Easy Crock Pot Steak Bites – quick, tender, and flavorful. This easy weeknight meal requires minimal prep for maximum deliciousness and is perfect for pasta, egg noodles, potatoes, or tacos!
For better flavor (see step 4 if you prefer to dump and go) heat a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil, heating until shimmering. Carefully add steak tips (3 pounds) in a single layer (doing in 2-3 batches) and browning the steak bites for just a few minutes on each side. Remove with slotted spoon to crockpot, repeat with remaining steak bites adding more oil as needed. Remove steak bites to plate.
Deglaze the pan by pouring 1 cup red wine into the pot using a wooden spoon to scrape all of the brown bits off the bottom of the pan (that’s what contains all the flavor), allow to simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Pour the browned steak bites and liquid from deglazing back into the crockpot including any accumulated juices. Add the rest of the ingredients in the order listed (1 small onion, diced or sliced thin), garlic (3 cloves, minced or pressed), (1 tsp) kosher salt, 1( black pepper, distributing evenly over the steak bites. Add chunks of butter (4 tablespoons) over the top of the steak. Pour remaining beef broth (1 cup), cover, and cook.
*If preferred, omit the above steps; omit the oil and toss all ingredients in order listed into the crock pot.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or high* for 3-4, stirring occasionally.*High is not recommended for this recipe, as it will make the meat tough. Watch your liquid if you choose to cook on high.
Serve immediately over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, steak fries, baked potatoes, rice or just by itself and enjoy!
Notes
Storage Tips
Refrigerate - If you have leftover steak bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for five to seven days. It’s a great recipe for adding to salads or other dishes when you have leftovers!How to Freeze Steak Bites - Store the steak pieces in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to three months.Reheating - To reheat the tender steak bites, toss it in the air fryer or microwave for the quickest results. Otherwise, you can warm them in a pan on the stovetop or place the recipe back in the crock pot on low, adding a little water or broth. From frozen, first allow the steak to thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the recommended ways above.
If your steak bites are tough, you likely overcooked the steak. Additionally, the meat can become tougher and less tender than desired when you cook the crock pot steak on high for a shorter period instead of the suggested low and slow method.
Variations & Substitutions
Air Fryer Steak Tips (Bites): If you prefer another method, try my Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe, marinated in delicious seasonings and balsamic vinegar and cooked in just 15 minutes.
Jarred Garlic: While freshly minced garlic is always better, you can substitute it for about 2 ½-3 teaspoons of jarred garlic, if preferred.
Alcohol-Free: If you prefer not to use red wine in this delicious recipe, replace it with beef broth.
Additional Ingredients: Add fresh veggies, like sliced carrots, peas, mushrooms, green beans, or diced potatoes to the crock pot for an all-in-one meal! Worcestershire sauce and more of your favorite seasonings are also excellent additions to the recipe.
Spicy Steak Tips: If you enjoy a kick of spice, add red pepper flakes to the recipe.
Thicken the gravy if desired by adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, then whisk into the gravy (use a slotted spoon to remove the beef tips before thickening the gravy.