If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and oh-so-tender, look no further than these Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The steak becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors of ranch seasoning, pepperoncini, and a buttery sauce. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you!
Personal Story & Background
I first tried Mississippi steak bites after hearing rave reviews about the famous Mississippi Roast, and I couldn’t resist giving it a try. The concept was simple: tender beef, a buttery sauce, and a little bit of heat. I was hooked after the first bite! The beauty of the Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites is how effortlessly it comes together while delivering big flavor.
This dish quickly became a favorite in my house because it’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, comforting meal. The rich flavors meld together in the slow cooker, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a Sunday dinner. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and everyone around the table eager to dig in.
Ingredient Notes
For the Steak Bites
- Steak: Use a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chuck roast also works great if you want a more budget-friendly option.
- Ranch Seasoning: This is the magic ingredient that adds tons of flavor to the dish. You can use a packet of ranch seasoning mix or make your own by combining dried herbs and spices like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pepperoncini: These add a tangy, mild heat to the dish and help tenderize the beef. Feel free to adjust the number of peppers based on how much heat you want.
- Butter: This creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the steak bites. It’s what makes this dish so indulgent.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This packet of gravy mix gives the dish extra savory flavor and a thicker consistency. You could also use beef broth if you prefer, but the gravy mix helps create the perfect sauce.
Substitutions:
- Steak: If steak is too expensive or hard to find, you can use a leaner cut like flank steak, or even beef stew meat if you want a more economical option.
- Ranch Seasoning: You can substitute with homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer a natural version without preservatives.
- Pepperoncini: If you’re not a fan of pepperoncini, you can use banana peppers or even swap them out for a handful of sliced bell peppers for a milder option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
- Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak pieces for 2-3 minutes until they are browned on the outside. You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but searing adds extra flavor to the steak.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the seared steak bites into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the steak, and pour in the au jus gravy mix.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers (with a little bit of their juice) into the slow cooker, and drop in the butter. You can slice the peppers or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak Bites
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the steak is tender and has absorbed all the flavors.
- Give the steak bites a quick stir halfway through the cooking time to make sure everything is well-coated.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the steak is done, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (a little extra salt or pepper may be needed).
- Serve the steak bites hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them over a bed of noodles or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Searing is Optional but Recommended: Searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker develops a deeper flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
- Don’t Overcook: If you cook the steak too long, it may become dry and tough. Stick to the 5-6 hours on low, or check earlier if you’re using smaller pieces of steak.
- Adjust the Heat Level: The pepperoncini provide a mild heat, but if you like it spicier, add a few more peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Stir in Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve the steak bites with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Roasted vegetables or a simple salad are great additions as well.
- Buns or Bread: If you want to turn this dish into a fun sandwich, serve the steak bites in buns with some of the sauce, or just use some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the richness of the steak and sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of beef broth to thin out the sauce if it thickens too much when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can substitute chuck roast, stew meat, or any cut that becomes tender with slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. - Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this on the stovetop in a large Dutch oven. Just simmer the ingredients on low heat for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. - Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add extra pepperoncini, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to give the dish more heat. You can even try adding some sliced jalapeños for a kick.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are everything you want in a hearty, flavorful meal: easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly tender. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a dish that’s perfect for busy days when you still want something comforting and satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation! Let me know how it turns out and if you make any fun twists to the recipe!
PrintSlow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites: Tender, Flavorful, and So Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in these tender, juicy steak bites slow-cooked to perfection with zesty pepperoncini, savory ranch seasoning, and a touch of buttery goodness. This easy-to-make dish delivers rich and irresistible flavors, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1 small white onion, cut into chunks
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into slices
- 5–7 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
-
Prepare the Steak Bites:
- Season the steak pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Optional: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil and sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if desired.
-
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the steak bites to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef stock over the meat and add the chopped onions.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef.
- Place the butter slices on top, followed by the pepperoncini peppers.
-
Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
-
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the steak bites hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, drizzling the flavorful sauce over the top.
Notes
- Searing the Beef: While optional, searing the beef before slow cooking adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These add a mild tangy flavor. For more heat, add extra peppers or a splash of the pepperoncini juice.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 288 mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 51 g
- Cholesterol: 174 mg
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