Tender, juicy bites of steak, buttery baby potatoes, and a rich garlic herb sauce come together in this easy Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet. This comforting one-pot meal delivers all the flavors of a steakhouse dinner with the convenience of slow cooking. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes soak up every bit of the savory garlic butter, creating a hearty and satisfying family meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy Sunday dinners, this recipe requires just a few minutes of prep before the slow cooker does the rest of the work. Finish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an irresistible dish everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pot slow cooker meal
- Tender, flavorful steak bites
- Creamy, buttery baby potatoes
- Rich garlic herb butter sauce
- Minimal prep time
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on High or 6–7 hours on Low
- Finish Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900g) sirloin steak, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 1½ pounds (680g) baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup green beans (add during the last 45 minutes)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra melted butter
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment Needed
- 6- to 7-quart slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Skillet (optional, for searing)
- Serving spoon
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
Trim any excess fat from the steak and cut it into evenly sized cubes.
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to help it brown if you choose to sear it.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce (if using)
Step 3: Optional Sear
For extra flavor, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a small amount of oil and sear the steak cubes for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
The steak does not need to be fully cooked.
This step is optional but adds a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Place the halved potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the steak cubes over the potatoes.
If using mushrooms or onions, add them now.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over everything.
Gently toss to coat.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the steak should be cooked through and tender.
If adding green beans, stir them in during the final 45 minutes of cooking.
Food Safety Note: For food safety, steak should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Because slow cookers continue cooking over several hours, the steak will typically exceed this temperature and become very tender.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Gently stir everything together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Drizzle with a little extra melted garlic butter before serving for even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meal with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Green beans
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
Expert Tips
Choose the Right Cut
Sirloin offers a great balance of tenderness and flavor. Chuck steak can also be used and becomes especially tender after slow cooking.
Cut Ingredients Evenly
Uniform steak cubes and similarly sized potato halves help everything cook evenly.
Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker
Leave enough room for heat to circulate properly.
Add Delicate Vegetables Later
Green beans, peas, or spinach should be added near the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and don’t become mushy.
Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference
Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce a much richer flavor than garlic powder alone.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Garlic Butter Steak
Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cajun Steak and Potatoes
Replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist.
Mushroom Garlic Butter
Double the mushrooms and finish with a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Herb Butter Steak
Add fresh rosemary and thyme during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a fragrant finish.
Bacon Ranch Version
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon and a teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning before serving.
Creamy Garlic Steak
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 2 ounces cream cheese during the final 20 minutes for a velvety sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the steak, potatoes, and garlic butter mixture the night before.
Store them separately in the refrigerator.
In the morning, combine everything in the slow cooker and start cooking.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that potatoes may become slightly softer after thawing.
Reheating
Microwave
Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or a little melted butter if needed.
Oven
Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Sirloin, chuck roast, stew meat, or New York strip all work well. Tougher cuts like chuck become especially tender after slow cooking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes have thin, tender skins that add texture and nutrients.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, onions, carrots, bell peppers, or green beans are excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables at the beginning and delicate ones near the end.
Why is my steak dry?
Overcooking lean cuts on the High setting can make them less juicy. Cooking on Low and choosing a well-marbled cut often produces the most tender results.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or use extra olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 6 servings.
- Calories: 495
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Potassium: 1,020mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 45mg
- Iron: 3.8mg
