This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a heart-warming one-pot meal that brings tender, flavorful beef and soft, buttery potatoes together in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a classic comfort dish that’s set-and-forget easy — everything goes into your crock pot with minimal prep, and hours later you’re rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked potatoes. The garlic butter sauce seeps into every piece, giving each bite bold, savory flavor that feels both rustic and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning humble beef and potatoes into a dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a comforting meal for yourself, this dinner delivers big on taste with very little effort.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-8 quart recommended)
- Large skillet (optional for searing)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 medium onion, sliced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or thyme/oregano)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- (Optional) Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2–3 minutes per side until browned — this boosts flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Place the halved baby potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker, then nestle the seared or raw beef pieces on top. Add sliced onion if using.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the beef broth over the meat and potatoes, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but not falling apart.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, leave the lid off for 10–15 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–8 hours
- Total Time: 4:15–8:15 hours
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Dish
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip the garlic — it’s essential for the rich buttery sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the potatoes — check them near the end if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Don’t lift the lid during the slow-cooking window unless necessary; heat escapes and slows the cooking process.
Tips & Variations
- Use sirloin tip or stew meat if chuck roast isn’t available — adjust cook time as needed.
- Add carrots or parsnips for extra color and sweetness.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for a different take.
- For deeper flavor, sear the beef before slow cooking.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: ~28 g
- Carbohydrates: ~26 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~480 mg
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef and Tender Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- (Optional) Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2–3 minutes per side until browned — this boosts flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Place the halved baby potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker, then nestle the seared or raw beef pieces on top. Add sliced onion if using.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the beef broth over the meat and potatoes, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but not falling apart.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, leave the lid off for 10–15 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Protein: ~28 g
- Carbohydrates: ~26 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~480 mg
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes turns simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying, comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking method yields tender beef and buttery potatoes bathed in a savory garlic sauce that’s perfect for chilly nights or family dinners. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and makes great leftovers, too — a true comfort classic you’ll come back to again and again.
FAQs
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes — use a Dutch oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours, checking tenderness periodically.
Do I have to sear the beef first?
No — searing adds extra flavor but isn’t required.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Chuck roast works best, but brisket, sirloin tip, or stew meat can be used (may alter cooking time).
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely — carrots, onions, or green beans can be cooked in the last hour.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What pairs well with it?
Fresh greens, buttered rolls, or a simple salad balance this hearty meal.
