Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites: Tender, Flavorful, and So Easy

If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and oh-so-tender, look no further than these Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The steak becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors of ranch seasoning, pepperoncini, and a buttery sauce. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you!

Personal Story & Background

I first tried Mississippi steak bites after hearing rave reviews about the famous Mississippi Roast, and I couldn’t resist giving it a try. The concept was simple: tender beef, a buttery sauce, and a little bit of heat. I was hooked after the first bite! The beauty of the Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites is how effortlessly it comes together while delivering big flavor.

This dish quickly became a favorite in my house because it’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, comforting meal. The rich flavors meld together in the slow cooker, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a Sunday dinner. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and everyone around the table eager to dig in.

Ingredient Notes

For the Steak Bites

• Steak: Use a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chuck roast also works great if you want a more budget-friendly option.
• Ranch Seasoning: This is the magic ingredient that adds tons of flavor to the dish. You can use a packet of ranch seasoning mix or make your own by combining dried herbs and spices like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Pepperoncini: These add a tangy, mild heat to the dish and help tenderize the beef. Feel free to adjust the number of peppers based on how much heat you want.
• Butter: This creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the steak bites. It’s what makes this dish so indulgent.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: This packet of gravy mix gives the dish extra savory flavor and a thicker consistency. You could also use beef broth if you prefer, but the gravy mix helps create the perfect sauce.

Substitutions:

• Steak: If steak is too expensive or hard to find, you can use a leaner cut like flank steak, or even beef stew meat if you want a more economical option.
• Ranch Seasoning: You can substitute with homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer a natural version without preservatives.
• Pepperoncini: If you’re not a fan of pepperoncini, you can use banana peppers or even swap them out for a handful of sliced bell peppers for a milder option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites

1. Start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the steak pieces for 2-3 minutes until they are browned on the outside. You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but searing adds extra flavor to the steak.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the seared steak bites into the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the steak, and pour in the au jus gravy mix.
3. Add the pepperoncini peppers (with a little bit of their juice) into the slow cooker, and drop in the butter. You can slice the peppers or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak Bites

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the steak is tender and has absorbed all the flavors.
2. Give the steak bites a quick stir halfway through the cooking time to make sure everything is well-coated.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the steak is done, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (a little extra salt or pepper may be needed).
2. Serve the steak bites hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them over a bed of noodles or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

1. Searing is Optional but Recommended: Searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker develops a deeper flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
2. Don’t Overcook: If you cook the steak too long, it may become dry and tough. Stick to the 5-6 hours on low, or check earlier if you’re using smaller pieces of steak.
3. Adjust the Heat Level: The pepperoncini provide a mild heat, but if you like it spicier, add a few more peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
4. Stir in Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Serve the steak bites with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Roasted vegetables or a simple salad are great additions as well.
• Buns or Bread: If you want to turn this dish into a fun sandwich, serve the steak bites in buns with some of the sauce, or just use some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the richness of the steak and sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of beef broth to thin out the sauce if it thickens too much when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes! You can substitute chuck roast, stew meat, or any cut that becomes tender with slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
   Absolutely! You can make this on the stovetop in a large Dutch oven. Just simmer the ingredients on low heat for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
3. Can I make this spicier?
   Yes! Add extra pepperoncini, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to give the dish more heat. You can even try adding some sliced jalapeños for a kick.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are everything you want in a hearty, flavorful meal: easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly tender. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a dish that’s perfect for busy days when you still want something comforting and satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation! Let me know how it turns out and if you make any fun twists to the recipe!

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