This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes is a cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Tender beef cooked with potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce makes it simply mouthwatering!
I can’t resist the smell of garlic wafting through the house while this simmers away. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—easy to make and even easier to clean up! Yum! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This recipe shines with beef stew meat, usually a tougher cut that becomes tender in the slow cooker. You can substitute with chuck roast or brisket if needed, just cut it into chunks.
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes for their perfect size and creamy texture. However, you can substitute them with regular potatoes—just cut them into chunks. Yukon Golds are a great choice here.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for flavor control, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. Use about 1 tsp of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
Beef Broth: If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-sodium beef broth is a good choice. Vegetable broth can also work for a different flavor profile.
How Can I Ensure the Beef is Tender and Juicy?
Tender beef is key to this dish, and there are a few simple tricks to get it right. Start by searing the beef chunks in a hot skillet to lock in those juices and enhance the flavor. This step adds depth to the dish and should not be skipped.
- Heat olive oil until hot, then sear each chunk until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Be sure to give the beef space in the pan; overcrowding can steam it instead of sear it.
- Once seared, let the beef rest before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps keep it juicy!
Allowing the beef to cook low and slow in the slow cooker ensures it gets super tender, usually around 7-8 hours on low. Trust the process, and you’ll have the softest beef that practically falls apart on your plate!
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1.5 lbs (700g) baby potatoes, halved
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty meal takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and will cook in your slow cooker for about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Altogether, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed to create a flavorful garlic butter mixture.
2. Coat the Beef:
Toss the chunks of beef in half of the garlic butter mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for that rich flavor.
3. Sear the Beef:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This helps to lock in the juices and flavor. After browning, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
4. Prepare the Potatoes:
In the same skillet, add the halved baby potatoes and sauté for around 2-3 minutes to give them a slight browning. Once done, transfer them to the slow cooker with the beef.
5. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the remaining garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Then, add the beef broth which will help keep everything moist and flavorful.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The goal is for the beef to become tender and the potatoes to be cooked through.
7. Final Touch:
Once cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch and enjoy your meal!
Serve warm and indulge in this savory garlic butter beef and potatoes—it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed beef for this recipe. If you only have frozen beef, remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. It’s important to avoid cooking with frozen beef directly in the slow cooker, as it can unevenly cook and lead to food safety issues.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by adding carrots, green beans, or even onions. Just chop the veggies into similar sizes and add them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for a complete meal.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat them thoroughly before eating!
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! You can make this meal in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Follow the same steps for searing the beef and preparing the garlic butter mixture. Add everything to the Dutch oven with the beef broth, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.
