Cowboy Butter Broccoli Ribeye Bites: Easy Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful results, use high-quality, well-marbled ribeye. If you have time, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker—this adds a deep, caramelized flavor.

You can also add a splash of beef broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.

To make your own cowboy butter, combine 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.

Mix well and shape into a log, then chill until firm. This can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the butter for a spicy version. You can also use a spicy cowboy butter or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Vegetable Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets or green beans. Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Adjust cooking time slightly if using denser vegetables.
• Herb Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh parsley or thyme during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a brighter flavor. You can also add a sprig of rosemary to the pot while it cooks.
• Sauce Thickening: For a thicker gravy, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes. Let it bubble and thicken before serving.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.

You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, simply layer them in the slow cooker and set it to cook.

The cowboy butter can be made ahead and kept chilled. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve the cowboy butter broccoli ribeye bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered egg noodles. The rich au jus is perfect for spooning over the top. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad completes the meal.

For a low-carb option, serve the beef and vegetables on their own, with extra sauce on the side. This dish also pairs well with roasted potatoes or a light coleslaw. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cowboy Butter Broccoli Ribeye Bites: Easy Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb well-marbled ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 oz dry au jus mix

Instructions

1. Cut the ribeye into 1-inch cubes, trimming any large pieces of fat if desired. Wash and trim the broccoli into bite-size florets. Slice the baby bella mushrooms. Have the cowboy butter and au jus mix ready.
2. Place the cubed ribeye in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms over the beef.
3. Place the sticks of garlic-herb cowboy butter on top of the beef and vegetables. Sprinkle the dry au jus mix evenly over everything.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Stir gently once halfway through if possible. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
5. Check that the beef has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) using an instant-read thermometer. Let the beef rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
6. Serve the cowboy butter broccoli ribeye bites over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread. Spoon extra au jus over each serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

680

Protein

48 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

48 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.