These Crockpot Mississippi Steak Bites are super tender and full of flavor! With juicy beef and a tasty blend of spices, they cook slowly to make every bite delicious.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that requires hardly any effort? Just toss everything in the pot, and you’ll have a warm, cozy meal waiting for you. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin for its tenderness. Round steak is also a good choice but can be a bit tougher. If you want a leaner option, consider using flank steak or even chicken for a lighter dish.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a great flavor profile. If you don’t have it, you can mix dried herbs like parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder as a homemade alternative.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: If you’re avoiding packaged mixes, try using beef broth mixed with flour to create a thickening agent. Or, use a beef bouillon cube dissolved in water.
Pickled Jalapeños: They add a nice kick! If you need it milder, you could substitute them with diced mild green chiles or omit them entirely.
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Tender Steak in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking steak in a crockpot is fantastic for achieving tenderness. Follow these steps carefully:
- Cut the beef into uniform bite-sized cubes; this helps them cook evenly.
- Trim extra fat to prevent greasiness. It enhances flavor without being too heavy.
- Layer the seasoning over each piece to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours; low and slow is key for tender meat. If in doubt, let it go a bit longer!
After cooking, stir well to combine everything, making sure those flavors meld together beautifully!
Crockpot Mississippi Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef: 2 pounds beef sirloin or round steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Seasonings: 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- Gravy: 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Heat: 4-5 pickled jalapeño slices, chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- Liquid: 1 cup beef broth or water
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sliced red chili or bell peppers (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep. After that, you’ll let it cook on low in your slow cooker for 4-6 hours. It’s really hands-off, so you can spend that time doing something else!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Steak:
Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized cubes. Make sure to trim off any excess fat for a leaner dish. This will help it cook nicely!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Place the cubed steak into the bottom of your slow cooker (crockpot). Spread them evenly so they cook uniformly.
3. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the steak pieces. This is where the magic of flavor begins!
4. Include the Heat:
Top the meat and seasonings with the chopped pickled jalapeños. If you prefer less heat, feel free to adjust the amount or skip them altogether.
5. Butter It Up:
Place the stick of unsalted butter right on top of the seasoned steak. This will melt down and add richness to the dish.
6. Pour in the Liquid:
Finally, pour the beef broth (or water) over everything in the crockpot. This helps create a nice sauce as everything cooks.
7. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful your steak bites will be!
8. Stir and Serve:
Once cooking is complete, give the dish a good stir to mix in the melted butter and seasonings with the juices. This makes every bite extra tasty!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the steak bites warm, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and, if you’d like, some sliced red chili or bell peppers for a pop of color!
These tasty steak bites are perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen beef, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by submerging the sealed package in cold water. Fully thawed beef will result in even cooking and better texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, try adding more pickled jalapeños or even some sliced fresh jalapeños. You could also include a dash of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce in the liquid for added spice!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the steak and seasonings the night before. Simply place everything in the crockpot, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the broth and butter, then set it to cook. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a little broth or water to keep the sauce from getting too thick.