Juicy and flavorful, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply want a comforting meal to enjoy at home, this recipe delivers tender beef bites and baby potatoes slow-cooked to perfection in rich garlic butter. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and herbs infuses the beef and potatoes with mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish, it pairs well with rice or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks together in one pot.
- Family-Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the tender beef and creamy potatoes.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, a few essential tools are required. These tools not only simplify the process but also enhance your cooking results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low-and-slow cooking that makes the beef incredibly tender.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts of beef, which helps in even cooking.
Ingredients
For this comforting one-pot meal, gather 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 Cooking
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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. Add minced garlic evenly over the potatoes.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients
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: Combine and Serve
Gently stir the beef and potatoes to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is simple and versatile. This dish pairs well with various sides, enhancing its comforting flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Add an extra touch of flavor with garlic bread, which complements the dish beautifully.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of thyme can enhance the earthy flavors of the beef.
Serve Over Rice
- Fluffy White Rice: The rice absorbs the sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, swap white rice for brown rice. It adds a nutty texture.
Use as a Filling
- Stuffed Peppers: Spoon the beef mixture into bell peppers for a hearty stuffed pepper dish.
- Tacos: Use it as a filling for soft tortillas, topped with cheese and fresh veggies.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, consider these simple tips. They will help you create a tender and flavorful meal every time.
- Bold seasonings: Ensure you season the beef well before cooking. This helps enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Bold butter melting: Melt your butter before adding it to the slow cooker; this ensures even distribution throughout the dish.
- Bold cut size: Cut your beef into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking, ensuring that all pieces become tender.
- Bold low and slow cooking: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to develop fully and results in more tender meat.
- Bold liquid balance: Avoid adding too much liquid; the beef will release juices during cooking that contribute to the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To complement your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, serve it alongside these delightful side dishes. Each option enhances the meal while offering variety.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery potatoes make a rich base to enjoy with the beef.
- Steamed Vegetables: Bright, colorful vegetables like broccoli or carrots add nutrition and balance to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted sprouts bring a touch of bitterness that pairs well with savory beef flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that contrasts nicely with hearty beef.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides a nutritious alternative that complements the richness of the dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread acts as a perfect side, soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your beef cubes thoroughly. A lack of seasoning can lead to bland flavors in your dish.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Avoid packing too much meat or potatoes into the pot. This can prevent even cooking and result in tough beef.
- Not using enough liquid: Ensure there’s enough liquid in your slow cooker. Insufficient moisture can dry out the beef and potatoes during cooking.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking times vary between high and low settings. Stick to the recommended times to achieve tender, juicy beef.
- Forgetting to taste before serving: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasonings if necessary for a balanced flavor profile.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What cuts of meat work best for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
Chuck roast or round steak are ideal choices as they become tender when cooked slowly.
Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker recipe?
Absolutely! Carrots and onions pair well with garlic butter beef and add extra flavor.
How do I know when the beef is done cooking?
The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
Can I use frozen beef stew meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef; just increase the cooking time by about an hour.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a comforting one-pot meal that brings together juicy beef bites and tender potatoes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- Total Time: 32 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines tender beef with creamy baby potatoes, all infused with the rich flavors of garlic butter. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home, this one-pot meal is not only easy to prepare but also promises minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika; toss to coat.
- Layer halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker and drizzle with half of the melted butter and olive oil. Top with minced garlic.
- Add 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.
- Gently stir before serving and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Low for 6 to 7 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 290g
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider adding carrots or onions to the mix. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some liquid at the end of cooking and simmer it on the stovetop until reduced.

