Name: Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486224H3M24S
Total time: PT-486224H3M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your favorite variety); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry); 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms is a simple yet delicious dish that combines tender steak, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savory sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the mushrooms soak up the flavors of the sauce, creating a hearty, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting and filling meal, and it’s an excellent choice for a cozy dinner served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Plus, everything cooks in the Crockpot, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your favorite variety)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the Steak (Optional, but Recommended):

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown the steak cubes in batches, cooking each batch for 2-3 minutes until they develop a nice brown crust. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and add the steak directly to the Crockpot.

2. Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot:

Place the browned (or unbrowned) steak cubes in the Crockpot.
Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the Crockpot.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture over the steak and mushrooms in the Crockpot.

4. Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the slurry into the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it thicken the sauce.

6. Serve:

Once the steak bites are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, give everything a good stir.
Serve the steak bites and mushrooms with mashed potatoes, rice, or over egg noodles, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley (optional).

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: For a more hearty meal, add carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the Crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Mushrooms: Try using different types of mushrooms like shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for a different flavor and texture.
Replace Beef: You can substitute the beef with chicken, , or even tofu for a different protein option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast, rib-eye, or round steak. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I skip browning the beef?

Browning the beef adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry. The Crockpot will still produce a flavorful dish without it.

3. Can I use frozen beef?

It’s best to thaw frozen beef before cooking, but if you’re using frozen beef, you may need to add an extra 30-60 minutes of cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like rosemary, oregano, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor profile.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, store them in the fridge, and cook them later in the day. This makes it a great recipe for meal prep!

6. Can I use other mushrooms besides white button mushrooms?

Absolutely! You can use cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms to add more variety and depth of flavor.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce 30 minutes before serving. This will give you a nice, velvety consistency.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter version or if you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t eat beef.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also increase the garlic and pepper amounts for extra flavor.

10. Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the steak bites in an Instant Pot. Set it to “saute” to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for 25 minutes and let it naturally release for 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms is the perfect hearty and comforting meal that combines rich flavors with minimal effort. The tender steak, earthy mushrooms, and savory sauce come together in a delicious one-pot dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and sure to impress. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal, and enjoy the ease of this flavorful recipe!

Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender steak and earthy mushrooms, slow-cooked in a savory sauce. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The slow cooking process makes the steak melt-in-your-mouth tender while the mushrooms soak up the rich flavors of the sauce. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying, comforting meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Steak and Veggies:

1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your favorite variety)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)

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Instructions

Brown the Steak (Optional, but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown the steak in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step adds extra flavor, but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the browned (or unbrowned) steak cubes in the Crockpot. Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, then pour the sauce over the steak and mushrooms.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce.
Serve: Once the steak bites are tender and the sauce has thickened, give everything a good stir. Serve the steak and mushrooms over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Notes

Add Vegetables: For a heartier meal, add carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the Crockpot for added nutrition and flavor.Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the sauce for some heat.Mushroom Varieties: You can use shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for more depth in flavor.