If you are craving something hearty, flavorful, and delightfully tender, then you are in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe. This dish features succulent sirloin steak cubes slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of buttery goodness, zesty ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, all coming together to create an irresistible comfort meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy dinner, these steak bites will wow your taste buds without requiring hours of active cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients make this recipe shine. Each element plays a vital role, from the richness of the butter to the flavorful punch of the au jus mix and the slight zing from the pepperoncini, creating a harmonious medley of taste and texture.
- Sirloin steak (3 pounds): Cubed into 1-inch pieces for ideal tenderness and bite-sized perfection.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Used in stages to infuse the steak with luscious richness and moisture.
- Low-sodium beef broth (1 cup): Adds a savory base that keeps the steak moist as it cooks slowly.
- Ranch seasoning (1 oz packet): Brings a comforting herb and spice blend that amplifies flavor naturally.
- Au jus gravy mix (1 oz packet): Adds an impressive depth of beef flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Pepperoncini peppers (8 whole): Provide a mild tangy heat that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Cubes
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cubed sirloin steak for about 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to turn the pieces so each side is nicely browned. This step locks in the juices and creates a mouthwatering crust that will elevate the final dish’s texture and flavor.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared steak cubes to your slow cooker. Don’t forget to scrape all those flavorful browned bits and melted butter from the skillet into the slow cooker—it’s pure gold for flavor! Then, pour in the beef broth to keep everything moist during the cooking process.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef. These packets are the magic behind the classic Mississippi steak flavor, infusing the dish with a savory and tangy profile that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Add Butter and Pepperoncini Peppers
Slice the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and arrange the slices on top of the steak in the slow cooker. Add the whole pepperoncini peppers around the meat to lend a subtle, zesty kick that enriches every bite as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for approximately 6 hours. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the steak fibers, leaving you with incredibly tender, juicy steak bites swimming in a rich, flavorful gravy. If you can, stir every couple of hours to distribute the flavors evenly, though it’s not mandatory.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory richness of the beef. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika can give an extra layer of warmth and a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
Serve these steak bites alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that can soak up the luscious gravy. For some green balance, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic companions that bring texture and brightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the steak bites and their sauce over toasted baguette slices to create hearty open-faced sliders. Alternatively, use them as a robust filling for sandwiches or tacos, topped with shredded cheese and fresh slaw. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for an even better second meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the steak bites and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving headspace for expansion. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through without drying out the steak. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps restore moisture. You can also use a microwave, covered loosely, but stovetop reheating preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, chuck roast or rump steak can also work well, though cooking times may vary slightly to reach optimal tenderness.
Do I need to sear the steak before slow cooking?
Searing is highly recommended because it locks in flavor and creates a savory crust that enhances the final dish’s texture and richness, but if pressed for time, you can skip it and still enjoy a tasty result.
Are pepperoncini peppers necessary, or can I substitute them?
Pepperoncinis add a unique tang and mild heat that define the traditional Mississippi flavor. If unavailable, mild banana peppers can be a suitable alternative, but avoid hot peppers that may overpower the dish.
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker instead?
You can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker to save time. Use the sauté function to brown the steak and cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes, followed by a natural release; however, the slow cooker method produces a more tender outcome.
Is the gravy too thick or too thin after cooking?
If the gravy is too thick, stir in a bit more beef broth until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for a short period to reduce and thicken the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe is one of those gems that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion when you want a hearty home-cooked meal without fuss. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite!
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Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are tender, flavorful sirloin steak cubes slow-cooked in a savory blend of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, beef broth, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. This recipe offers a rich and comforting dish perfect for a hearty meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
Ingredients
Steak and Butter
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cubed into approximately 1-inch squares
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning
- 1 oz packet au jus gravy mix
- 8 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed sirloin steak and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning the cubes frequently to ensure they are browned evenly on all sides. This step locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared steak cubes to the bottom of a large slow cooker. Pour in any juices and melted butter remaining in the skillet. Then pour the 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth over the meat to add moisture during cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the 1 oz packet of ranch seasoning and the 1 oz packet of au jus gravy mix over the steak and broth in the slow cooker to infuse bold flavors.
- Top with Butter and Peppers: Slice the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and place the slices on top of the beef in the slow cooker. Add the 8 pepperoncini peppers around and on top to add a tangy, mildly spicy kick to the dish.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the steak bites on low heat for approximately 6 hours. The long, slow cooking process will make the steak tender and the gravy rich and thickened. Stir every couple of hours if possible to distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
Notes
- Ensure the steak cubes are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Stirring occasionally helps develop an even gravy consistency.
- Pepperoncini peppers add tanginess; you can adjust the quantity to taste.
- Serve these steak bites over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
