Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting dish featuring tender beef infused with rich garlic butter and creamy potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Start by patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial; it helps achieve a nice sear if you choose to brown the meat first. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- If you're searing the beef, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a rich brown color. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This Maillard reaction will deepen the flavor of your dish.
- Next, place the halved baby Yukon Gold potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a base that will absorb all the delicious juices from the beef.
- Lay the seared beef chunks on top of the potatoes. If using, scatter sliced onions and chopped carrots over the beef for added flavor and texture.
- In a small bowl, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This garlic butter sauce is the heart of the dish, so make sure it's well-mixed.
- Pour the 1/2 cup of low-sodium beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Then, drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce over everything. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are coated, but be careful not to break the potatoes.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. You'll know it's done when the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but not mushy — check a little before the end to avoid overcooking.
- Once done, taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you find the sauce too thin, let it sit uncovered for about 15 minutes; you can also mash a couple of potatoes into the broth to thicken it.
- Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy the comforting aroma that fills your home!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low (or 4-5 hours on high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Don't skimp on the seasoning! Properly seasoning the beef before cooking enhances the flavor of the entire dish. Use a generous amount of salt and pepper to truly bring out the flavors.