Imagine tender, juicy beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, infused with the rich, savory flavors of garlic butter, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker; that’s exactly what you’re about to experience with these incredible Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes, and I promise, it will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 1.5 – 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Let’s Talk Beef: Choosing the Right Cut
For these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes, I highly recommend using a chuck roast. It’s an affordable cut that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. Other options could include brisket, but chuck roast really gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re going for. Don’t be afraid of a little marbling (fat) in the beef; it renders down during cooking and adds richness and flavor.
The Potato Power: Selecting Your Spuds
Yukon Gold potatoes are my top pick for this recipe because they hold their shape well in the slow cooker and have a naturally buttery flavor. Red potatoes are another great option for the potato slow cooker approach. Avoid russet potatoes as they can become a bit too mushy. The size you cut the potatoes is also important – aim for 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly with the beef.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started: Searing the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; searing in batches prevents the beef from steaming instead of browning.
Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker
- Place chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the seared beef on top of the onions.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the beef.
- Pour beef broth over the mixture.
Adding the Potatoes and Slow Cooking
- Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker, arranging them evenly around the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef and potatoes are very tender.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Combining and Serving
- Once the beef and potatoes are cooked, carefully pour the garlic butter sauce over the top.
- Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Let the mixture sit in the slow cooker for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooker Success
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the beef is a game-changer. It creates a beautiful crust and adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get without it.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low for a longer period yields the most tender beef. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high, but keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You might want to add a little extra salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Resist the urge to peek! Each time you open the slow cooker, you release heat and extend the cooking time.
Variations to Spice Things Up
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Add them along with the potatoes for even cooking.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Herb It Up: Experiment with different herbs. Fresh rosemary, oregano, or thyme would all be delicious additions.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Add a fresh salad: A simple green salad or a crisp cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and potatoes.
- Pair with steamed green beans or broccoli: For an extra boost of nutrients, serve with a side of your favorite green vegetables.
Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Bites And Potatoes: A Convenient Meal Prep Option
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Simply cook the beef and potatoes as directed, then divide them into individual containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat. This is also great for preparing a large batch of High Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites ahead of time.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
If you love this recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore some other amazing slow cooker meals. For a similar flavor profile, give Garlic Butter Beef a try. If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting dish, the Ultimate Slow Cooker Stew is a must-try. For something completely different, consider the Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, and don’t forget the easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes! If you’re looking for something with noodles, then you should check out the Slow Cooker Beef And Noodles.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For best results, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to prevent the beef and potatoes from drying out.
Why I Love Steak Recipes Slow Cooker
I am such a huge fan of steak recipes slow cooker, because it’s the ultimate way to get the most tender, flavorful, and satisfying meals with minimal effort. I can prep everything in the morning, set the slow cooker, and come home to a delicious dinner that’s ready to enjoy. What’s not to love?
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Effortless Feast!
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes are a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of tender beef, flavorful potatoes, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce is truly a match made in heaven. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!
What is the best cut of beef to use for this slow cooker recipe, and why?
Chuck roast is highly recommended because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. It’s also an affordable cut. Brisket could be used as an alternative.
What kind of potatoes are recommended, and what size should they be cut?
Yukon Gold potatoes are the top pick because they hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery flavor. Red potatoes are also a good option. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking with the beef.
Is searing the beef really necessary for this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, searing the beef is crucial. It creates a beautiful crust and adds a depth of flavor that you can’t get without it.
How long can I store leftovers of the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Place chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the seared beef on top of the onions.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the beef.
- Pour beef broth over the mixture.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker, arranging them evenly around the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef and potatoes are very tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Once the beef and potatoes are cooked, carefully pour the garlic butter sauce over the top.
- Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Let the mixture sit in the slow cooker for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot and enjoy!