Go Back

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pineapple Steak Tips

Tender slow cooker steak tips simmered in a sweet chili pineapple sauce with red peppers for an easy cozy family dinner packed with flavor.
Print Recipe
Delicious beef stew with vegetables served over creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a hearty meal.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 –3 pounds steak tips or stew meat
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
  • ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • Parsley and scallions for garnish

Instructions

  • Step 1: Season the Steak - Start by patting the steak tips dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better when they hit the skillet. Toss the beef with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder until every piece is evenly coated. It may seem simple, but seasoning the meat first makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
  • Step 2: Sear the Beef - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the steak tips in batches so they are not crowded together. Let them brown for about two to three minutes per side. You are not cooking them through here. You just want that deep golden color on the outside because it adds so much flavor to the finished dish. If you are short on time, you can absolutely skip this step, but when I have an extra ten minutes, I always do it.
  • Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker - Transfer the browned steak tips to the slow cooker. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until the steak is coated in all that sweet savory goodness. At this point the smell alone will already have everybody wandering into the kitchen asking what is for dinner.
  • Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers - Scatter the chopped red bell peppers over the top. I like cutting the peppers into larger chunks so they stay tender without completely falling apart during cooking. The peppers soften beautifully and soak up all the flavor from the sauce while still keeping a little texture.
  • Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for four to five hours. The steak should become incredibly tender and easy to pull apart with a fork. Right before serving, give everything a good stir so the sauce coats every bite evenly.
  • Step 6: Serve and Enjoy - Spoon the steak tips and sauce over warm rice or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with parsley and scallions for a little fresh flavor and color. Make sure you get plenty of extra sauce over everything because honestly that sauce might be the best part of the whole meal.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Sirloin instead of stew meat: Sirloin gives you a slightly leaner option while still becoming tender in the slow cooker.
  • Fresh pineapple instead of canned: Fresh pineapple adds bright flavor and works wonderfully if you have it on hand.
  • Coconut aminos instead of soy sauce: This is a great option for a slightly sweeter flavor or lower sodium meal.
  • Chicken instead of beef: Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully with the sweet chili pineapple sauce.
  • Honey instead of brown sugar: Honey adds natural sweetness while keeping the sauce glossy.

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha for extra heat.
  • Extra vegetables: Toss in onions, snap peas, or broccoli for more color and texture.
  • Garlic lovers version: Double the minced garlic for an even richer savory flavor.
  • Teriyaki twist: Add a splash of teriyaki sauce for extra sweetness and depth.
  • Thicker sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking for a thicker glaze style sauce.

Tips and Tricks

  • Brown the beef first: Searing the steak adds deep rich flavor that really makes the dish taste restaurant quality.
  • Reserve the pineapple juice: That little bit of juice helps create the sweet glossy sauce everybody loves.
  • Cut peppers larger: Bigger chunks keep the peppers from getting too soft during the long cooking time.
  • Serve over rice: Rice soaks up every drop of that flavorful sauce beautifully.
  • Do not overcook: Even in a slow cooker, cooking too long can make the meat dry instead of tender.
  • Taste before serving: If you want more sweetness, stir in a touch more brown sugar right at the end.

Serving Ideas

  • Steamed white rice: The rice absorbs all that sweet savory sauce perfectly.
  • Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes make this meal feel extra comforting.
  • Roasted broccoli: The slight crispness balances the rich sauce beautifully.
  • Asian style noodles: Toss the steak tips over noodles for a fun twist.
  • Fresh dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce from the plate.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezer friendly meal: Freeze cooled portions for up to two months for easy future dinners.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the steak tender.
  • Prep ahead option: Combine everything in the slow cooker insert the night before so it is ready to start cooking in the morning.
  • Sauce thickening tip: If reheating leftovers, you can stir in a little cornstarch slurry to freshen up the sauce.
Servings: 6 servings