Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 pounds stew beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup honey; ½ cup ketchup; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Sesame seeds (for garnish); Fresh parsley or scallions (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if needed for thickening)

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Tender, juicy beef bites simmered in a sticky honey garlic sauce – that’s exactly what I want when I’m craving something hearty but hassle-free. This slow cooker recipe delivers a savory-sweet dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, topped off with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for that final touch of flavor and texture. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly easy this recipe is — no standing over the stove, no complicated prep. I just sear the beef, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let the flavors build as it simmers away. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy, and rich garlic makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s great for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 pounds stew beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
½ cup ketchup
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Fresh parsley or scallions (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (if needed for thickening)

directions

I start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and searing the stew beef until it’s browned on all sides. I’m not cooking it through — just locking in that flavor.
Then I transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, I whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. I pour that over the beef and give it a good stir to coat everything.
I cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
If the sauce thickens too much before the beef is done, I add about ½ cup water to loosen it.
If it’s too thin, I mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
Once it’s perfect, I garnish with sesame seeds and parsley or scallions. Then I serve it hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the stew beef with boneless short ribs for an even richer bite. I’ve also tried adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce when I want a little heat. For a more veggie-packed version, I toss in bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking — they soak up the sauce and add great color and crunch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I use the microwave or stovetop on low heat to warm it gently. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I just stir in a splash of water while reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the beef is tender enough?

I like to test it with a fork — it should pull apart easily without resistance. If it’s still chewy after 4 hours, I let it go another hour.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, I’ve used chuck roast and boneless short ribs, both with great results. Just make sure it’s a cut that does well with slow cooking.

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?

I prefer LOW to keep the honey from burning, but if I’m short on time, I cook it on HIGH for about 2 to 2.5 hours. I still keep an eye on the sauce consistency.

What can I serve this with besides rice or noodles?

I’ve served it with mashed potatoes or even inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. It’s really versatile.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, I portion the beef and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Bites recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to. It’s rich, flavorful, and effortless — perfect for busy days or cozy nights in. The sauce is the kind that begs to be poured over everything, and the beef practically melts in my mouth. Whether I’m feeding family or just myself, it’s always a winner.