Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef served with tender potatoes

Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The beef becomes incredibly tender, infused with rich garlic and buttery notes, while the potatoes soak up all the flavors. With minimal effort needed, this slow cooker recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on LOW) or 5 hours (on HIGH)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (on LOW) or 5 hours 15 minutes (on HIGH)
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 550
  • Protein: 45 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Fat: 30 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes mouthwateringly tender, while the combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for family gatherings or simply for treating yourself after a long day. Plus, the ease of throw-it-all-in-the-pot method keeps your cooking stress-free!

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Step 1: Preparation

Pat beef chunks dry using paper towels to ensure proper seasoning. Generously season the beef with salt and black pepper on all sides for flavor enhancement.

Step 2: Searing (Optional)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 3: Creating the Base

Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef chunks on top. If you enjoy extra vegetables, feel free to scatter the sliced onion and chopped carrots into the pot.

Step 4: Mixing the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re adding a bit of heat). Mix in the chopped parsley for that fresh flavor kick.

Step 5: Combining Ingredients

Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over everything, then gently toss to distribute.

Step 6: Cooking

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft without turning mushy.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce appears too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth to thicken it.

Step 8: Serving

Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon any extra sauce over the top, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for garnish, and enjoy warm!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Serve this luxurious beef dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up that delectable sauce. Consider setting the table with nice plates to elevate your dining experience, making it a special occasion even on a regular weeknight.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or in a microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate it into meal-sized portions.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

  • Choose the Right Cut: Beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which breaks down and becomes tender.
  • Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef beforehand increases the flavor significantly, creating a rich crust that enhances the final dish.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs or other spices that you love to personalize the flavor profile.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: For thicker cuts of beef, you may need to add an extra hour or so to ensure everything is tender.

Delicious Variations

  • Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutrition by adding peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking.
  • Potato Alternatives: Swap baby Yukon Gold potatoes for sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor and added nutrients.
  • Spice it Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños for extra heat or sweet bell peppers for a twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use frozen beef?
    Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just note that you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

  • How can I thicken the sauce?
    You can either let the dish sit uncovered for a while after cooking to reduce the liquid, or mash some potatoes into the sauce for natural thickening.

  • What can I serve with this dish?
    Crusty bread, a side salad, or some roasted vegetables make fantastic accompaniments.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance, then just add them to the slow cooker in the morning for a meal ready by dinner.

  • Is it okay to substitute different meats?
    While beef chuck is the best for slow cooking, you can use pork shoulder or even chicken thighs as alternatives with slightly adjusted cooking times.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. With its blend of rich flavors and simple cooking process, it’s a dish that anyone can make and enjoy. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. You’ll be rewarded with a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the whole family. Happy cooking!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 495 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A comforting slow cooker dish with tender beef and flavorful garlic butter potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 onion, sliced (optional)
  • 2 carrots, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat beef chunks dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Optional: Sear beef in olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  3. Place halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, add beef, and any optional vegetables.
  4. Melt butter in a small bowl and mix in garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Pour beef broth over the beef and potatoes, drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything, and toss gently.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until tender.
  7. Adjust seasoning for the sauce and let it thicken if needed.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Notes

For thicker cuts of beef, increase cooking time. You can add peas or sweet potatoes for variations.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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