Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Juicy and tender, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is the perfect dish for any occasion. This comforting one-pot meal features succulent beef bites and flavorful potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection in garlic butter and herbs. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals, this dish fits any occasion.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks together in the slow cooker.
- Comfort Food Classic: This hearty stew warms you up from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors over several hours.
- Large bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting beef and potatoes quick and easy, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients
For this flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Beef
- 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
For the Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
For the Sauce
- 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: Prepare the Beef Mixture
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: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange the halved baby potatoes at the base of the slow cooker. Drizzle with half of the melted butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic evenly over the potatoes.
Step 3: Add Beef on Top
Place the seasoned beef cubes on top of the potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining melted butter and olive oil.
Step 4: Cook Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
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.
This satisfying meal serves approximately six people and offers about 410 calories per serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a delightful experience. This dish is not only hearty but can also be paired with various sides and garnishes to elevate your meal.
Classic Comfort
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the beef’s rich flavors perfectly.
- Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice pilaf absorbs the garlic butter sauce, making every bite delicious.
Fresh Additions
- Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and a crunchy texture that balances the dish.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty beef.
Flavorful Enhancements
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices from the slow cooker.
- Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickled vegetables can cut through the richness and add zing to your plate.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To achieve the best results with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef stew meat for flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
- Brown the Beef First: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor significantly.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider adding thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking; check for fork-tender beef around 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef amplifies its comforting essence. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, this classic is a must-have.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add a lovely contrast in flavor and texture to your meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw provides a fresh, crisp element that complements the hearty beef.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a nutritious and colorful side option.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich creamed spinach pairs well with beef, adding creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous makes an excellent base for soaking up all those delicious garlic butter juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, avoiding common pitfalls can make a huge difference in the final dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the beef properly can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure your meat is well-coated with seasoning before cooking.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you pack too much into your slow cooker, the ingredients may not cook evenly. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not browning the beef: While this recipe allows for cooking without browning, taking a moment to sear the beef can enhance flavor. Consider browning it in a pan beforehand.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality beef and potatoes ensures a better taste and texture. Invest in good ingredients for an outstanding meal.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can affect tenderness. Follow the time guidelines closely to achieve fall-apart tender beef.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Best used within 2–3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot; usually takes about 2-4 minutes depending on portion size.
- Stovetop: Place on medium heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through; this usually takes around 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a hearty dish made with tender beef chunks and baby potatoes cooked slowly with garlic butter and herbs, creating a rich flavor.
Can I use other meats in this recipe?
Yes! While this recipe features beef, you can substitute with chicken or turkey if desired, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I know when my beef is done?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. This typically takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef makes an excellent meal prep option as it stores well and reheats nicely throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this one-pot dish is sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory meal. The tender beef stews harmoniously with baby potatoes, all slow-cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with herbs. This one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering deep flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 –7 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine beef cubes with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika; toss until coated.
- Layer halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker and drizzle with half of the melted butter and olive oil. Spread minced garlic over the potatoes.
- Place seasoned beef on top of the potatoes and drizzle with remaining melted butter and olive oil.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Stir gently before serving and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 654mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
