Flavor-Packed Mississippi Steak Bites – South Carolina’s Slow Cooker Secret

Imagine coming home after a busy day to the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy steak bites, slow-cooked to perfection. These Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of au jus gravy, ranch seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. Every bite is buttery and rich, with a touch of tang and heat from the peppers. This Southern favorite is as comforting as it is convenient, making it a go-to for busy families or a laid-back weekend meal.

Photo byNick Davies

Though the dish originally hails from Mississippi, we’re adding a special South Carolina twist to the recipe! South Carolinians are known for their love of bold, rich flavors, and this dish fits right in with the state's culinary traditions. With roots in Southern comfort food, this recipe takes advantage of slow cooking to create a tender and succulent beef dish, perfect for serving over creamy mashed potatoes or rice, or simply enjoying as a stand-alone treat.

A Southern Staple

Mississippi steak bites build on the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, a dish that has become a staple across the South. This version swaps the roast for steak bites, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering big flavor. What makes this dish truly unique is the pepperoncini peppers, which add a mild, tangy heat, and the use of ranch seasoning, which adds depth and complexity to the gravy. South Carolina’s take might feature a side of homemade cornbread or collard greens, staying true to the region’s love of wholesome, hearty meals.

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet of au jus gravy mix
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (about 1 stick)
• 5-6 pepperoncini peppers (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sear the Steak: Start by heating a little olive oil in a skillet and quickly searing the steak bites on all sides. This step locks in the juices and gives the steak a beautiful crust. While optional, it adds a deeper flavor.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared steak bites into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the au jus and ranch seasoning over the steak. Top with butter, placing the slices evenly across the meat. Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour the beef broth over the top.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the steak bites are fall-apart tender and the gravy is thick and rich.
4. Serve: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, making sure to spoon that luscious gravy over everything. For a South Carolina twist, serve it with buttermilk biscuits or a side of Southern greens.

Tips for Success:

• Sear the Steak: Although you can skip this step to save time, searing the steak bites before slow cooking will enhance the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
• Customize the Heat: If you love spice, consider adding extra pepperoncini or even a dash of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the number of peppers or swap them for banana peppers.
• Keep it Tender: The slow cooking process will naturally tenderize the steak, but be sure to not lift the lid too often, as this releases the trapped heat.

Substitutions & Variations:

• Dietary Preferences: To make this dish keto-friendly, serve it over cauliflower rice or with a side of zucchini noodles. You can also use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
• Herbal Enhancements: For a fresher flavor, add fresh thyme or rosemary towards the end of cooking. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also add a lovely brightness to the rich dish.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action:

There’s nothing like the simplicity of throwing everything into a slow cooker and letting it do the work for you. These Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give this South Carolina-inspired version a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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Sources:

Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Steak Bites Recipe (thissillygirlskitchen.com)

Crock Pot Steak Bites - Slow Cooker Meals