Slow Cooker Mushroom Steak Bites

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, these Slow Cooker Mushroom Steak Bites are your new go-to recipe. Created by Melissa Williams, this dish features tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips slow-cooked with savory mushrooms, garlic, and butter in a rich beef broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s an effortless way to bring a satisfying steakhouse vibe right to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stew beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 8 ounces white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• ⅓ cup white onion, chopped
• 6 tablespoons butter, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Sear the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stew beef and brown on all sides. You don’t need to cook it through—just sear to lock in flavor.
2. Combine ingredients: Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker basin. Add mushrooms, chopped onion, sliced butter, minced garlic, beef broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and juicy. Depending on your slow cooker, it might need up to 6 hours. Avoid cooking on HIGH to keep the meat tender.
4. Optional finishing: For a bit of extra texture and color, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef and mushrooms back to a hot skillet and brown them lightly before serving.
5. Serve and enjoy: Dish up these mushroom steak bites with egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite side. Spoon the flavorful beef au jus over the top or thicken it into a gravy for a classic comfort meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
• For a restaurant-style finish, briefly sauté the beef and mushrooms in a hot skillet after slow cooking to add a nice caramelized crust.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious beef au jus.
• Add steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or carrots for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Storage Tips

• Cool completely before storing to maintain food safety.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze, place beef bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• If the sauce has thickened during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to loosen it up.

Variations

1. Garlic Herb Mushroom Steak Bites
Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary along with the garlic for an herby twist. Fresh herbs can be added at the end of cooking for a brighter flavor. This variation gives the dish a fragrant, savory aroma that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.

2. Creamy Mushroom Steak Bites
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that’s perfect over egg noodles or rice. For extra depth, add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

3. Spicy Mushroom Steak Bites
Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a mild kick of heat. This spicy version pairs well with buttery mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta.

4. Red Wine Mushroom Steak Bites
Replace ¼ cup of the beef broth with a dry red wine to add complexity and a deep, robust flavor. This makes the au jus richer and more luxurious, ideal for serving with crusty bread or creamy risotto.

5. Asian-Inspired Mushroom Steak Bites
Swap the beef broth for beef broth mixed with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and add 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for an Asian twist.

6. Slow Cooker Mushroom Steak Stroganoff
Add 1 cup of sour cream and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard at the end of cooking, stirring gently. Serve over egg noodles for a classic beef stroganoff feel with tender steak bites and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.

FAQs

1. What cut of beef is best for slow cooker steak bites?
Stew beef or chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces work best because they become tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

2. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed beef. Cooking frozen beef in a slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and longer cooking times.

3. How do I thicken the sauce or au jus?
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

4. Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Low and slow cooking is recommended to keep the beef tender. Cooking on high may dry out the meat or make it tough.

5. How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

6. Can I freeze leftover mushroom steak bites?
Yes! Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

7. What sides go well with slow cooker mushroom steak bites?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans are all excellent choices.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Carrots, bell peppers, or pearl onions can be added to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Omit the butter and use olive oil or dairy-free margarine instead. Ensure no cream or cheese is added in variations.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free beef broth and avoid any added ingredients containing gluten.

This Slow Cooker Mushroom Steak Bites recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s an easy, delicious way to make a comforting beef dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this slow cooker meal will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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