Life gets crazy, right? Between work, family, and, well, *life*, sometimes a fuss-free dinner feels like a distant dream. That’s exactly where my love affair with slow cooking began! I remember one particularly hectic week when I thought elaborate dinners were totally out of reach. I just tossed some beef bites and garlic butter into the slow cooker, honestly just hoping for edible. What I got was a miracle meal – incredibly easy and bursting with savory flavor! Those High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites became an instant family staple, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and it’s all thanks to the magic of that slow cooker. — Michael Davis MS, RD, Senior Meal Planning Specialist
Why You’ll Love These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Seriously, if you’re looking for a dinner that practically makes itself and tastes *amazing*, you’ve found it! These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a lifesaver for busy weeks. Here’s why they’re becoming my go-to:
- Super Easy Prep: You literally just chop and toss! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot means one thing to wash. Yes, please!
- Packed with Protein: Perfect for staying full and satisfied.
- Incredible Flavor: That garlic butter and savory beef combo is just unbeatable.
- Busy Schedule Friendly: Set it and forget it until dinner time. It’s a weeknight warrior!
Ingredients for High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – what you’ll need to make these amazing High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. I like to break it down into two parts so it’s easy to see exactly what goes where.
For the Beef Bites
This is where the magic starts. You’ll need about 3 pounds of sirloin steak. Make sure you cut it into nice, bite-sized pieces, you know, like little cubes. Don’t forget to season them up good with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss it all around in a big bowl so every piece gets coated. For searing, you’ll need about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, maybe a little more if your pan gets dry. Remember, we’re just searing for color here, not cooking them all the way through!
For the Slow Cooker
Now, for the slow cooker itself! You’ll want 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced so it gets nice and tender. Then, grab about 3 cloves of garlic and slice those thinly too. For the liquid base, pour in 1 cup of unsalted beef stock. To really amp up that savory flavor, add 1 ounce packet of au jus gravy mix. And the best part? We’ll finish it off with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, thinly sliced, to make everything so rich and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Alright, it’s time to make some magic! Honestly, the hardest part is cutting the beef, and even that’s not so bad. Once that’s done, your slow cooker takes over. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have delicious High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites in no time! For more slow cooker inspiration, check out these soup recipes, or try a similar take on garlic butter steak bites over at The Country Cook.
Preparing the Beef
First things first, grab that big bowl and get your sirloin steak pieces in there. Sprinkle generously with that kosher salt and black pepper – really coat them well! Now, heat up your skillet over medium-high heat with a little vegetable oil. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the seasoned steak in batches. We’re just looking for a lovely brown sear on the outside for color and flavor; we’re not trying to cook it through. Add more oil if your pan starts looking dry between batches.
Assembling the Slow Cooker
Once your beef is seared, carefully transfer it all into your 6-quart slow cooker. Don’t worry about stirring too much yet. Now, toss in your thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic over the top of the beef. For the liquid, pour in that unsalted beef stock – it’s the base for all that yummy goodness. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly all over everything. Finally, artfully arrange those thinly sliced butter pats right on top. It looks so fancy!
Slow Cooking and Finishing
Now for the best part: letting the slow cooker do its thing! Cover your slow cooker and let it cook. You can go with high heat for about 3-4 hours, or if you have more time, low for 6-8 hours works beautifully and makes the beef extra tender. If you can remember, give it a stir once an hour – it really helps everything meld together. Once it’s done, serve these amazing High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites piping hot with your favorite sides. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success with Your Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Making these High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is honestly pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to make them absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about those little details, you know? As a meal planning specialist, I’ve learned that sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. First off, sirloin is great because it’s lean and flavorful, but if you can’t find it, a nice flank steak or even a well-trimmed chuck roast can work, though they might take a bit longer to get tender. For more tips on handling your meats like a pro, you can check out how to prepare pork chops, which shares similar principles. The sear is super important – don’t skip it! It’s not about cooking the meat, just getting those lovely browned bits for extra flavor that’ll melt into the sauce. And for seasoning? Taste and adjust! The au jus mix can be salty, so start with the recommended amounts and then add more salt and pepper at the end if needed. Trust me, a little tweak here and there makes all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Now that you’ve got these amazing High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites ready, you might be wondering what to serve them with. Honestly, they’re so good, they could be eaten straight from the slow cooker! But if you want to make it a full meal, you’ve got tons of fantastic options. They soak up sauces like nobody’s business, so think about things that can catch all those delicious juices. For a classic comfort food vibe, you can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes or some fluffy egg noodles. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a big ol’ bowl of steamed rice works perfectly – check out these rice bowl ideas to get inspired! You could even just serve them up with a simple green salad to balance out all that richness.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of these amazing High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites? Lucky you! To store them safely, just pop them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the key is to do it gently so they don’t dry out. You can warm them up in a saucepan over low heat, or even pop them in a covered oven-safe dish at around 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works too, just do it in short bursts and stir, so you don’t end up with tough little bits!
Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Got questions about making these mouthwatering High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites? I get it! It’s so easy, but sometimes little things pop into your head. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! For more easy meal ideas, especially for busy nights, check out these Taco Tuesday recipes!
Can I use a different cut of beef?
You sure can! While sirloin is fantastic, you can also use cuts like flank steak or a well-trimmed chuck roast. Just be aware that tougher cuts might need a little extra time in the slow cooker to get super tender.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers of your delicious High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They usually disappear pretty fast though!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can definitely prep the beef and even assemble the slow cooker ingredients the night before and pop it in the fridge. Or, cook the whole batch ahead of time and just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers for these amazing High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Keep in mind this is just an estimate, as things can vary depending on the exact cut of beef and how much of that delicious sauce you scoop up! But generally, you’re looking at around 330 calories per serving, with a great hit of protein, some healthy fats, and carbs to keep you fueled. It’s a really balanced and satisfying meal that fits wonderfully into a healthy eating plan.
High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the sirloin steak pieces into a large bowl and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to combine.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the steak pieces in batches until browned. This step is for color, not to cook them through. Add more oil if needed.
- Add the seared steak to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and garlic. Stir gently.
- Pour in the unsalted beef stock. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. Arrange the thinly sliced unsalted butter over the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Stir once an hour if possible.
- Serve the beef bites with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
