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Garlic Butter Beef & Potatoes – Easy Beef Crockpot Dinner Thumbnail

Garlic Butter Beef & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal for cozy nights and busy days. Tender beef slowly cooks until melt-in-your-mouth soft, while baby potatoes soak up a rich garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and fresh parsley. Everything simmers together in one pot, creating deep flavor with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for cold weather dinners, family meals, or whenever you want something hearty without standing over the stove. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and an irresistible aroma make this slow cooker beef recipe a dependable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Course: Dinner, Family Meal, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Irish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • Beef Base:
  • 2½ pounds beef chuck trimmed and cut into large, hearty pieces
  • Salt and cracked black pepper generous seasoning recommended
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the beef (optional, but highly encouraged)
  • Garlic Butter Blend:
  • 6 tablespoons real butter melted for a silky sauce
  • 5 fresh garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian-style seasoning thyme, oregano, basil combo works well
  • ½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes optional for subtle heat
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, plus extra for finishing
  • Potatoes & Liquid
  • 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes sliced in half
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef stock keeps everything juicy without overpowering
  • Optional Veggie Boost:
  • 1 sliced onion adds sweetness
  • 1 cup chopped carrots for color and balance

Method
 

1. Season the Beef

Pat the beef dry, then coat all sides well with salt and pepper. This step sets the flavor foundation.

⏱️ About 5 minutes

    2. Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)

    Heat olive oil in a hot skillet. Add beef in batches and sear until deeply golden on all sides. This locks in flavor and adds richness.

    ⏱️ 8 minutes

      3. Build the Slow Cooker

      Spread potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the beef on top. Add onions and carrots now if using.

      ⏱️ 2 minutes

        4. Mix the Garlic Butter

        Combine melted butter, garlic, herbs, chili flakes, and parsley in a small bowl. Stir until fragrant and smooth.

        ⏱️ 3 minutes

          5. Add Liquid & Sauce

          Pour broth over everything, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly on top. Gently toss just enough to coat.

          ⏱️ 2 minutes

            6. Let It Cook

            LOW: 7–8 hours

            HIGH: 4–5 hours

            Cook until beef shreds easily and potatoes are tender but intact.

              7. Final Adjustments

              Taste and season as needed. For a thicker sauce, mash a potato into the liquid. Too thick? Add a splash of broth.

              ⏱️ 10 minutes

                8. Serve

                Transfer to a platter, spoon extra sauce over the top, and finish with fresh herbs.

                  Notes

                  Helpful Cooking Tips

                  • Don’t rush the browning. That golden crust equals deeper flavor.
                  • Layer smart. Potatoes on the bottom cook more evenly.
                  • Fresh garlic wins. Jarred works, but fresh delivers punch.
                  • Butter quality matters. Better butter = smoother sauce.
                  • Prep ahead. Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate.

                  FAQs

                  Can I skip searing the beef?
                   Yes, but you’ll miss out on depth of flavor. If time allows, do it.
                  What cut of beef works best?
                   Chuck roast is ideal—it breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
                  Can I use venison instead of beef?
                   Absolutely. This recipe adapts well to deer meat—just add a bit more butter or broth.
                  Why are my potatoes too soft?
                   They may be overcooked. Try adding them halfway through next time or use waxier potatoes.
                  How do I thicken the sauce naturally?
                   Mash a potato or let the lid stay off for 15 minutes after cooking.

                  Serving & Storage Ideas

                  • Serve hot, straight from the slow cooker
                  • Style it up: Potatoes around the edges, beef in the center, sauce on top
                  • Perfect pairings: Crusty bread, green salad, or steamed veggies
                  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
                  • Freeze: Individual portions for up to 2 months
                  • Reheat: Low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce

                  Final Thoughts

                  This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is comfort food at its finest—rich, cozy, and nearly impossible to mess up. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without demanding extra effort, which honestly makes it even better.
                  Swap vegetables, adjust garlic, or tweak herbs—this recipe plays well with creativity. That’s the beauty of slow cooking: it works with you, not against you.