Are you craving a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and packed with protein, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef bites infused with rich garlic butter, slow-cooked to perfection. Get ready to discover the secret to making the most unbelievably delicious and *Irresistible High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites* that will become a family favorite – and the best part is, it’s easier than you think!
Gathering Your Flavor-Packed Arsenal
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Trust me, each one plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor profile!
For the Beef Bites:
- Beef Chuck Roast: 3 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes. (Don’t be tempted to skip this, chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking!)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (fresh is best here!).
- Beef Broth: 1 cup, low sodium.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon.
- Cold Water: 2 tablespoons (for slurry).
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick!).
Step-by-Step to Beef Bite Bliss
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry if you’ve never slow-cooked before; this recipe is super straightforward. I’ll guide you through each step, making sure your GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES turn out perfectly tender and flavorful.
Preparing the Beef:
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This is important for a good sear! Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds amazing depth of flavor.
- Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
- In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is called deglazing, and it’s a chef’s secret weapon!
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Creating the Garlic Butter Magic:
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the garlic butter sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Bringing It All Together:
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shredded beef and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
While I specified chuck roast in the ingredients, you might be wondering why. And maybe you’re thinking, “Can I use something else?” Here’s the deal: chuck roast is the *absolute best* for this recipe. Its marbling breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in super tender and juicy beef bites. If you *must* substitute, a brisket would be the next best option, but honestly, stick with chuck roast for guaranteed success!
Tips and Tricks for Beef Bite Brilliance
Okay, now that you know the basics, let’s dive into some insider tips to elevate your Garlic Butter Beef Bites to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Don’t Skip the Sear! I know it adds an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it. Searing the beef creates a beautiful crust and adds a ton of flavor.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go! Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb all the flavors of the broth and spices.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning! Before serving, give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking! If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. Just remember to whisk it constantly while it’s cooking to prevent lumps.
- Add a Splash of Wine (Optional)! For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the skillet when deglazing. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the beef broth.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bite
These garlic butter beef bites are incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! The tender beef and flavorful sauce are perfect over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- In Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile the beef bites onto toasted rolls with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
- As Tacos or Burritos: Use the beef bites as a filling for tacos or burritos. Add some shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream for a fiesta in your mouth!
- As a Pizza Topping: Yes, you read that right! These beef bites make an amazing pizza topping.
- Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Serve the beef bites with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, for a complete and balanced meal. You could even try it with a Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole.
High Protein Powerhouse
Not only are these garlic butter beef bites incredibly delicious, but they’re also a fantastic source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy metabolism, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. So, you can indulge in these flavorful bites guilt-free!
Slow Cooker Swaps and Substitutions
Want to tailor this recipe to your dietary needs or preferences? Here are a few possible swaps and substitutions:
- For a lower-sodium option: Use low-sodium beef broth and adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- For a gluten-free version: Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- For a spicier kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. I also like to add a few dashes to my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes for a little extra heat!
The Slow Cooker Advantage: Why I’m Obsessed!
I absolutely *love* my slow cooker, and this recipe is a perfect example of why. It allows you to create incredibly flavorful and tender dishes with minimal effort. Just toss everything in, set it, and forget it! Plus, slow cooking is a great way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s also perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. While you’re at it, you should try my Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles. The slow cooker really brings out the flavor!
Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Be Amazed
There you have it! My secret to making the most irresistible high-protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites. I promise you, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress everyone who tries it. So, go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it. And while you’re at it, check out my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken – another super easy and delicious recipe!
Why is chuck roast recommended for this recipe?
Chuck roast is the best cut for this recipe because its marbling breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in super tender and juicy beef bites.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make a dairy-free version of the garlic butter beef bites.
What are some ways to serve the garlic butter beef bites?
These beef bites are versatile and can be served over rice or mashed potatoes, in sandwiches or sliders, as tacos or burritos, as a pizza topping, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Why is searing the beef important?
Searing the beef before slow cooking creates a beautiful crust and adds a ton of flavor to the garlic butter beef bites.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Two forks
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced for the beef
- 1 cup Beef Broth, low sodium
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Cold Water
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced for the sauce
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
Instructions
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic (6 cloves). Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic (4 cloves) and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the garlic butter sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shredded beef and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.