Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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 (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)

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Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a delicious homemade meal without the fuss. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, allowing the flavors of garlic and butter to soak in deeply. The baby Yukon Gold potatoes become creamy and flavorful, making them the perfect companion to the rich meat. With minimal prep work and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to please everyone.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

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

Prepare the Beef: Start by patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Sear the Beef (Optional): If you choose to sear the beef for extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks in batches, if necessary, and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. If you seared the beef, layer the browned beef chunks on top of the potatoes. If you want, scatter the sliced onions and chopped carrots over the beef and potatoes.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine.
Assemble Everything: Pour the beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Then, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over everything. Gently toss to distribute the sauce without breaking the potatoes.
Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Cooking it slowly will make the beef fork-tender and the potatoes perfectly soft without becoming mushy.
Adjust the Sauce: After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thin, let it sit uncovered for about 15 minutes to thicken or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth for a creamier texture.
Serve the Dish: Once done, carefully transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon some of the extra sauce over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy your amazing meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

This dish shines as a main course on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Additionally, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the beef and potatoes, balancing your meal nicely. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Once the meal is assembled, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they will last for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the beef and potatoes for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to cool them completely before storing. When reheating, make sure to warm them slowly to maintain the flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Choose the Right Cut: Using beef chuck roast is ideal because it’s well-marbled and tenderizes beautifully during cooking. Avoid lean cuts as they may dry out.
Don’t Skip Searing: Though it’s optional, searing the beef adds a lot of flavor to the dish. It creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall taste.
Prep in Advance: You can cut the potatoes and vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This makes the morning prep time minimal!
Keep It Simple: This recipe allows for flexibility. If you prefer not to use carrots or onions, feel free to omit them. The main flavors will still shine through.
Control the Spice: If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes, but if you want to keep it mild, you can leave them out.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini for a plant-based alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and follow the same method.
Spicy Kick: For those who love spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños to the slow cooker.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also be used for a more vibrant taste.
Add More Veggies: Including more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even sweet potatoes can add variety and nutrition to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, while chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Just ensure they are well-marbled for the best results.

2. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cook it on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef will still be tender, but cooking it on LOW gives the best flavor and texture.

3. Is it possible to cook this in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a stovetop pot. Start by searing the beef, then add the potatoes and other ingredients, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

4. What kind of potatoes should I use?

Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice for this recipe because of their buttery flavor and creamy texture. You can substitute with red potatoes or any waxy variety that holds up well during cooking. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become mushy.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything in advance. Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, set the slow cooker to the desired setting and enjoy your meal later in the day.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its wonderful aroma filling your home, it promises a comforting meal that will warm both body and soul. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Why Make This Recipe

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Ingredients

Directions

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Variations

FAQs

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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