Description
Slow Cooker Steak Bites: Tender beef cooked low and slow with garlic, soy sauce, and honey – a savory and satisfying dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Steak Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels – this crucial step ensures better browning. Season generously with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in small batches (avoid overcrowding), quickly sear the beef for about 30-45 seconds per side until nicely browned but not cooked through. Transfer the seared meat to your slow cooker as you complete each batch.
- Step 2: Create the Flavor Base In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onions for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, stirring to combine while bringing to a simmer for 1 minute. This deglazing process captures all the rich flavors from searing.
- Step 3: Combine and Cook Pour the entire flavor base over your Slow Cooker Steak Bites. Add brown sugar, dried rosemary, and thyme, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The low-and-slow method is preferred for the most tender results, allowing the beef to become succulent while developing deep flavors. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases accumulated heat and extends cooking time.
- Step 4: Thicken the Sauce About 30 minutes before serving, combine cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, whisking until completely smooth to form a slurry. Gently stir this mixture into your Slow Cooker Steak Bites. Replace the lid slightly ajar and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This creates the perfect silky sauce that clings beautifully to each bite of beef.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish your Slow Cooker Steak Bites with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or with toothpicks as an appetizer. The tender beef and rich sauce make an impressive presentation that belies the simplicity of preparation.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg