Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Juicy, tender, and flavorful, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is the perfect one-pot meal for any occasion. This dish combines succulent beef bites with soft potatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s an easy recipe that delivers comfort and satisfaction without requiring hours in the kitchen. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this slow-cooked wonder is sure to impress your guests while keeping your workload light.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with minimal cleanup – just one pot to wash!
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap out beef for turkey or lamb if desired; this recipe adapts easily.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this delicious recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything on hand makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving perfectly tender beef while infusing flavors over time.
- Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily mix ingredients without spilling.
- Sharp knife: A good knife ensures precise cutting of beef cubes and potatoes, making prep faster.

Ingredients
Juicy beef bites and tender potatoes slow-cooked in garlic butter and herbs for a comforting one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until the beef is evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Arrange the halved baby potatoes at the base of the slow cooker. Drizzle with half of the melted butter and olive oil, then add the minced garlic evenly over the potatoes.
Step 3: Layer the Beef
Place the seasoned beef cubes on top of the potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining melted butter and olive oil.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and potatoes are fully cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Stir the beef and potatoes gently to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Serve with Fresh Bread
- Crusty bread pairs well with the rich flavors of the beef and garlic butter, making it perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- For a comforting twist, spoon the beef and potatoes over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent meal.
In Tacos
- Use the beef as a filling for soft or crispy tacos, topped with fresh salsa and avocado for a fun spin.
As a Salad Topper
- Serve the beef over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a hearty salad option.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Pairing this dish with rice or quinoa adds a nutritious element and balances the flavors nicely.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Incorporate small portions of beef bites into a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, olives, and crackers for an impressive appetizer.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose quality beef: Select well-marbled stew meat for maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.
- Brown the meat first: Searing the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor and adds depth.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste preferences; adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can complement the dish.
- Layer ingredients correctly: Always place potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker since they take longer to cook than meat.
- Don’t lift the lid too often: Each time you open the lid, you lose heat and extend cooking time; keep it covered as much as possible.
- Let it rest after cooking: Allowing your dish to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options:
-
Garlic Bread
A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. -
Steamed Green Beans
Crisp green beans add freshness and color to your plate while balancing out rich flavors. -
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These add crunch and a slight bitterness that complements the savory notes of the beef. -
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that pairs well with hearty beef dishes. -
Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn adds brightness and sweetness, making it an ideal summer side dish. -
Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb alternative that soaks up flavors wonderfully; simply sauté lightly before serving. -
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes bring added sweetness and nutrients, pairing perfectly with savory beef. -
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Although potatoes are already in the main dish, crispy roasted potatoes offer an extra layer of texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, it’s easy to trip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the beef enough can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the meat thoroughly with spices.
- Bold cooking time: Overcooking can dry out the beef. Stick to the recommended cooking times for tender meat.
- Bold ingredient layering: Layering ingredients incorrectly may cause uneven cooking. Always place potatoes at the bottom and beef on top.
- Bold using low-quality beef: Using lesser cuts of beef can result in a tough texture. Choose good quality stew meat for optimal tenderness.
- Bold skipping the garnish: Forgetting fresh herbs can make your dish look less appealing. Don’t skip garnishing with parsley for that finishing touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating until hot.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many readers have questions about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other meats in Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
You can substitute with chicken or turkey, but adjust cooking times as they may require less time than beef.
How do I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during seasoning to give your dish an extra kick.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
This dish goes great with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, adding balance and freshness.
Can I double the recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
Yes! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust cooking times if needed.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows for various customization options such as adding different vegetables or spices. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty one-pot dinner!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a delectable dish that brings together tender beef and creamy baby potatoes in a rich garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this one-pot meal requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is a comforting and satisfying dinner that will impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beef cubes with balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
- Place halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with half the melted butter and olive oil, then top with minced garlic.
- Layer the seasoned beef cubes on top of the potatoes and drizzle with remaining butter and olive oil.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Gently stir before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
