If your weeknights are anything like mine—busy, noisy, and short on time—then this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Seriously, this dish is all about big flavors, low effort, and warm, hearty satisfaction.
Growing up on Texas farms, we had beef on the table more nights than not. It wasn’t fancy—just good, honest food that filled you up and made you feel cared for. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers. And the best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work while you handle, well… life.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe
- Set it and forget it: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Beefy flavor bomb: Thanks to garlic, butter, and au jus.
- Family-approved: Even the picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Freezer-friendly: Make extra and freeze for another busy day.
What Do Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Taste Like?
Imagine tender, juicy bites of sirloin, slow-simmered in buttery, garlicky, savory gravy. It’s cozy. It’s comforting. It’s like Sunday dinner met your Tuesday schedule and made peace.
There’s richness from the butter, warmth from the garlic, and that mouthwatering depth from the au jus mix that wraps around every bite like a soft flannel blanket.
This is one of those dishes where your house smells like heaven by the time the kids walk in the door.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker
One of the best things about making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is that the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor. This is real food—nothing overly fancy, just pantry and fridge staples coming together to make something magical. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy dinner for two with leftovers, here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish a success.
Sirloin Steak – 3 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sirloin is the ideal cut for this dish. It’s leaner than chuck but still flavorful and becomes incredibly tender after a few hours in the slow cooker. Be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting into chunks. If you’re in a pinch, you could also use stew meat or chuck roast, but sirloin gives the best bite without needing to skim off grease later.
Kosher Salt – 2 teaspoons
Salt helps bring out the natural flavor of the beef and balances the richness of the butter and stock. Kosher salt is ideal here because it’s less harsh than table salt and distributes more evenly.
Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
A touch of black pepper adds just the right amount of kick and pairs beautifully with garlic and beef.
Vegetable Oil – 1 tablespoon (more if needed for searing)
This is for browning your beef before it goes into the slow cooker. Don’t skip this step—it locks in flavor and gives the beef a deep, savory crust that slow cooking alone can’t create.
Sweet Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
Onion adds subtle sweetness and depth. As it cooks down in the slow cooker, it melts into the sauce and helps balance the umami-rich flavors of the garlic and au jus. A yellow onion works if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic – 3 cloves, thinly sliced
This is one of the key ingredients that gives Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites its name—and its wow factor. Sliced garlic infuses the dish slowly as it cooks, making each bite warmly aromatic without overwhelming the other flavors. If you’re a garlic lover (like me), don’t be afraid to add an extra clove.
Unsalted Beef Stock – 1 cup
Use a good-quality unsalted beef stock to control the salt level in your dish. The stock acts as the base for the garlic butter gravy, helping the meat stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Au Jus Gravy Mix – 1 packet (1 ounce)
This little packet is a game changer. It deepens the beefy flavor and thickens the sauce just enough to coat each bite beautifully. It’s not cheating—it’s just smart home cooking. This is the same trick I use in my Crockpot Pepper Steak, and the results are always rich and satisfying.
Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons, thinly sliced
The finishing touch. Butter melts slowly over the beef as it cooks, turning the sauce silky and luxurious. Make sure to use unsalted butter to avoid over-seasoning, since the au jus and stock already add plenty of flavor.
Want more easy beef dinners? Check out my Slow Cooker Pepper Steak or the crowd-favorite Crockpot Beef and Broccoli.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites (Step-by-Step)
If you’re new to slow cooking or just want a dependable recipe that turns out delicious every single time, these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are about as foolproof as it gets. Below is a detailed, step-by-step breakdown to guide you through the entire process. From prep to plate, I’ve got your back.
And remember, your slow cooker isn’t just a time-saver—it’s your dinner’s best friend. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cut and Season the Sirloin
Start by cutting 3 pounds of sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1½ inches each. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Place the beef into a large mixing bowl.
Now season the meat generously with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the beef around a bit with your hands or a spoon so each piece is well coated. Don’t skip this step—seasoning early helps lock in flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Beef in Batches
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan hot—like really hot. When the oil starts shimmering, it’s ready.
