Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites! I swear, they’re my new weeknight lifesaver – juicy little steak cubes swimming in this sticky-sweet garlicky sauce that makes your whole house smell amazing. The best part? You literally just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it while the magic happens. I first made these when I was craving something hearty but still light, and wow – that perfect balance of honey sweetness with savory soy sauce? Absolute game changer. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients, you’re getting a protein-packed meal that feels indulgent but won’t wreck your diet. My kids go crazy for them too – total win!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Listen, I know we all need those recipes that feel like a warm hug but don’t take all day—this is it! Here’s why these steak bites will become your new obsession:

Set it & forget it magic: Dump everything in the crock pot before work, and come home to a kitchen that smells like a five-star restaurant (with zero effort).
That sauce though: The honey caramelizes into this glossy, sticky glaze while the garlic gets all mellow and sweet—it’s like the steak bites are wearing little flavor coats.
Surprisingly light: No heavy cream or butter here, just wholesome ingredients that won’t leave you in a food coma (but still taste crazy indulgent).
Kid-approved stealth health: My picky eater thinks it’s “meat candy” while I’m secretly doing a happy dance over all that protein.
Meal prep superstar: These reheat like a dream for lunches, and the sauce somehow gets even better the next day.

Trust me, your future self will high-five you for making these.

Ingredients for Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Okay, let’s raid the pantry! Here’s everything you’ll need for these addictive little steak bites – and yes, I’ve learned the hard way that exact measurements matter with this sauce (ask me about The Great Honey Flood of 2018). Pro tip: prep everything before turning on the crock pot so you’re not frantically mincing garlic with steak juice on your hands!

The Main Event

1 lb beef steak – sirloin or ribeye works best, cut into 1-inch cubes (bigger pieces won’t soak up all that saucy goodness)

The Sauce That Makes Magic

1/4 cup honey – local if you’ve got it, but any honey will do (just please, not the plastic bear from 2009)
3 cloves garlic, minced – or 4 if you’re feeling bold (we don’t judge garlic lovers here)
2 tbsp soy sauce – low-sodium works great if you’re watching salt
1 tbsp olive oil – the glue that holds our flavors together

Flavor Boosters

1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if possible
1/2 tsp salt – adjust to your taste after cooking

The Thickening Trick

1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water – our magical slurry that transforms runny sauce into glossy perfection

How to Make Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than folding a fitted sheet (why are those things so impossible?). Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have restaurant-worthy steak bites with zero stress.

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

First, grab your favorite mixing bowl – I use my grandma’s old yellow Pyrex because it makes me feel fancy. Whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and salt until it looks like liquid gold. Taste it! Want more garlic? Add another clove. Too sweet? A splash more soy sauce balances it perfectly. This sauce is your playground!

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites

Now toss those beautiful steak cubes right into the crock pot – no need to brown them first (hallelujah for lazy cooking!). Pour your amazing sauce over the top and give everything a gentle stir so each piece gets coated. Pro tip: If some steak bites are stacked up, rearrange them so they cook evenly. Cover it up, set it to low for 4 hours (or high for 2 if you’re hangry), and walk away. Resist the urge to peek – we’re building flavor here!

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! Mix your cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth – this slurry is our secret weapon. Stir it into the crock pot and watch as the sauce transforms from watery to gloriously glossy in about 10-15 minutes. Don’t overdo it though – too much cornstarch makes it gluey (learned that the hard way during my “thickening agent experiments” phase). You want it to coat the back of a spoon beautifully.

And that’s it! You’ve just made the easiest, most impressive steak bites ever. Now try not to eat them straight from the pot with a fork… no judgment if you do.

Tips for Perfect Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites

After making these steak bites approximately 47 times (okay, maybe 12), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

Steak selection is everything: Splurge on sirloin or ribeye – those cheaper cuts won’t get as melt-in-your-mouth tender during slow cooking.
Double the sauce dare: If you’re serving over rice or noodles, make extra sauce – just double all the liquid ingredients (trust me, you’ll want to drink it with a straw).
The garlic rule: Always use fresh garlic – that pre-minced stuff in jars just doesn’t caramelize the same way.
Don’t skip the slurry: That cornstarch mixture? It’s the difference between sad steak soup and restaurant-quality glaze.
Rest for flavor: Let it sit 10 minutes after thickening – the sauce clings to the steak better and the flavors deepen like crazy.

Follow these, and you’ll be the honey garlic steak bite hero of your household!

Serving Suggestions for Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Oh, the possibilities! These steak bites are like the social butterflies of the dinner plate – they play well with everyone. My absolute favorite? Piled high over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice to soak up all that glorious sauce. But honestly, they’re magic with:

Fluffy quinoa for a protein-packed power bowl
Roasted broccoli or crisp-tender green beans (that honey garlic glaze clings to veggies like edible glitter)
Cauliflower rice when I’m feeling extra virtuous
Or – don’t judge – straight from the pot with toothpicks while pretending I’m at a fancy cocktail party

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the beautiful part – these steak bites might taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long). For freezing, portion them out in freezer bags – they’ll keep their magic for about a month. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave at 50% power or warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of water to revive that luscious sauce texture. Pro tip: The freezer version makes killer steak fried rice!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates (your honey might be sweeter, your steak might be leaner, life’s full of surprises!). Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):

Calories: 280 – not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!
Protein: 25g – steak for the win
Carbs: 20g (15g sugar from that magical honey)
Fat: 10g (only 3g saturated)
Sodium: 600mg – use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching this

See? Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Now go enjoy those steak bites guilt-free!

FAQs About Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites

I get so many questions about these steak bites – here are the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):

Q1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully – just increase cook time to 5-6 hours on low since they need more time to get tender. The honey garlic sauce pairs perfectly with poultry too. I’ve even done this with pork tenderloin cubes – basically any protein that plays nice with sweet and savory flavors.

Q2. How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?
Easy fixes! Use low-sodium soy sauce (I like the coconut aminos version for a fun twist) and skip the added salt. The honey and garlic carry so much flavor, you won’t miss the salt. Bonus: add a splash of rice vinegar at the end for brightness.

Q3. My sauce isn’t thickening – help!
Don’t panic! First, make sure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed (no lumps). If it’s still runny after adding, try mixing another tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in. Also – pro tip – take the lid off for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.

Q4. Can I prep this ahead?
You bet! I often mix the sauce and cube the steak the night before (store separately in the fridge). In the morning, just dump everything in the crock pot – takes 2 minutes flat. The flavors actually develop more when the steak marinates in the sauce overnight! If you’re looking for other great make-ahead meals, check out this healthy Amish Sunday Savior Casserole recipe.

Q5. What if I don’t have a crock pot?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can make these in a Dutch oven at 300°F for about 2 hours (check for tenderness). Or go stovetop – simmer covered on low for 45 minutes, then uncover to thicken the sauce. The method changes, but the deliciousness stays the same! For another easy slow cooker meal idea, consider this healthy crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, you NEED these honey garlic steak bites in your life. They’re the perfect combo of easy, healthy, and downright addictive. When you make them (because you totally should), tag me on Instagram – I love seeing your creations! Now go forth and let your crock pot work its magic. Happy cooking, friends!

Juicy Healthy Crock Pot Honey Garlic Steak Bites in 4 Hours

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Author: flavorcheap_firstpin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Tender steak bites cooked in a crock pot with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Ingredients

1 lb beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and salt.
Place steak bites in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Add the slurry to the crock pot and stir until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Use a tender cut of steak for best results.
Adjust honey and soy sauce to taste.
Serve with rice or vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American