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Crockpot steak bites cooked to perfection in a slow cooker

Crockpot Steak Bites

A comforting, gluten-free slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef bites in a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Essentials
  • 2 lbs beef sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces Look for well-marbled meat for tenderness.
  • 1 tsp salt To season the meat.
  • 1 tsp black pepper To season the meat.
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred) Choose a labeled gluten-free broth.
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce Tamari is recommended for a true gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free Worcestershire sauce Check the label for gluten-free status.
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar Light or dark, to taste.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste Adds body and rounded acidity without gluten.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds warmth and smokiness.
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder Deepens flavor without extra chopping.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for a touch of heat.
Optional Add-ons
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved Soak up flavor from the sauce.
  • 1 cup baby carrots Kid-friendly vegetable.
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms Adds earthiness and extra texture.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Soft, caramelized onion adds flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the bite-sized beef pieces dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
  2. Rinse and trim optional vegetables (if using) so everything is ready for the cooker.
Optional Searing
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef pieces for about 1–2 minutes per side until light brown.
  2. Transfer seared beef to the crockpot.
Prepare Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, gluten-free tamari, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Combine in Crockpot
  1. Place seasoned beef into the crockpot, adding optional vegetables around the meat.
  2. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
Finishing Touches
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or tamari as needed.
  2. Thicken the sauce if desired by whisking cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the crockpot, then cook on high for 10–15 minutes.

Notes

This recipe is forgiving; if you are a little early or late pulling it off, the meat will usually still be fine. Adjust cooking times based on the cut of meat used.