Add the seasoned beef in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Brown the pieces on all sides, turning them as needed. This part isn’t about cooking the beef through—it’s about getting that gorgeous golden crust that adds incredible depth to your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
Work in batches. Add more oil as needed between rounds. Once browned, transfer each batch of beef directly into your slow cooker.
Pro Tip: This browning step might seem extra, but I promise it’s worth it. It’s the same trick I use in my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan—and it transforms the flavor.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Once all the beef is in the slow cooker, layer in 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced. Scatter the slices evenly over the beef so they melt into the sauce as it cooks.
Next, add 3 cloves of garlic, also thinly sliced. I recommend slicing rather than mincing here—sliced garlic softens gently in the slow heat and gives the dish a mellow, savory aroma without burning or overpowering it.
Give everything a gentle stir so the onion and garlic nestle between the beef pieces.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Now it’s time to pour in the 1 cup of unsalted beef stock. This keeps everything juicy and acts as the base for your garlicky butter sauce.
Sprinkle the entire contents of the 1-ounce au jus gravy mix packet evenly over the top. No need to stir—just let it sit right on top.
Then, take 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, slice them into thin pats, and lay them across the surface. These will slowly melt during cooking, infusing everything with that rich, buttery goodness.
Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it:
- High for 3 to 4 hours
- Low for 6 to 8 hours
If you’re home and nearby, give the mixture a gentle stir once every hour. This helps redistribute the flavor and prevents anything from sticking to the sides.
As it cooks, your kitchen will start to smell like the coziest little bistro in town—just a heads up if you have neighbors who like to “drop by” when something delicious is cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce is thickened and glossy, you’re ready to serve. Give it a final stir to combine all the flavors.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a bed of fluffy rice. The sauce is rich and velvety, and you’ll want something to soak up every last drop.
Pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted green beans, and you’ve got yourself a full meal that feels special—but didn’t take much effort at all.
If you’re craving more cozy slow cooker ideas, check out my creamy and comforting Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Gravy—it’s another family favorite.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites
- Don’t skip the sear. That caramelization is key to a rich, beefy flavor.
- Use sirloin for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Stir occasionally if you’re around to help those flavors distribute evenly.
- Want more sauce? Add an extra ½ cup of beef stock.
- Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles easily in an 8-quart slow cooker.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
Bonus idea: Leftovers make amazing open-faced sandwiches on sourdough with melted provolone.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Sure! Chuck roast or stew meat works fine, but sirloin stays more tender and lean.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can sear the beef and prep everything the night before, then start it in the morning.
Is it okay to skip the searing step?
Technically, yes—but flavor-wise? You’ll miss that deep beefy richness.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try swapping butter for a plant-based option, but it will change the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites recipe is the definition of cozy comfort food without the fuss. It’s the kind of dinner that brings people to the table with full hearts and happy bellies—and if you ask me, that’s what good cooking is all about.
So go ahead, let your slow cooker work its magic today. And if your kitchen smells so good the neighbors show up? Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Tender, Juicy, and Weeknight-Ready
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful beef bites cooked in a slow cooker with garlic, butter, and savory au jus.
Ingredients
3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (you may need more)
1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup unsalted beef stock
1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Place 3 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces into a large bowl and season with 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper and toss to combine.
2. Get a large skillet hot over medium-high heat and add 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil. Get it super hot then brown (sear) the steak pieces in batches. We’re not cooking them all the way. Just browning them to give them some color. Add more oil to the pan if needed.
3. Once all the steak is seared, add them into a 6-quart slow cooker along with 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced and 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced. Gently stir together.
4. Pour in 1 cup unsalted beef stock. Sprinkle 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. Lay 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced over the top.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours. Stir once an hour if you can.
6. Then serve (with mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice.)
Notes
Browning the steak before slow cooking adds extra flavor.
Stirring the ingredients occasionally during cooking can help distribute the flavors evenly.
This dish is excellent served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: slow cooker, beef, garlic butter, easy dinner
