There’s something truly comforting about tender steak bites cooked low and slow, bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with sweet onions. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe brings that cozy feeling right to your table, making any night feel a little more special.

A white plate holds a serving of mashed potatoes at the bottom, creamy and smooth with a light cream color. On top of the mashed potatoes are chunks of dark brown beef stew, thickly coated in rich, glossy brown gravy and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Resting at the back of the plate is a yellow corn on the cob, covered with a layer of white cheese and dusted with red seasoning, with some green herbs to add color. A few fresh green herb leaves are placed to one side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface next to two silver forks and a white cloth with blue, orange, and yellow patterns. 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’m honestly hooked on this recipe—not just because it’s simple to set up in the morning and then forgotten until dinner, but because the garlic butter sauce makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth good. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels fancy but requires almost zero hands-on time.

Hands-off cooking: Toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you go about your day.
Deep, rich flavors: The garlic butter mixed with au jus gravy and sweet onions creates a sauce you won’t want to miss.
Flexible and forgiving: You can use sirloin or chuck roast depending on your budget or preference, and both come out delicious.
Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making lunches and next-day dinners just as tasty as fresh.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this slow cooker garlic butter steak bites recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and tenderness. By choosing quality beef and balancing savory with sweet and buttery garlic notes, you end up with tender bites that are truly satisfying.

Flat lay of fresh cubed sirloin steak, a whole large sweet onion thinly sliced in a pile, six whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a few sprigs of bright green chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with smooth unsalted butter slices, a small white bowl of rich low sodium beef broth, a small white bowl containing a mix of paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt powders arranged neatly, 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 cut into bite-sized cubes—sirloin is leaner, while chuck roast has more marbling and melts beautifully in the slow cooker.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural beef flavor. Adjust based on taste.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the fresh garlic flavor and hydrates in the sauce for deep garlic notes.
Paprika (not hot): Adds subtle earthiness and a hint of color without heat.
Olive Oil: For a bit of searing or moisture—divided use helps caramelize onions while keeping beef juicy.
Sweet Onion: Thinly sliced, these soften into sweet layers that complement the beef perfectly.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the meat tender without being too salty.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: The secret ingredient that delivers that rich, restaurant-quality beef jus right from your slow cooker.
Garlic (pressed): Loads of fresh garlic for that unmistakable punch in every bite of butter sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Sliced and stirred in to create a velvety, rich finish that coats the tender steak bites.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brightens and freshens the dish at the end, adding a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

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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 like to switch up this recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives it a nice tang, and sometimes I toss in mushrooms for extra earthiness. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll enjoy experimenting!

Mushroom Variation: I once added sliced cremini mushrooms in the last hour, and it brought out this comforting, hearty vibe that my family loved.
Low-Sodium Option: Using low-sodium broth and adjusting salt at the end works perfectly if you’re watching salt intake.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or swapping regular paprika for smoked paprika can add an exciting smoky spice.
Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free twist, you can use a quality plant-based butter. The flavor won’t be the same, but texture-wise, it’s a great swap.

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

A white plate holds a layered dish with three parts: the bottom layer is a creamy white mashed potato base with a soft, slightly lumpy texture, topped with many chunks of dark brown beef stew coated in a shiny, rich brown gravy, sprinkled with small bits of green parsley. To the top right of the plate, there is a bright yellow corn on the cob covered in white sauce or cheese and speckled with herbs and spices. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some garlic cloves in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Steak Bites and Season

Start by cutting your steak or chuck roast into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1½ inches. This size helps them cook evenly and stay tender. In a big bowl, toss the meat with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until every piece is nicely coated. Trust me, seasoning early on is key for flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat half the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the thinly sliced sweet onions until they soften and turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. This step is worth the little extra effort because caramelized onions add incredible depth to the sauce.

Step 3: Layer It in the Slow Cooker

Place the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the seasoned steak cubes on top. Pour in the beef broth, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over everything, and press the garlic cloves directly into the mix. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours (or about 6 hours on high). I prefer low because it lets the flavors meld slowly and the meat emerges butter-soft. The garlic infuses into the broth, creating an irresistible sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parsley

Once cooking’s done, gently fold in sliced unsalted butter until melted and silky. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a fresh burst. The butter adds that luscious richness that transforms this into comfort food heaven.

Top Tip

Over the years making this recipe, I’ve learned how small tweaks can make a huge difference. Here are some tips to help you get it just right and wow your family or guests every time.

Steak Cut Matters: For tender bites, stick to sirloin for leaner texture or chuck roast when you want richer, melt-in-your-mouth meat. I usually choose chuck in the fall for hearty meals.
Don’t Skip Sautéing Onions: I skipped this once to save time, but the caramelized onions really elevate the sauce’s flavor—totally worth it.
Butter at the End: Adding butter just before serving keeps the sauce silky and fresh. I’ve added it too early before and it loses that amazing richness.
Check Liquid Level: Depending on your slow cooker, if it looks dry halfway through cooking, adding a splash more beef broth prevents drying out without watering down flavors.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe

garlic butter steak bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a fresh pop and pretty green color. Sometimes, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes if we want a little heat, but fresh parsley is my go-to.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites taste incredible served over creamy mashed potatoes—the butter sauce soaks right in! I also love them over buttery egg noodles or simple steamed rice to soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these steak bites on toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer, topped with melted cheese and parsley. You can even turn it into a hearty steak sandwich or serve alongside roasted veggies for balanced plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the sauce and steak together so the meat stays juicy and flavorful even after reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—I portion leftover steak bites and sauce into freezer containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to preserve tenderness and keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth during reheating helps refresh the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin and chuck roast are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or strip steak if you prefer. Just be aware that leaner cuts may cook faster and risk drying out if overcooked in the slow cooker.

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

For tender and flavorful results, cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for around 6 hours. Low and slow is best to break down the connective tissue in tougher cuts like chuck, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Can I add vegetables to this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe?

Yes, you can! Mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions make excellent additions to this recipe. Add harder vegetables like carrots at the beginning of cooking, and more delicate ones such as mushrooms or pearl onions in the last hour to keep them from getting too mushy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This gently warms the steak bites and keeps the garlic butter sauce silky. Adding a splash of beef broth during reheating can help prevent dryness and reinvigorate the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it turns everyday ingredients into something truly comforting without fuss. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or an easy dish to impress guests, this slow cooker favorite won’t let you down. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do—happy cooking!