Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a balm for busy weeknights and a feast for gatherings alike. Picture tender, flavorful chunks of beef swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with golden, creamy Yukon Gold potatoes—pure bliss in a bowl! This recipe offers an easy path to a hearty meal with minimal hands-on time, allowing you to embrace the luxury of slow cooking without sacrificing quality or taste.

What Makes This Recipe Special

When it comes to slow cooker meals, few can rival the comforting allure of garlic butter beef with potatoes. Here are some standout reasons to add this dish to your dinner rotation:

Effortless Preparation: With just a bit of prep and the gentle hum of a slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Beef chuck roast is an economical cut that becomes tender and flavorful after hours of simmering, making this meal easier on the wallet without compromising on taste.
Kid-Friendly Flavor: The rich and buttery flavor profile makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a cozy family gathering, or even a potluck, this dish serves well for any occasion.

"This dish became an instant family favorite! The beef was so tender, and the garlic flavor was just perfect—definitely a keeper!" – A happy home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is easier than you might think. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Season and sear your beef chunks for added flavor (optional but recommended).
Layer halved potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the beef.
Create a flavorful garlic butter sauce, pour it over everything, and cover with beef broth.
Set your slow cooker to low or high, depending on how much time you have.
Wait for the magic to happen!

Gather Your Ingredients

This dish requires straightforward ingredients that you may already have on hand:

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)

Feel free to substitute baby Yukon Gold potatoes with other waxy potatoes, or swap the beef broth for chicken broth for a different flavor.

Cooking Steps

Now, let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious recipe:

Pat the beef chunks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. If you have a lot of beef, work in batches.
Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the seared beef chunks on top and add onions and carrots if you’re using them.
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
Pour the beef broth over the beef and potatoes, followed by the garlic butter sauce. Gently toss to distribute.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through but not mushy.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of the potatoes for added thickness.
Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter, drizzle with extra sauce, sprinkle fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes, simplicity is key.

Pair with a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Vibrant Vegetables: Consider pairing it with sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare treat!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerate: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, transfer to freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat Safely: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in a skillet or gentle microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.

Pro Chef Tips

Make your cooking experience even better with these helpful hints:

Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef enhances the flavor significantly, creating a deeper, more nuanced taste in your final dish.
Customize the Heat: If you like a little kick, keep the crushed red pepper flakes; for milder flavor, simply omit them.
Herb Variations: Feel free to use fresh herbs instead of dried for an even brighter flavor!

Creative Twists

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

Add Wine: A splash of red wine in the sauce can add complexity if you’re looking to elevate your dish even further.
Swap the Potatoes: For a different texture, try using sweet potatoes or even parsnips.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice blends, like adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a more exotic flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cooking time typically ranges from 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH, depending on your slow cooker.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or chuck eye, but keep in mind that cooking time may vary.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Empower your cooking journey with this comprehensive guide to Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes, and get ready to relish every savory bite!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Total Time: 495 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef in a garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

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 (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)

Instructions

Pat the beef chunks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the seared beef chunks on top and add onions and carrots if using.
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
Pour the beef broth over the beef and potatoes, then pour the garlic butter sauce on top. Gently toss to distribute.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of potatoes for thickness.
Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter, drizzle with extra sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Serve with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or vibrant vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: slow cooker, beef, garlic butter, potatoes, comfort food