Slow Cooker Cajun Steak Bites

📝Shopping list

To make this delicious crockpot steak bites recipe you will need:

• stew meat - cut into 2" chunks
• butter - salted, for added moisture and flavor
• smoked paprika - adds a smoky flavor to your bites
• garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano - for delicious flavor
• cayenne powder - dials up the heat in this recipe. 
• salt and fresh ground black pepper
• brown sugar - for the perfect flavor balance
• parsley  - chopped (optional, for garnish)

What is stew meat?  

Beef that is labeled "stew meat" is generally cut into smaller chunks.  It is made up of small pieces that the butcher had left over when prepping larger cuts of tougher meats.  I love to use this type of meat in my slow cooker for several reasons:

• 1.  It is one of the most cost-effective ways to buy meat
• It is already cut up so it saves a step with recipes like this one.
• It is perfect for slow cooking because it can cook all day - becoming more tender as it goes.

Other less expensive cuts of meat work for this recipe just as well.  The best cuts to use for slow cooker meals are: chuck roast, round (rump) steak or roast, and sirloin steak.  

Sirloin steak  - sirloin beef is a less fatty cut of meat that is often a little on the tough side making it perfect for low and slow cooking

Round steak - round steak (often referred to as rump) also has little marbling or fat to it.  It comes from a hard working muscle and is also on the tougher side - perfect for slow cooker recipes

Chuck roast - chuck is a fattier meat than sirloin and round steak.  It is also tough, but very flavorful and it holds its flavor when slow cooking.

Some other popular recipes to make with stew meat include Spanish beef stew, Korean beef bulgogi, Hawaiian beef & pineapples, and tomato beef barley soup.

The best part is that these Cajun butter steak bites are an economical way to make serve a steak-like meal. These tender steak bites will quickly become a favorite of the entire family! 

🔪How to make steak bites

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it in a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface. Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended over spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the manual for your slow cooker if you have any concerns.  

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cajun garlic butter steak bites are best cooked low and slow!  This will give you the most tender beef dish with the most flavor.  8-10 hours on the low setting is average.  Your beef should be juicy and fall apart tender.  

If you are crunched for time, you can cook this on the high setting for 4-5 hours. However, longer cooking at a lower temp will always yield the best results.  

🍽Serving suggestions

This delicious dish is great served over rice, riced cauliflower, mashed cauliflower or mashed potatoes.  These perfect steak bites are particularly delicious served over cilantro lime rice.  Egg noodles are also a great base for this delicious recipe.  

Our favorite garnishes are chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. A crisp garden salad and crusty heel of bread can round your meal out perfectly.

Green beans, whole cauliflower dijon, and sauteed spinach are perfect side dishes. As are baked yellow potatoes.  

🔁Substitutions

In addition to swapping the types of meat, you can easily change the spice level by altering the amount of cayenne pepper.  An extra teaspoonful will make for a more spicy cajun seasoning. Likewise, removing a teaspoonful will make it more mild.  

Swap unsalted butter for salted if you are watching your sodium intake.  

If you prefer not to use stew meat, cuts mentioned above are great for slow cooker Cajun steak bites too.  

Storing leftovers

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container or zip top bag.  They will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator or about 3 months in the freezer.  

Reheat defrosted slow cooker steak bites in the microwave for quick and easy meals.

😉Hints & hacks

1. Using a slow cooker liner is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
2. This is one of those great slow cooker meals for when your people will be eating at different times. Turn your slow cooker to the warm setting after cooking is complete. Everyone can have a warm and filling meal with minimal effort no matter when their dinner time is.
3. Slow cooker cajun steak bites are great to double for a crowd.  The ingredients should all be doubled in the same proportions, but the cooking time will not change.  
4. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
5. Always double check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! Coming home to a cold slow cooker is the worst!