Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe

If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort dish that practically cooks itself but feels like a gourmet meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe. It brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks with buttery, garlicky goodness and perfectly cooked potatoes, all infused with fragrant herbs and a touch of heat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe promises a warm, satisfying hug on a plate that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and harmony of fresh ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.

• Beef chuck roast (2.5 lbs): The star of the show, perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the beef’s natural taste.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Optional but adds a fantastic sear that builds depth in flavor.
• Unsalted butter (6 tbsp): Adds creaminess and richness that makes the sauce irresistibly luscious.
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Delivers a fragrant punch that complements both beef and potatoes beautifully.
• Dried Italian herbs (1 tsp): A blend of thyme, oregano, and basil that creates a savory aromatic base.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For just a hint of warmth and complexity.
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup chopped plus more for garnish): Offers a fresh, bright contrast to the richness.
• Baby Yukon Gold potatoes (2 lbs, halved): Their creamy texture is perfect when slow-cooked alongside the beef.
• Low-sodium beef broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and adds extra beefy flavor.
• Onion (1 medium, sliced, optional): Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• Carrots (1 cup, chopped, optional): Provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare Your Beef

Start by patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a better sear. Then, generously season all sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step boosts the natural flavors and sets the foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chunk of beef for 2 to 3 minutes per side until each piece has a lovely brown crust. This step caramelizes the meat’s surface, adding a depth of flavor that the slow cooker alone can’t achieve. If you’re short on time or want to keep it simple, you can skip this, but I highly recommend it if you can.

Step 3: Layer Potatoes and Veggies in the Slow Cooker

Place the halved baby Yukon Gold potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a natural bed for the beef and allows the potatoes to soak up delicious juices during cooking. Add sliced onion and chopped carrots if you’re using them—these vegetables don’t just add nutrients but also a subtle natural sweetness that rounds out the dish.

Step 4: Melt Butter and Mix Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter, then stir in minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, optional crushed red pepper flakes, and the chopped parsley. This garlic butter mixture is the heart of the recipe, infusing the beef and potatoes with rich, aromatic flavor throughout the slow cook.

Step 5: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place your seared beef chunks on top of the potatoes and veggies. Pour the beef broth evenly over everything to give moisture and that hearty, savory backbone. Next, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the entire slow cooker contents and gently toss or stir to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed without breaking up the potatoes.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule. The beef will become fork-tender, falling apart beautifully, while the potatoes turn soft yet hold their shape. This long, slow cooking process melds all those flavors together into one comforting experience.

Step 7: Final Adjustments and Serve

Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce, or for a natural thickener, mash a couple of the potatoes into the broth. Then, transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter, spoon over the luscious sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding not only a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh herbal note to brighten the rich flavors. You can also sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or even a little shredded parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A light dinner roll or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, serve the beef and potatoes family-style on a large rustic platter. Scatter additional fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges around the edges for brightness. Alternatively, place individual servings in ramekins, topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as good or even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up while warming. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and retain the dish’s full flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking, you can also use brisket or even stew meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the right tenderness.

Do I have to sear the beef first?

Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor and appealing texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, and the slow cooker will still do an excellent job of tenderizing the beef.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like parsnips, celery, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of the cooking times so everything cooks evenly without becoming mushy.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Just add spices gradually to suit your heat preference without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

You can leave the slow cooker uncovered for 15-20 minutes after cooking to reduce the liquid. Another trick is to mash a few potatoes into the sauce to naturally thicken and add extra body without needing flour or cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe enough if you want an easy, flavorful dish that feels like a special occasion on your table. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort, warmth, and joy with every bite, and the best part is how little hands-on time it requires. So go ahead, give it a try and share the love with your family or friends—you’re going to be the slow cooker hero in your kitchen!

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