If you’re craving a tender, flavorful dish that practically melts in your mouth, the Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This dish combines juicy sirloin steak cubes with a heavenly mix of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, all slow-cooked to perfection. The result is an easy, fuss-free delight packed with bold, comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the depth of the savory sauce or adding a pop of zingy brightness with the peppers. You’ll be amazed at how these few basics come together to create such a showstopper.
- 3 pounds sirloin steak: Cubed into 1-inch pieces, this cut becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked and soaks up all the flavors.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided; it adds richness and helps develop the sauce’s silky texture.
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Provides a savory liquid base that keeps the meat moist and supports the gravy.
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning: Brings a tangy, herby kick to the steak bites that livens up every bite.
- 1 oz packet au jus gravy mix: Deepens the beefy flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 8 pepperoncini peppers: These introduce a subtle heat and acidity that contrast delightfully with the buttery beef.
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. Add the cubed sirloin steak and sear them for about 3-4 minutes, turning often to ensure they’re browned evenly on all sides. This step locks in the juices and builds a beautiful caramelized flavor that forms the foundation of your dish.
Step 2: Place Steak and Juices in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned steak cubes to the bottom of your slow cooker, making sure to pour in all those meaty juices and butter from the skillet. These flavorful drippings infuse every bite with richness and depth. Pour the beef broth evenly over the meat to keep everything moist as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Gravy Mix
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly across the top of the beef and broth. These seasoning blends are the secret sauce that turns this dish from simple steak bites into an irresistible pot of savory goodness.
Step 4: Layer Butter and Pepperoncini Peppers
Slice the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and place the pieces on top of the beef in the slow cooker. Nestle in the pepperoncini peppers alongside the butter. As they cook, the butter melts and melds with the peppers’ tanginess, enriching the sauce with a balanced kick of flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker to low and let the steak bites cook gently for about 6 hours. Patience truly pays off here as the meat becomes meltingly tender and the gravy thickens beautifully. If you can, give it a gentle stir every couple of hours to combine all the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the rich flavors, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives works wonders. These not only add a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the savory sauce. For an extra touch, consider a few thin slices of fresh pepperoncini on top to echo the tangy heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up all that luscious sauce. If you want to add some crunch and freshness to your meal, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans are perfect companions. Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts make the plate vibrant and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, serve these steak bites over a bed of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist, or pile them high on toasted baguette slices for hearty open-faced sandwiches. You can even turn this recipe into a flavorful steak sandwich with melted provolone cheese and some arugula on a crusty roll.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave room for expansion and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like ribeye or chuck steak. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly based on the cut’s fat content and toughness.
Are pepperoncini peppers necessary?
The pepperoncini peppers add a subtle tang and mild heat that makes this recipe truly special. If you cannot find them, mild banana peppers are a decent substitute, but omitting them will change the flavor profile.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the volume. Cooking time might increase slightly, so check the tenderness and sauce consistency before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mixes contain gluten, so check your labels carefully. You can find gluten-free versions of those seasonings or make your own to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.
How do I get the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, remove the steak bites once cooked and simmer the liquid on the stove to reduce it. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook until it thickens to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a dish that’s been quietly working its magic all day. The Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that blends ease with incredible flavor, making it a new favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to comfort meals!
Print
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 Southern
Description
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites recipe features tender, flavorful sirloin cubes cooked low and slow with buttery seasoning, ranch, au jus gravy mix, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal with rich southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 3 pounds sirloin steak, cubed into approximately 1-inch squares
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning
- 1 oz packet au jus gravy mix
- 8 pepperoncini peppers
Butter and Broth
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Sear the Steak: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin steak cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared steak cubes into the bottom of a large slow cooker. Pour all the skillet juices and melted butter into the slow cooker as well for enhanced taste.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the cup of low-sodium beef broth over the steak. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly on top of the meat in the slow cooker.
- Top with Butter and Peppers: Cut the remaining 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter into slices and distribute them on top of the beef in the slow cooker. Place the 8 whole pepperoncini peppers evenly around the butter and steak.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 hours. The steak will become tender, and the gravy will thicken nicely. Stir every couple of hours if possible to combine flavors and prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use sirloin steak for best tenderness; other cuts may become tough during long cooking.
- If pepperoncini peppers are not available, banana peppers can be a substitute for a mild tangy kick.
- Stirring occasionally helps the gravy thicken evenly and prevents scorching on the sides.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop.
