Slow cooker mushroom steak bites are a rich and hearty meal that practically cooks itself. I love throwing this together on a busy morning, letting it simmer all day, and coming home to a savory, tender beef dish infused with mushrooms, garlic, and buttery goodness. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how incredibly easy this is to prepare—just a few minutes of searing and chopping, then everything goes into the slow cooker. The beef becomes so tender, and the mushrooms soak up all the meaty flavor. It’s a comforting, low-effort dinner that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients I usually already have on hand.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 pounds stew beef
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8 ounces white mushrooms
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⅓ cup white onion, chopped
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6 tablespoons butter, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¾ cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
directions
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I start by searing the stew beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s browned on all sides. This helps lock in flavor, but I don’t fully cook the meat here.
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I transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker, then add the mushrooms, chopped onion, sliced butter, minced garlic, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
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I give everything a gentle stir to combine, then cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the beef is tender.
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If I want a thicker sauce, I mix in a cornstarch slurry near the end and let it cook for another 15 minutes until thickened.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 4 to 6 hours on LOW
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Total time: About 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes use sirloin tips instead of stew beef for a leaner cut.
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For more flavor, I like to add Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to the broth.
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If I want extra richness, I use sliced baby bella mushrooms instead of white mushrooms.
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For a spicy kick, I’ll add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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I also like to throw in baby carrots or small potatoes to make it a one-pot meal.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat, I use the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
For longer storage, I freeze the cooled beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
I usually use stew beef or chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces. These cuts become incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
Do I have to sear the beef first?
While it’s not absolutely necessary, I like to sear the beef because it adds a deeper, richer flavor to the final dish.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, I can adapt this for the Instant Pot. I sear the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook everything on high for about 20 minutes with a natural release.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If I want the sauce to be thicker, I make a cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker 15 minutes before serving.
What should I serve with mushroom steak bites?
I usually serve this over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. It’s also great with roasted vegetables or crusty bread on the side.
Conclusion
Slow cooker mushroom steak bites are one of my favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals. The beef turns out incredibly tender, the mushrooms soak up all the savory flavor, and the buttery, garlicky sauce brings it all together. It’s a comforting, satisfying dinner that’s simple enough for weekdays but feels special enough for weekends.
Print
Slow Cooker Mushroom Steak Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting and hearty slow cooker dish featuring tender beef steak bites cooked with mushrooms, garlic, onions, and a savory broth. Minimal prep, big flavor—perfect for a cozy meal over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stew beef
- 8 ounces white mushrooms
- ⅓ cup white onion, chopped
- 6 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sear the stew beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned on the outside, but not cooked through.
- Transfer the beef to the basin of a 6‑quart slow cooker. Add mushrooms, chopped onion, butter slices, minced garlic, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, until the beef is fork‑tender.
- Optional: Use a slotted spoon to transfer beef and mushrooms to a skillet for browning. Thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Notes
- Adjust cook time based on your slow cooker—some may need closer to 6 hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce or reduce it on the stove for a gravy-like consistency.
- Optional vegetables like carrots or potatoes can be added but may require longer cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg