Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes – Easy Tender Recipe
**Introduction**
Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of melting garlic butter and tender, slow-cooked beef, all ready to serve without any fuss. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal, featuring succulent chuck roast that falls apart at the touch of a fork, nestled alongside buttery-soft potatoes in a rich, savory sauce. The key flavors are deeply savory beef, sweet mellow roasted garlic, and the luxurious richness of herbs and butter, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that feels like a warm embrace. What makes it special is its incredible simplicity and foolproof method, transforming humble ingredients into a spectacular meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you crave a no-stress dinner that delivers maximum flavor and comfort.
**Perfect for:**
* Busy Weeknight Dinners
* Comforting Sunday Supper
* Holiday or Family Gathering
* Meal Prep for the Week
* Cold Weather Comfort Meal
**Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe**
**Unbelievably Tender Beef:** The slow, low heat breaks down the connective tissue in chuck roast, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful beef that is impossible to overcook.
**Effortless “Hands-Off” Cooking:** Simply sear, add everything to the pot, and let the slow cooker do all the work. You get a gourmet-tasting meal with just minutes of active prep.
**Complete All-in-One Meal:** With protein and potatoes cooking together, this dish is a full, satisfying dinner straight from the cooker. Just add a simple vegetable or salad.
**Makes Its Own Incredible Sauce:** As the beef and potatoes cook, they release juices that mingle with the garlic butter and herbs, creating a deeply flavorful gravy without any extra steps.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
* Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (mostly hands-off)
* Preparation Time: 15 minutes
* Cooking Time: 8 hours on LOW
* Servings: 6 servings
* Calories per serving: Approximately 520-580 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 520-580 kcal
* **Protein:** 38g
* **Carbohydrates:** 22g
* **Fat:** 32g
* **Fiber:** 2g
* **Sugar:** 2g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 3-4 pound beef chuck roast, cut into 3-4 large chunks
* 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), halved
* 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. Season and Sear: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the halved baby potatoes and all the peeled garlic cloves around and over the beef in the slow cooker. Dot the top of everything with the tablespoons of butter.
3. Add Seasonings and Liquid: Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary evenly over the contents. Pour the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth around the sides (avoid pouring directly on top to keep the sear intact).
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker gravy, carefully transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter and tent with foil. Pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened. Alternatively, make a slurry with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water, whisk into the simmering liquid until thickened.
6. Serve: Shred the beef lightly with two forks directly in the pot or on the platter. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
**How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes**
* Serve as a complete main course right from the slow cooker, with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Alongside a simple steamed green vegetable like green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli.
* Over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or egg noodles for a different base.
* Spooned into shallow bowls for a comforting, stew-like presentation.
**Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes**
* **Do not skip the sear.** This crucial step builds a foundation of rich flavor through the Maillard reaction.
* For the best texture and to prevent mushiness, use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during long cooking.
* If you’re short on time, you can skip peeling the garlic cloves. The skins will slip off easily after cooking, and the flavor will be slightly milder.
* Let the beef rest for 10 minutes after cooking and before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
**Recipe Variations of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes**
* **Herb-Infused Version:** Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary on top of the beef instead of dried herbs. Remove before serving.
* **Mushroom & Onion Version:** Add 1 sliced yellow onion and 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms when you add the potatoes.
* **Creamy Horseradish Version:** Stir 2-3 tablespoons of prepared horseradish and ¼ cup of heavy cream into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
**Freezing and Storage for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes**
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve the next day. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
**Freezing:** This dish freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**FAQ Section about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes**
* **Can I use a different cut of beef?** Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they will become dry and tough.
* **Do I have to peel the garlic?** Peeling is recommended for the best texture and to allow the garlic to melt into the sauce. For a shortcut, use pre-peeled garlic cloves from the store.
* **My sauce is too thin. How can I fix it?** Use the reduction or cornstarch slurry method outlined in Step 5 of the instructions. This is a common and easy fix.
* **Can I add other vegetables?** Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips work well added at the beginning. For softer vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, add them during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
**Conclusion of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe**
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is the epitome of hearty, no-fuss cooking. It delivers restaurant-quality tenderness and deep, layered flavors with minimal active effort, making it an indispensable recipe for any home cook. The combination of savory beef, sweet roasted garlic, and rich butter creates a comforting sauce that brings the entire dish together in perfect harmony. Whether you need a dependable family dinner or a stress-free meal for entertaining, this recipe promises consistent, delicious results every time. Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the incredible aromas, and savor a meal that truly cooks itself.