Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Why This Recipe Works

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes combines rich flavors and simple ingredients to create a comforting dish. The slow cooking method tenderizes the beef while the garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with delicious taste. Plus, using baby Yukon Gold potatoes ensures that they cook to perfection alongside the beef, making for a complete meal in one pot.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy to follow but also delivers a hearty and satisfying dinner. The combination of garlic, butter, and beef creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your home. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, homemade meal waiting for you without much fuss. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious meal in the evening.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)

Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet (optional)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
  3. Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared beef chunks on top. Scatter onion and carrots in if using.
  4. In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley.
  5. Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft but not mushy.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth for thickness.
  8. Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Serve this dish warm, directly from the slow cooker. It pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also add a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

To store leftovers, let the beef and potatoes cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips & Tricks

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
  • If you like a thicker sauce, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) in the last hour of cooking.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes for more variety.

Variations & Substitutions

  • You can replace beef chuck with brisket or round for different flavor profiles.
  • For a lighter version, substitute beef with chicken thighs or pork.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold for a different taste and look.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for better seasoning and cooking results.

Can I cook this on high if I don’t have time?

Yes, you can cook this on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Just keep an eye on the beef to ensure it becomes tender.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it easily pulls apart with a fork. If it feels tough, continue cooking until it is fork-tender.

Print

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

A hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender beef, garlic butter sauce, and baby Yukon Gold potatoes.

  • Author: alexa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Total Time: 495 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared beef chunks on top. Scatter onion and carrots in if using.
  4. In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley.
  5. Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft but not mushy.
  7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thin, let sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth for thickness.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, spoon extra sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Pairs well with crusty bread and a side salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Hi, I’m Lina! I’m a 43-year-old home cook and mom of two, serving up easy, soul-hugging recipes for real-life families. Join me for delicious and reliable baking recipes. Everything from cakes, brownies, cheese cake and cookies to bars, quick breads, and more. Every recipe is tested, perfected, and made to inspire confidence in your kitchen. Happy baking!