Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. If I had a nickel for every time I wanted to whip up a delicious meal without breaking a sweat, I could probably fund my own cooking show. But fear not, I have the perfect solution for you—Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes. Seriously, this dish is so good it should come with a warning label: extreme deliciousness ahead.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s get straight to the fun part. This recipe is awesome for so many reasons, it could practically have its own fan club. First up, it’s idiot-proof. Even I didn’t mess it up, and that says something. You throw everything into a slow cooker and let it do its magic—sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right?
And let’s talk about flavor. We have garlic butter going on here, folks. Garlic butter! Also, beef and potatoes are basically a match made in heaven. Add that rich, savory yumminess together, and you have a meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you kick back and binge-watch your favorite show. Win-win, right?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Okay, let’s raid the kitchen—or at least make a quick grocery list. Here’s what you will need:
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks (because we like it chunky)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (don’t be shy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional but pretty tasty)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (like a hug in a jar)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (bring on the garlic breath)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little kick)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish, because we eat with our eyes too)
- 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved (they’re cuter that way)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (hydration is key, even for beef)
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional, but I mean why not)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional, but they add a nice color)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get this beefy party started? Let’s go!
Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper. If you don’t season your beef, what are you even doing?
Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed. The browning step is like the foundational filter for Instagram—makes everything look better.
Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared beef chunks on top. Scatter onion and carrots in if using. There’s something so pleasing about layering food correctly, right?
In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. This step is basically a garlic lover’s dream.
Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute. Make it rain garlic butter!
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft but not mushy. Slow cooking is the best kind of cooking—just set it and forget it.
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. Ooey gooey condition is the goal here.
Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Like the beautiful masterpiece it is, this dish deserves its moment of glory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you’re all set up for success, let’s cover a few whoops moments you might encounter.
Not seasoning the beef properly. Seriously, throw some salt and pepper on that thing. Don’t be shy.
Skipping the searing step. I get it, patience isn’t always our strong suit. But searing gives a depth of flavor that could turn your meal from “meh” to “I need a moment alone with this plate.”
Overcooking or undercooking. Too soft, and you’re eating mush; too tough, and it’s like chewing on leather. Don’t be that person.
Ignoring cook times. Low and slow is the name of the game. If you think turning up the dial will save time, think again.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Alright, let’s get a little creative here. Maybe you don’t have all the ingredients or want to try something different. Totally cool! Here are some alternatives:
Beef Chuck Roast: You can use brisket or even a round roast if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep an eye on cook time as it varies.
Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: If those cuties aren’t available, regular potatoes will work. Just chop them into similar sizes. No one likes uneven cooking.
Butter: If you really want to be extra healthy, you could use ghee or margarine. But why hurt your soul like that?
Garlic: Can’t stand garlic? Though I’d argue you should—try garlic powder instead.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is where all the flavor lives.
Is it okay to skip the searing step? You could, but it’s like throwing a party and not inviting the fun. Just saying.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Just pack ‘em up in an airtight container and pop them in the freezer. You’ll have delicious meals waiting for you.
How do I know when the beef is done? If you can shred it with a fork, you’ve hit the jackpot, my friend.
Can I add more veggies? For sure! Throw in bell peppers, celery, or whatever veggies you have lying around. Get wild!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it. A simple yet incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes recipe that’s bound to become your go-to masterpiece. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Put on that apron, rock out to your favorite tunes, and let your slow cooker work its magic. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
An easy, flavorful slow cooker dish featuring tender beef and baby Yukon Gold potatoes cooked in garlic butter.
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
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 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 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 to 3 minutes per side until browned.
- Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared beef chunks on top. Scatter onion and carrots in if using.
- In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
- Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft.
- 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.
- Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
Make sure to season the beef well for the best flavor and don’t skip the searing step.