Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of tender beef and buttery garlic wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef! This recipe is designed to make your life easy while delivering a purely delicious dining experience. You can set it up in just a few minutes and let the slow cooker do the hard work, resulting in a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Recipe
This delightful dish stands out because of its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. You don’t have to be an experienced chef to create a meal that feels gourmet. Thanks to the magic of your slow cooker, the beef stew meat becomes wonderfully tender and absorbs all the savory seasonings, making every bite a flavorful experience. The combination of garlic, butter, and Italian herbs turns the simple ingredients into a comforting dish ideal for any occasion. Plus, you can enjoy your day while dinner cooks itself, making it a convenient option for busy lifestyles!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To start creating this mouthwatering dish, grab a large bowl and combine the beef cubes with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until the beef is well-coated with the flavorful blend of seasonings.
Once your beef is seasoned, prepare your slow cooker by arranging the halved baby potatoes at the base. Drizzle half of the melted butter and olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, evenly distribute the minced garlic over the potatoes for an aromatic kick.
Next, it’s time to build the layers. Place the seasoned beef cubes on top of the baby potatoes, which adds depth to the dish. Drizzle the remaining melted butter and olive oil over the beef for added richness.
Now, cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is for the beef to become wonderfully fork-tender and the potatoes to be cooked through and soft.
After the time is up, gently stir the beef and potatoes together to combine the flavors, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The visual appeal of this dish, combined with its incredible aroma, will have everyone eagerly anticipating mealtime.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, there are plenty of ways to present this mouthwatering dish. One option is to serve it directly from the slow cooker, providing a rustic and hearty look that fits well with any gathering. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out a generous portion of beef and potatoes onto each plate.
For an elegant presentation, you could use a shallow bowl to serve the beef over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. This allows the savory juices from the beef to soak into the starch, creating a more filling and satisfying meal.
Enhance your dish further by adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. The brightness of a salad complements the hearty flavors of the beef, ensuring a well-rounded meal that is both nourishing and delicious.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To elevate your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef to the next level, consider these expert tips:
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for cuts like chuck or brisket, which become wonderfully tender when slow-cooked. These cuts are not only budget-friendly but also rich in flavor.
- Searing the Beef: For an extra layer of flavor, you might want to sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the meat, enhancing both texture and taste.
- Adjusting the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount of minced garlic for an even stronger flavor. Conversely, if you prefer a milder taste, reduce the garlic as needed.
- Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Adding different herbs can change the flavor profile of the dish, giving you variety.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary based on your specific slow cooker. Check the beef after a few hours if you’re using the high setting. The beef should be super tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
To store your leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal.
For longer storage, you might want to consider freezing the leftovers. Place the beef in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to label the container with the date, so you know when to use it.
When reheating from the freezer, allow the beef to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. This will help it heat evenly, retaining its delicious flavors.
Variation of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
There are countless ways to customize your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef to suit your taste preferences! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add diced carrots, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the pot for a boost of color and nutrition. These vegetables cook down well and absorb the rich flavors of the beef and spices.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy fiery flavors, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. This will give your dish an extra punch.
- Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream during the last hour of cooking to create a creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Herb Variation: Instead of Italian seasoning, experiment with different herb blends like Mexican or Mediterranean to change up the flavor profile entirely.
- Beef Alternatives: While beef stew meat is delicious, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed since poultry can cook faster than beef.
FAQ
What is the best beef for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
The best cuts of beef for slow cooking are chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow in your slow cooker.
Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead by assembling all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerating it overnight, and then cooking it the next day.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
While it’s recommended to use thawed beef for even cooking, you can use frozen beef. The cooking time will need to be adjusted, as it will take longer to reach the desired tenderness.
How do I know when the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is done?
The beef is done cooking when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. It should also reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, bread, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Consider adding steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes Chuck or brisket cuts are recommended for tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Add before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until the beef is well-coated.
- Arrange the halved baby potatoes at the base of the slow cooker. Drizzle half of the melted butter and olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring they are coated.
- Evenly distribute the minced garlic over the potatoes.
- Place the seasoned beef cubes on top of the baby potatoes. Drizzle the remaining melted butter and olive oil over the beef.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
Serving
- Gently stir the beef and potatoes together to combine the flavors, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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