Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The beef becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly, infused with garlic and herbs. The baby potatoes soak up all the delicious juices, making them a perfect side. It’s a great recipe for busy weekdays or cozy weekends!

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)

Directions:

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 the 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 the garlic butter beef and potatoes hot on a large platter. Spoon the rich sauce over the dish and garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch. This meal pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

how to store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

tips to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

1. Choosing the Beef: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender with slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts of beef which may dry out.
2. Searing Option: Searing the beef before slow cooking adds more flavor but can be skipped if you want to save time.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Customize the herbs and spices according to your taste. Adding more garlic or herbs can enhance the flavor.
4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
5. Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water) and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

variation

You can switch up the potatoes by using sweet potatoes or even adding different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Add red wine to the broth for a more robust flavor, or swap out the garlic for shallots to create a different taste profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary.

2. Is it necessary to sear the beef?
No, it’s optional. Searing adds flavor but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and just set it to cook in the slow cooker in the morning.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef and flavorful potatoes cooked slowly with garlic and herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

Beef and Potatoes

• 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking.
• 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved Can substitute with sweet potatoes or other root vegetables.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth Add red wine for additional flavor if desired.

Seasonings and Additions

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, minced More garlic can be added for stronger flavor.
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs Or use a mix of thyme, oregano, basil.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional for a bit of heat.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Plus more for garnish.
• 1 medium onion, sliced Optional ingredient.
• 1 cup carrots, chopped Optional ingredient.

Seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil For searing, optional.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
• Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
• Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker and add the seared beef chunks on top.
• Scatter sliced onion and chopped carrots in if using.

Garlic Butter Sauce

• In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley.
• Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes.
• Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute.

Cooking

• 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.
• 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.

Serving

• Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter.
• Spoon extra sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Let dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Can freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Keyword Beef, Comfort Food, Garlic Butter, Potatoes, slow cooker