Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Enter the slow cooker garlic butter beef with potatoes! This dish is like a warm hug for your stomach without requiring any of the fuss. Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker, turn it on, and let it work its magic while you binge-watch your favorite series or just scroll through your phone like a boss.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let me tell you why this recipe rocks harder than your favorite playlist. First off, it’s practically foolproof. If your cooking skills rival that of a microwave, you can still pull this off. It’s so simple that even I didn’t mess it up, and believe me, I have a talent for culinary disasters.
Not only is this dish simple to make, but it’s also a one-pot wonder! Less time cleaning up equals more time for enjoying your delicious creation. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of garlic and butter wafting through the house? Your neighbors will think you’re hosting a gourmet dinner party when in reality, you’re just on your sofa in pajamas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these bad boys for a delightful feast:
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional but recommended)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (because more garlic equals more happiness)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for those who like a bit of heat)
- 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, but it adds nice flavor)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional, because why not get your veggies in)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get down to business, shall we?
- Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and generously season with salt and black pepper. We are talking like you mean it, people.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. If you have to work in batches, just channel your inner chef and go for it.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add those beautifully seared beef chunks on top. If you are feeling fancy, scatter sliced onion and chopped carrots in there too.
- In a small bowl, melt your butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. You’re basically making liquid gold here.
- Pour the beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle that glorious garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute. You want everyone to mingle.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Your goal is to achieve fork-tender beef and potatoes soft but not mushy—it’s an art form, really.
- Once it is all done, 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. Fancy thickening, right?
- Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon any extra sauce over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Voila!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alright, let’s talk potential slip-ups. Here are a few things to dodge like they’re that last slice of pizza at a party:
- Skipping the seasoning: Seriously, don’t skimp on salt and pepper. It’s not just for show.
- Overcrowding the pan when searing: You want that glorious crust. Give the beef chunks space to breathe—like they deserve.
- Ignoring the cook time: I know we all want instant gratification, but slow and steady wins the race here. Resist the urge to peek too often.
- Not letting it rest before serving: Letting it hang out for a bit helps all the flavors settle. Also, it gives you time to finish that episode of your show.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Life is all about choices, right? Here are a few swaps if you’re feeling adventurous:
- Instead of beef chuck roast, you could use brisket or even chicken if you’re into that. But let’s be real—beef is the MVP here.
- No baby Yukon Gold potatoes? Just grab whatever spuds you have lying around. Just be sure to cut them in similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, try using dried herbs. Just eyeball it and don’t sweat it.
- Want to skip the butter? You could use ghee or a vegan butter alternative, but you might be missing out on the heavenly garlic butter flavor.
FAQ
Here are a few questions you might be asking yourself. At least I hope you are.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is a magical unicorn of flavor.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can sauté everything and then transfer it to a Dutch oven. Let it braise in the oven at 300°F for a few hours instead.
Can I add more vegetables? For sure! Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever veggie you have on hand. Just know that this may change the cooking time.
Is it kid-friendly? This is about as kid-friendly as it gets. If your kids like beef and potatoes (and who doesn’t), you’re golden.
How do I store leftovers? If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this? Yup! Freeze it in portions, and when you’re feeling lazy down the road, just reheat and enjoy.
Is it spicy? Not unless you add those crushed red pepper flakes. So spice lovers and spice haters can both enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Once you master this dish, you can claim the unofficial title of the "Slow Cooker King or Queen" and bask in the glory of friends and family asking for the secret to your deliciousness. Happy cooking, my friend! Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
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
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe combining tender beef and baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional but recommended)
- 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 the beef chunks dry with paper towels and generously season with salt and black pepper.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef chunks on top, along with sliced onion and chopped carrots if desired.
- 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 drizzle the garlic butter sauce over everything and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste. 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 garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
Let the dish rest before serving to allow flavors to meld together.