There's nothing better than the smell of tender, savory steak bites cooking low and slow all day. This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe is packed with bold flavors, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and just the right amount of tangy kick, thanks to a few simple ingredients.
I first discovered this dish while trying to bring some variety to our weekly meal rotation. The combination of beef and those signature Mississippi flavors was an instant hit, and now it's a staple in my kitchen. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
Why You'll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this comfort food classic that practically cooks itself. If you’ve got a busy schedule or just want a no-fuss dinner, this recipe will become your new go-to.
First, let’s talk about the flavor explosion. These steak bites are infused with rich beefy goodness, a subtle buttery texture, and a delightful tang from the pepperoncini and ranch seasoning. Each bite is an adventure for your taste buds.
Secondly, it’s the perfect hands-off meal. Your slow cooker does all the work, simmering these tender morsels of beef to perfection while you go about your day.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. Serve it over mashed potatoes, alongside rice, or even tucked into a sandwich roll for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Lastly, it’s budget-friendly! With just a few affordable ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like it came from a fancy steakhouse.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make it so special!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a unique element to the dish, working together to create a flavorful masterpiece.
- Beef Chuck Roast or Stew Meat: This cut of beef becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked. If using a whole roast, cut it into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. The marbling in chuck roast ensures rich, beefy flavor.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: A packet of ranch seasoning adds an herby, tangy layer of flavor. If you want to skip the packet, you can make your own mix with dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: This provides the deep, savory flavor you associate with Mississippi dishes. It also thickens the sauce beautifully as it cooks.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy peppers bring the perfect amount of acidity to balance the richness of the beef and butter. You can adjust the quantity depending on your taste.
- Butter: A few tablespoons of unsalted butter create a luxurious, silky texture for the sauce.
- Beef Broth: This helps keep the steak bites moist and adds extra depth to the overall flavor.
No special equipment is required for this recipe – just a trusty slow cooker and a few measuring tools!
How To Make This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
Creating this recipe is as easy as it gets. Just a few steps stand between you and the ultimate comfort meal.
- Prep the Beef: Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into bite-sized chunks. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they brown properly if you choose to sear them.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add the beef to the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top.
- Add the Flavor Boosters: Place pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced) over the seasoned beef. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is just barely covered. Finally, top it all off with pats of butter, distributing them evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and infused with all those incredible flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, give the dish a gentle stir. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
The entire process takes just a few minutes to assemble, and the results are absolutely worth the wait!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This recipe is just as delicious the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Store the steak bites and their sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Freezer: Portion the cooled steak bites and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slowly on the stovetop.
- Meal Prep Tip: Pair individual portions with mashed potatoes or rice in meal prep containers for quick, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Swap the Beef: Use boneless pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different protein option. Both work beautifully with the Mississippi-style flavors.
- Add Veggies: Toss in baby carrots or halved baby potatoes alongside the beef for a one-pot meal.
- Spice it Up: Want more heat? Add a splash of pepperoncini juice or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Make it Lighter: Use reduced-sodium ranch mix and opt for a smaller amount of butter to cut back on richness without sacrificing flavor.
- Turn it into a Sandwich: Pile the steak bites onto a toasted hoagie roll, top with provolone cheese, and broil until bubbly for a decadent steak sandwich.
Experimenting with these variations will keep the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it!
With its effortless prep, bold flavors, and versatility, this Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe is a must-try. Add it to your weekly meal rotation, and watch it become a family favorite in no time. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe
This Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe combines juicy steak, rich seasonings, and zesty flavors for a mouthwatering, hands-free meal. Perfect for busy nights or crowd-pleasing dinners, this recipe will become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice
Instructions
- Add steak bites to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus mix over the steak.
- Place butter on top, followed by pepperoncini peppers and juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
- Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, add more pepperoncini juice or red pepper flakes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Use a well-marbled cut of steak for optimal tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
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