockpot is doing its thing and your kitchen is starting to smell amazing, let’s chat about the next steps — plus some easy ways to customize this dish, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

These crockpot steak bites are already full of flavor thanks to that soy-based marinade and buttery finish, but there are a few little extras you can do to make them even better. Whether you’re all about that extra depth of flavor or just want to pair them perfectly with the right sides, I’ve got you covered.

STEP 5: Optional But Delicious – Sear the Steak First

Before you even get to the crockpot, there’s one extra step that’s totally optional but seriously worth considering — searing the steak cubes in a hot skillet. Just a quick 1-2 minute sear on each side will give you that golden-brown crust and an extra layer of flavor that takes things up a notch.

Here’s the thing: crockpots are amazing for tenderness, but they don’t caramelize the way a skillet does. So if you’ve got a few extra minutes and want to deepen the flavor, heat a little oil in a pan and give those cubes a quick sear before tossing them in the slow cooker.

STEP 6: Serve It Up — So Many Possibilities!

Now comes the fun part — deciding how to serve your perfectly tender steak bites. There are so many ways to enjoy these, but here are a few of my go-to favorites:

Mashed Potatoes: This is my personal favorite. Spoon the steak bites and that rich, garlicky sauce right over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. Total comfort food.
Rice or Cauliflower Rice: A great option if you’re meal prepping or want something a little lighter.
Buttered Egg Noodles: They soak up the sauce beautifully and make for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Toothpick Appetizer: Hosting guests? Skip the sides and serve the steak bites on a platter with toothpicks. Watch them disappear in minutes.

And don’t forget that parsley garnish! A sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving not only adds a pop of color, but it also brings a touch of brightness that balances out the richness of the dish.

STEP 7: Thicken the Sauce (If You Want To)

If you like a thicker sauce for drizzling, you’ve got a couple of options. You can:

Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate naturally.
Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.
Or, for an even quicker fix, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir that slurry into the sauce and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on high in the crockpot.

You really can’t go wrong here — just go with whatever fits your time and texture preferences.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Crockpot Steak Bites

Let’s talk about a few extra tips to make sure your steak bites turn out just right every time:

Use the right cut of beef. Sirloin is a great choice because it’s lean but still tender when slow-cooked. You can also try stew meat or chuck roast, though those may take a little longer to become fork-tender.
Don’t skip the butter. It might seem like a small detail, but that bit of fat makes the sauce velvety and rich. You can swap for ghee if you’re dairy-free, but don’t leave it out entirely.
Adjust seasonings to taste. Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Craving more garlic? Toss in another clove or two. This recipe is super flexible.
Make it ahead. These steak bites reheat beautifully, so feel free to make them the day before and just warm them up when you’re ready to eat. The flavors get even better the next day!

Crockpot Steak Bites