Imagine tender, juicy steak bites and perfectly cooked potatoes—slow-cooked to perfection while you do absolutely nothing. No babysitting the stove, no fancy techniques, just a crock pot doing all the work. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a cheat code for dinner.
Busy parents, lazy cooks, and hungry humans, rejoice. Your weeknight dinner just got upgraded, and the effort level dropped to zero. Why spend hours cooking when your crock pot can do it for you?
Let’s get to the good stuff.
Why This Recipe Slaps
First, it’s stupidly easy. Throw everything in, press a button, and walk away. Second, the flavors meld together like a symphony of deliciousness—savory steak, garlic, herbs, and buttery potatoes.
Third, it’s versatile. Serve it as-is, over rice, or even stuffed in a tortilla. Meal prep?
Done. Dinner party? Sorted.
This recipe is the MVP of your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (cheaper cuts work too, but sirloin stays tender)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if they’re big)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or butter, if you’re feeling extra)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic powder if you’re lazy)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (the secret umami bomb)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika works, but smoked is elite)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary, if you’re fancy)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this—unless you like bland food)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the steak and potatoes. Cut the steak into cubes and halve the potatoes. Size matters here—too big, and they won’t cook evenly.
- Season everything. In a bowl, toss the steak and potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix like you mean it.
- Dump it in the crock pot. No layering needed.
Just pour it all in and spread it evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Low and slow = more tender meat. High = faster, but slightly less melt-in-your-mouth.
- Stir once halfway through. Optional, but it helps distribute the flavors.
- Serve and devour. Garnish with parsley if you’re Instagramming it. Otherwise, dig in.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any)
Let the leftovers cool, then stash them in an airtight container.
They’ll last 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove—just add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Pro tip: Freeze individual portions for lazy future-you.
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
It’s minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or when you just don’t want to adult. Plus, it’s customizable—swap the protein, spices, or veggies to suit your mood. And let’s be real, anything that cooks itself while you binge Netflix is a win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the crock pot. Give the ingredients space to cook evenly.
- Using giant potato chunks. They’ll take forever to cook.
Cut them small.
- Skipping the Worcestershire sauce. This is what gives the steak its deep, savory flavor. Don’t omit it.
- Stirring too much. Let the crock pot do its thing. Peeking = heat loss = longer cook time.
Alternatives to Mix It Up
- Swap the protein: Chicken thighs or pork chops work great.
- Veggie twist: Add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
FAQs
Can I use frozen steak?
Technically, yes, but thaw it first.
Frozen steak will release too much liquid and turn everything soggy. Nobody wants a watery steak bite.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
You can make this in the oven at 350°F for about an hour. Stir occasionally.
But honestly, just get a crock pot. They’re cheap and life-changing.
Can I cook this on high the whole time?
You can, but the steak won’t be as tender. Low and slow is the way to go if you have the time.
Why are my potatoes still hard?
You probably cut them too big or didn’t cook them long enough.
Smaller pieces = faster cooking. FYI, starchy potatoes (like Russets) also take longer.
Final Thoughts
This steak bites and potatoes crock pot recipe is the ultimate no-brainer meal. It’s flavorful, easy, and practically foolproof.
Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers every time. So go ahead—let the crock pot do the heavy lifting while you take the credit. You’re welcome.