Crockpot Mississippi Steak Bites are a tasty and simple dish. The steak is cooked slowly with ranch seasoning, pepperoncinis, and butter, making it super tender and flavorful!
These little bites are perfect for snacks or dinner, and the aroma while cooking is amazing. I love serving them with mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chuck Steak: Chuck steak is great for slow cooking because it becomes super tender. If you can’t find chuck, you can use flank steak or sirloin, but they may not be as tender. However, they will still be delicious!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This mix gives a fantastic flavor. If you’re watching sodium intake, look for a low-sodium version or make your own using herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This adds a savory depth to the dish. An alternative is to use homemade beef broth or a beef bouillon cube to get a similar rich flavor.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These add a nice kick. If you prefer something milder, go for diced bell peppers or omit them. You can also use banana peppers for a slightly different taste.
Fresh Parsley: While it’s optional, fresh herbs brighten the dish. You can replace it with herbs like chives or cilantro if you want a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Steak Perfectly Tender in the Crockpot?
Getting tender steak in a crockpot is all about the slow cooking process. Here’s how to ensure that result:
- First, cut the steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season lightly; the ranch and au jus will add a lot of flavor.
- Do not rush the cooking: low heat for 6-7 hours is ideal. Cooking on high for 3-4 hours works if you’re pressed for time, but the texture may not be as tender.
- Make sure to cover the crockpot tightly to keep the moisture in during cooking.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with deliciously tender Mississippi Steak Bites every time! Enjoy!
Crockpot Mississippi Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chuck steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 package (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers, sliced with some juice reserved
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 6-7 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Once it’s done, the steak will be tender and full of flavor, making it well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Steak:
Start by seasoning the bite-sized pieces of chuck steak lightly with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavors as they cook!
2. Adding to the Crockpot:
Place the seasoned steak pieces directly into your crockpot or slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Seasoning and Mixing:
Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix over the steak. These two seasoning mixes will create that delicious, savory flavor that Mississippi Steak Bites are known for.
4. Adding the Butter:
Cut the stick of butter into small pats and place them across the top of the seasoned steak. This will melt as it cooks, adding richness to the dish.
5. Pouring in the Liquids:
Next, pour in the beef broth or water along with the reserved juice from the pepperoncini peppers. This helps to create a tasty cooking liquid.
6. Topping it Off:
Add those sliced pepperoncini peppers on top of everything. They’ll add a delightful tang and a bit of spice!
7. Cooking in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with the lid. Set it to low and cook for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The steak should become very tender and flavorful.
8. Mixing Just Before Serving:
Once the cooking time is over, stir gently to mix everything together. This will distribute those delicious juices and seasonings throughout the steak bites.
9. Garnishing:
If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
10. Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Mississippi Steak Bites over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all the wonderful sauce. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Crockpot Mississippi Steak Bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts of meat like flank steak or sirloin, but chuck steak is recommended for its tenderness when cooked low and slow. Just ensure they’re cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can create a mix using dried herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley. This will give a similar flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to enjoy again, adding a bit of broth if it seems too dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate, and then cook it the next day. Just remember to take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.