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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that requires minimal effort. The beef becomes incredibly tender and the potatoes soak up a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for any day of the week. It's a humble yet elegant dish that proves the best meals are often the simplest.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (a mix of thyme, oregano, basil works well)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
  • 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)

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Small bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Beef: Start by patting the beef chunks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended): If you have time, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. This step isn't just about cooking the beef; it's about building immense flavor. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Scatter the halved potatoes, sliced onion, and chopped carrots (if using) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared beef chunks on top of the vegetables.
  4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. The aroma alone will tell you you're on the right track!
  5. Combine Everything: Pour the beef broth over the beef and potatoes. Now, drizzle that incredible garlic butter sauce all over everything in the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is lightly coated.
  6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The goal is fork-tender beef and perfectly soft potatoes. The low and slow method yields the most tender results for this beef and potatoes dish.
  7. Final Touches: Once cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you find the sauce a bit thin for your liking, you can let the slow cooker sit uncovered on the "keep warm" setting for 15-20 minutes to help it reduce.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Carefully transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon plenty of the garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the crockpot over the top. Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

For the best flavor, do not skip searing the beef. You can deglaze the pan with beef broth for extra flavor. Cut potatoes into uniform pieces and place them on the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or by mashing a few cooked potatoes into the sauce.