There's nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites filling your kitchen as they simmer away. Tender, juicy steak bites bathed in a savory, buttery sauce with just the right kick of tang – this recipe is a dream come true for busy days or when you’re craving comfort food.
The first time I tried this dish, it was at a family potluck, and it disappeared before anything else on the table. After much pleading, I got the recipe and tweaked it to make it even easier, and now it’s a go-to in my meal rotation. Ready to make your home smell amazing and your taste buds sing? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Get ready to discover your new favorite slow-cooked meal. These steak bites are not only packed with flavor but are incredibly simple to prepare.
First off, the texture is unbeatable. Slow cooking ensures the steak bites become irresistibly tender, almost melting in your mouth with every bite.
Next, it’s a breeze to put together. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you can set it and forget it, freeing up your day for other tasks.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its rich, tangy flavor. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and tangy pepperoncini creates a depth of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
And finally, it’s so versatile. Whether you serve these steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a sandwich, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients Notes
This recipe shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen:
- Steak: I recommend using sirloin steak or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces. These cuts hold up well during slow cooking and develop a tender, buttery texture.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This pantry staple adds a savory, herby flavor that balances perfectly with the tangy elements of the dish. Look for a quality dry ranch mix for the best results.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This is the secret to the rich, meaty depth in the sauce. If you can’t find au jus mix, onion soup mix is a good substitute.
- Butter: Just a few tablespoons of unsalted butter add richness and help create a luscious sauce.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These little peppers are the star of the dish, adding a subtle tangy kick. Use the whole pepperoncini for a milder flavor or slice them for an extra punch.
- Beef Broth: While optional, a splash of beef broth enhances the sauce’s consistency and keeps the steak bites moist.
Special Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need a slow cooker. A 6-quart size is ideal for evenly cooking the steak bites without overcrowding.
How To Make This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Creating these Mississippi Steak Bites is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to get it done:
- Prep the steak. Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help them brown nicely and set aside.
- Layer the ingredients. In your slow cooker, add the steak bites first, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the top. Add the whole pepperoncini peppers and dot the surface with butter.
- Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the steak to absorb all the incredible flavors while becoming tender.
- Finish and serve. Once done, give the steak bites a gentle stir to coat them in the sauce. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of the pepperoncini juice to the slow cooker before cooking.
- To thicken the sauce, remove the steak bites and stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Options
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the steak bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal Prep Tip: Portion the steak bites into individual containers with mashed potatoes or rice for ready-to-go lunches throughout the week.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Switch the protein: Swap the steak for chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or even meatballs for a different take on the recipe.
- Make it spicy: Add a few red chili flakes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Try a different sauce base: Replace the au jus mix with French onion soup mix or brown gravy mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Toss in baby carrots, diced potatoes, or mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Go low-carb: Serve the steak bites over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a keto-friendly option.
No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is forgiving and always turns out delicious.
Bring the warmth and comfort of Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites to your table this week. With its simple ingredients, bold flavors, and effortless preparation, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Don’t forget to serve it with plenty of napkins – it’s that good!
PrintEasy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe is a must-try dish featuring tender beef bites slow-cooked to perfection with rich flavors from pepperoncini and a buttery seasoning blend. Ideal for family dinners or party appetizers, it's simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice
Instructions
- Add beef chuck roast bites to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the meat.
- Place butter on top of the beef.
- Add pepperoncini peppers and pour pepperoncini juice over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.
- Serve warm with your choice of sides or as a hearty appetizer.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra pepperoncini or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
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