If you’re looking for a meal that’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and will have everyone asking for seconds, then you absolutely need to try these Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites. Tender chunks of steak, cooked low and slow in a savory, spicy sauce with just the right balance of tangy, buttery goodness—this recipe is the definition of comfort food. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want a hassle-free dinner that still feels like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Mississippi Steak Bites have everything you want in a meal: tender, juicy steak, savory seasonings, and the perfect combination of spices and butter. Thanks to the slow cooker, the steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce is so flavorful that you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. The best part? This recipe practically makes itself! Throw everything in the slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took all day to make.
Ingredients
(Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients—you’ll find the full list below!)
- Beef steak (I like to use sirloin or flank steak)
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Au jus gravy mix
- Butter
- Pepperoncini peppers (for that signature tangy kick)
- Olive oil (for browning the steak)
- A pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Steak
Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Season the steak chunks with a little salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and sear the pieces in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned. This step adds a lot of flavor to the final dish, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Once the steak is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Be sure to leave any tasty browned bits in the skillet—they’re packed with flavor!
Step 3: Add the Seasoning Mixes and Peppers
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix over the steak in the slow cooker. Add the whole pepperoncini peppers (don’t chop them up; you want them to infuse the sauce with their flavor as they cook). Finally, drop in a few tablespoons of butter on top of everything. The butter will melt into the sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Don’t worry if the sauce looks a little thin—it’s going to thicken as it simmers and coats the steak.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your steak bites are tender and the sauce has come together, you’re ready to serve! Spoon the steak bites and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles. If you like, you can garnish with some fresh parsley or green onions for a little color.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Browning the Steak: It’s tempting to skip the browning step, but it’s so worth it! The caramelization adds extra depth to the flavor and gives the dish a richer taste.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, remove some of the pepperoncini peppers before cooking. If you love spice, leave them all in or add more!
- Make It a One-Pot Meal: If you want to make the meal even easier, try adding some chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the steak. They’ll cook right alongside the meat, making for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Cuts of Beef: While I love using sirloin or flank steak, you can also use other cuts like stew meat or chuck roast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the cut.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, try using portobello mushrooms in place of the beef. They absorb the sauce beautifully and make a great alternative.
- Spicy Kick: If you like extra heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Mississippi Steak Bites are so flavorful and rich that they’re perfect served with something simple to balance them out. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving them with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. For a bit of a kick, a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer is a great way to balance the spice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining steak bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop. The sauce will keep the steak moist, and the flavor will only improve after sitting in the fridge overnight. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen steak?
Yes! You can use frozen steak, but you might need to add a little extra cooking time. Just make sure to cut it into smaller pieces once it’s thawed. - Do I need to drain the pepperoncini peppers?
No, keep them in their juice! That’s where a lot of the tangy flavor comes from, and it adds to the overall sauce. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! These steak bites taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make them ahead and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. - Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot or Dutch oven. Just simmer everything on low for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the steak is tender.
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are the ultimate comfort food. Tender, flavorful, and so easy to make, they’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite in your home. With the rich combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini peppers, this dish delivers all the savory goodness you crave with minimal effort. Throw everything in the slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender chunks of steak cooked in a savory, spicy sauce with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini peppers. These Mississippi Steak Bites are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and so easy to make in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef steak (sirloin or flank steak recommended)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup butter (about 4 tablespoons)
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers (whole, unchopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the steak)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Steak: Cut steak into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown steak in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely seared. Set aside.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Add browned steak to the slow cooker. Leave any browned bits from the skillet in the pan.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over steak. Add whole pepperoncini peppers and top with butter.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until steak is tender.
- Serve: Spoon steak bites and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Browning the steak is essential for building flavor and enhancing the dish’s richness.
- If you prefer less heat, remove some of the pepperoncini peppers before cooking.
- For a complete meal, try adding chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker with the steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg