There's nothing quite like coming home to the irresistible aroma of Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites. Tender, juicy steak bites infused with rich flavors of butter, tangy pepperoncini, and savory ranch seasoning make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
I discovered this dish when looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner to feed my family after a busy day. It quickly became a favorite, thanks to its minimal prep time and melt-in-your-mouth results. Let me show you why this recipe deserves a spot on your weekly rotation.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. These Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are the ultimate answer to effortless, flavorful meals.
First, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while your house fills with the savory aroma of perfectly seasoned steak.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, and you’ll have tender, juicy steak bites to enjoy throughout the week in sandwiches, wraps, or over rice and mashed potatoes.
Another highlight? It's budget-friendly. Using affordable cuts like chuck steak or sirloin tips ensures you get a luxurious meal without overspending.
Finally, the versatility of this dish will keep your taste buds excited. Want a spicier kick? Add extra pepperoncini. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the seasoning mix slightly. You’re in full control of how bold or subtle the dish turns out.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe comes from its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Let’s dive into what makes each one essential.
Chuck steak or sirloin tips are the stars of this dish. Their marbled texture ensures they stay tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process. While you could use other cuts, these are the best for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Pepperoncini peppers add a tangy, mildly spicy kick that elevates the flavor without overwhelming the dish. Look for jarred pepperoncini in the pickled goods section of your grocery store. Don’t forget to include some of the brine for an extra punch of flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix brings a creamy, herby note to the steak bites. You can use store-bought packets or make your own with a blend of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Au jus gravy mix gives the dish its savory depth. This powdered seasoning dissolves into a rich, flavorful sauce as the steak cooks. If you can’t find au jus mix, onion soup mix works as a substitute.
Butter, preferably unsalted, ties everything together. Its richness melts over the steak and peppers, creating a luscious sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
If you have a slow cooker, no other special equipment is required. However, a large skillet can be helpful for searing the steak beforehand if you want to add a bit of extra flavor.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Creating these mouthwatering steak bites couldn’t be simpler. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dinner ready with minimal effort.
Start by cutting your chuck steak or sirloin tips into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to fully infuse each morsel.
Optional but recommended: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches, letting them develop a golden crust on the outside. This step locks in flavor and adds a slight caramelized taste to the final dish.
Transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker. Sprinkle them evenly with ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix. Add a few whole pepperoncini peppers along with a splash of their brine to enhance the tangy flavor.
Top the seasoned steak with slices of butter, distributing them evenly over the meat. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Once the steak bites are fork-tender and swimming in their flavorful sauce, give everything a gentle stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Your total hands-on time is about 10 minutes, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem. This dish stores beautifully and tastes just as amazing the next day.
For refrigeration, transfer the steak bites and sauce into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Spicier Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices for a fiery twist.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half the butter with olive oil and use a low-sodium ranch seasoning mix.
- Herby Boost: Toss in a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Vegetable Additions: Add baby carrots, pearl onions, or diced potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Different Proteins: Try this method with pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs for a fun variation.
Experimenting with flavors is half the fun! No matter how you customize it, these Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
PrintEasy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites recipe. Juicy, tender steak bites cooked to perfection with a savory mix of butter, ranch seasoning, au jus, and pepperoncini peppers, making it a must-try dish for every slow cooker fan.
- 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 steak (sirloin or chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5-7 pepperoncini peppers (plus 2 tbsp juice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Add steak bites to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix over the steak.
- Top with butter and pepperoncini peppers (including juice).
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until steak is tender.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini juice for more or less tangy flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 810mg
Leave a Reply