why make this recipe

This slow cooker dish gives you tender beef and soft potatoes with a rich garlic butter sauce. It cooks low and slow, so you do less work and get more flavor. If you want a simple main plus a warm starter, try this baked camembert with garlic and rosemary before the beef.

introduction

This recipe uses beef chuck, butter, garlic, and potatoes. You set it in the slow cooker and let time do the work. The meat becomes fork-tender and the potatoes soak up the sauce. It is an easy weeknight meal or a simple dinner for guests.

how to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Work in clear steps. First, dry and season the beef. Sear the beef if you like a deeper flavor. Place the potatoes in the slow cooker first, then add the beef and any vegetables. Mix melted butter with garlic and herbs and pour it over the meat and potatoes. Add beef broth for moisture. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. Taste at the end and adjust salt and pepper. For more braised beef ideas, see this braised beef short ribs with creamy polenta for a different style of slow-cooked beef.

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 (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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)
1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)

Directions :

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 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
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 (if using), and chopped parsley.
Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft but not mushy.
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, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

how to serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Serve on a large platter with extra sauce spooned over the meat and potatoes. Add a green salad or steamed green beans for color and balance. Warm crusty bread or rolls work well to soak up the sauce.

how to store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the oven at 325°F until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Sear the beef for more flavor, but you can skip it to save time.
Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Add carrots and onions for more veg and sweetness.
If the sauce is thin, mash a few potatoes into it to thicken.
For a richer finish, stir in a pat of butter or a splash of cream at the end.
For bread ideas to serve with the dish, try this buttery cheese garlic rolls.

variation (if any)

Use baby red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold.
Add mushrooms for earthiness.
Swap beef chuck for short ribs for a fattier, richer result.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Short ribs or brisket work but may change the cook time.

Q: Do I have to sear the beef first?
A: No. Searing adds flavor but the slow cooker still makes the beef tender without searing.

Q: Can I cook this in an oven or instant pot?
A: You can braise it in the oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours covered. For an Instant Pot, use high pressure for about 60–75 minutes with a natural release.

Q: How do I stop the potatoes from getting mushy?
A: Use firm baby potatoes and don’t cut them too small. Check doneness near the end of cooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Cook it the day before, cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

For a similar slow cooker garlic butter beef idea and extra tips, see this recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – KJ and Company.