There's something magical about the way Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites transform a few simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner. The tender, juicy beef, infused with savory butter and tangy pepperoncini, practically melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for a fuss-free dish that would wow my family without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and the help of my trusty slow cooker, it quickly became a go-to favorite for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.
Ready to see what makes this dish so special? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this simple yet flavorful recipe. It's a game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, no-fuss meals.
Unbelievable Flavor with Minimal Effort: Thanks to the slow cooker, these steak bites absorb the tangy, buttery flavors of pepperoncini, ranch seasoning, and au jus mix. It's a hands-off recipe that tastes like it took hours of work.
Perfect for Busy Days: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it. Come back hours later to a fully cooked meal that’s ready to serve.
Family-Friendly and Versatile: Serve these steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a sandwich. They’re versatile enough to please everyone at the table.
Budget-Friendly Cuts, Gourmet Results: This recipe works beautifully with affordable beef cuts like chuck roast or sirloin tips. The slow cooker transforms them into melt-in-your-mouth morsels.
Now that you’re hooked, let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, working together to create a rich, savory dish you’ll make on repeat.
Beef: For tender bites, choose a cut like chuck roast, sirloin tips, or stew meat. These cuts break down beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming juicy and flavorful.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy peppers add just the right amount of zest to balance the richness of the dish. Don’t skip the juice – it’s a secret ingredient for bold flavor.
Ranch Seasoning: A packet of ranch dressing mix brings savory depth to the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade ranch seasoning for a personal touch.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This is key to achieving that rich, beefy flavor. You can substitute with onion soup mix in a pinch, but the au jus mix is traditional for that classic Mississippi flavor.
Butter: A few tablespoons of unsalted butter make the sauce velvety smooth and irresistible. For a slightly lighter version, you can use less butter or swap in olive oil.
You’ll also need a slow cooker and a sharp knife to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Now, let’s get cooking!
How To Make Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites
Making this dish is as simple as layering the ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work. Here’s how to make it step by step:
- Prepare the Beef: Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to help them sear better if you decide to brown them first.
- Optional Sear: For an extra depth of flavor, sear the steak bites in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a delicious caramelized crust.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the steak bites into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus mix evenly over the beef. Scatter the pepperoncini peppers and pour in about ¼ cup of their juice. Finally, top everything with pats of butter.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the beef cook for 6-8 hours or until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 4 hours.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the steak bites are tender, give everything a stir to distribute the sauce. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and spoon plenty of the flavorful sauce over the top.
This dish tastes like comfort on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Storage Options
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers, and it’s easy to store and reheat for later.
- Refrigerator: Place leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Be sure to include some of the sauce to keep the meat moist.
- Freezer: Transfer cooled steak bites to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave them in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak it to suit your taste or pantry staples.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in baby carrots, quartered potatoes, or sliced mushrooms for a complete one-pot meal.
- Lighter Version: Use reduced-sodium ranch seasoning and a smaller amount of butter to cut back on salt and fat.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of beef? Try this recipe with boneless chicken thighs or pork shoulder instead.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your ranch seasoning and au jus mix are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Feel free to experiment – this dish is as forgiving as it is delicious!
There you have it – a simple, flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, these Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites deliver big on taste with minimal effort.
PrintEasy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
This easy slow cooker Mississippi steak bites recipe is a simple and delicious meal packed with flavor. Made with tender beef, tangy pepperoncini, and ranch seasoning, it's a perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish that will satisfy the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or 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, whole
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the beef bites to your slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the beef.
- Place the butter on top of the beef, followed by the pepperoncini peppers.
- Pour the pepperoncini juice over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and juicy.
- Serve the steak bites as is, or pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Perfect for meal prep or as a hearty appetizer for gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
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