Get ready to discover your new favorite set-it-and-forget-it meal! These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are the absolute pinnacle of comfort food. We’re talking incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef swimming in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who craves a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The magic happens in the slow cooker, where simple ingredients transform into an unforgettable meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
Forget spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. The result is perfectly juicy beef bites that are packed with flavor every single time. Let’s dive in and make the best garlic butter beef bites you’ve ever had.
Why This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another beef recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of savory beef, rich butter, and aromatic garlic creates a truly addictive flavor profile. The slow cooking process breaks down the beef until it’s exceptionally tender, while the sauce thickens into a luscious, velvety gravy that’s perfect for spooning over potatoes or rice. It’s a simple, reliable, and utterly delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these phenomenal beef bites.
- Beef Chuck Roast: Cut into 1-inch cubes. This cut becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Olive Oil: For searing the beef to lock in the juices.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the beef.
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of our garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor.
- Beef Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, umami flavor. Use low-sodium if preferred.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the beef perfectly.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a fresh garnish that adds a pop of color.
How to Make The Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Follow these simple steps to achieve flawless garlic butter beef bites. The key is to sear the beef first to build a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Beef: 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. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear on all sides until browned. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Slow Cook: Pour the garlic butter sauce mixture over the beef bites in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by whisking the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites hot with your favorite sides.
Choosing the Best Cut of Beef
For the most tender and flavorful slow cooker beef bites, a well-marbled chuck roast is your best option. The fat content and connective tissue in chuck roast break down beautifully over a long cooking time, resulting in succulent, fall-apart beef. Sirloin or round steak can also be used, but they are leaner and may not become as tender. If you’re looking for convenience, pre-cut stew meat is a great choice, as it’s typically from the chuck.
Tips for the Juiciest, Most Tender Beef Bites
Want to guarantee perfection? Keep these pro tips in mind.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the beef is crucial. This step creates the Maillard reaction, which develops deep, complex flavors and locks in the meat’s juices.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When searing, make sure the beef cubes are in a single layer and not touching. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of browning it.
- Low and Slow is Key: For the most tender results, always opt for the “low” setting on your slow cooker if you have the time. It allows the connective tissues to break down gently.
- Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, freshly minced garlic provides a much more robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the beef for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
- A Touch of Spice: For a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For another flavorful option, try making your own Cajun seasoning blend to sprinkle on the beef before searing.
- Herbaceous Boost: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for more aromatic depth.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites
These versatile beef bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that can soak up the incredible sauce. Our top recommendations include:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Gouda Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- A side of crusty homemade garlic knots for dipping
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef bites and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen up as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not recommended to use frozen beef in a slow cooker as it can spend too long in the ‘danger zone’ where bacteria can grow. For best results and food safety, make sure your beef is fully thawed before you begin.
Yes, for the best flavor, you should always sear the beef before slow cooking. This step creates a rich, caramelized crust on the meat (the Maillard reaction) that adds incredible depth to the sauce and the final dish.
The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to use a cornstarch slurry. Simply whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat wonderfully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The best cut is a well-marbled beef chuck roast. Its fat and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful. Stew meat, which is often from the chuck, is another great option.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring more of our easy and flavorful dinner ideas. Try our delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken for a poultry twist on this classic flavor combination. For a hearty and satisfying pasta dish, our One-Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites (The BEST Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, working in batches. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter, then add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Best Beef Cut: Chuck roast is highly recommended for its marbling, which results in tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
