Chef Mitchell preparing Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while experimenting with slow cooking techniques, aiming to create a dish that was both hearty and flavorful. After several trials, I perfected the balance of garlic and butter that complements the beef beautifully. It's become a staple in my household and a go-to for potlucks. Sharing this dish brings me joy, knowing it warms hearts and homes alike."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I specialize in American cuisine and dinner recipes. I've worked in various restaurants where I developed a passion for creating hearty, comforting meals. My goal is always to share my love for cooking through simple yet delightful recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef served on a plate

Why This Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef Recipe Works

This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooking process melds the flavors together beautifully, resulting in tender meat that falls apart with a fork. Garlic and butter elevate the dish, adding richness and depth that will impress any guest.

The technique of searing the beef before slow cooking locks in juices and flavors, ensuring that every bite is succulent. Coupled with the simplicity of dumping everything into a slow cooker, it's a foolproof way to serve a stunning meal with minimal effort.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, choose a good quality beef chuck roast and let it marinate in the seasonings for a few hours if time allows. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat. Additionally, adding a splash of red wine to the broth can deepen the flavor profile beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble them in the slow cooker the night before. Just refrigerate the slow cooker insert and set it up in the morning. This makes it convenient for busy days, as you can come home to a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

If you're not a fan of garlic, you can use shallots or onions for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can omit garlic altogether if you're looking for a simpler taste, but the dish will lose some of its signature richness.

The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be at least 190°F for optimal tenderness. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model, so monitor accordingly.

Absolutely! Once cooled, transfer the beef and sauce to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It's a great meal prep option for busy weeks ahead.

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can also complement the meal nicely for a balanced dinner.

In the refrigerator, Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef can last for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.

Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook, or prepare it in the morning for a delicious dinner later.

To reheat, place the beef and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the beef turns out dry, it may have been overcooked or not enough liquid was used.

Solution: Ensure to monitor the cooking time closely and add more broth if needed. Shredding the beef and mixing it with the sauce can also help moisten it.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The beef may lack a crispy exterior due to insufficient searing.

Solution: Make sure to properly sear the beef until golden brown before transferring it to the slow cooker. This enhances flavor and appearance.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked beef can become tough and chewy.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, avoid lifting the lid while cooking. Always follow recommended cooking times for your slow cooker model.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center indicates that the beef was not cooked long enough.

Recovery: Continue cooking until fork-tender, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer if necessary.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior of the beef is burnt, it may have been exposed to too high heat or cooked too long.

Prevention: Ensure to use a low heat setting in the slow cooker and monitor cooking time carefully, especially during the last hour.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If too sweet, balance it with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Too Salty: If too salty, add a little more water or unsalted broth to dilute.

Bland: For bland flavor, increase spices and seasonings, or add more garlic and butter.

Fresh ingredients for Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef

The key components of this dish are quality beef, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter. Choosing a well-marbled beef chuck roast will ensure tenderness and flavor. Garlic infuses the beef with a robust taste, while butter adds a velvety richness that makes the sauce irresistible.

Always opt for fresh vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, to enhance the overall quality of the dish. Using homemade broth instead of store-bought can also elevate the flavors significantly, resulting in a more robust and comforting meal.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Beef Chuck Roast: Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast for the best texture and flavor. The marbling keeps the meat juicy during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender, flavorful beef.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a depth of flavor that dried garlic cannot match. Be sure to mince it finely to release its oils and enhance its aroma.
  • Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Room temperature butter is easier to mix in, ensuring smoother incorporation into the sauce.
Cooking process for Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for this recipe is straightforward and time-efficient. Start by searing the beef to create a flavorful crust, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. The low and slow cooking method allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meat tender.

To achieve perfect results, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and slows down the cooking process. Patience is key, and allowing the beef to cook undisturbed results in a wonderful depth of flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef

The most important technique for this recipe is the initial searing of the beef. This step caramelizes the surface, enhancing the dish's overall flavor and creating a rich, satisfying sauce. Failing to sear the beef can result in a less flavorful outcome.

Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 2 cups beef broth
    For moisture
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    Herb flavor
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon salt
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast
    Cut into large chunks
  • 4 carrots
    Sliced
  • 3 potatoes
    Diced
  • 10 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 onion
    Chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For searing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef

    Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks.

  2. Sear the Beef

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides.

  3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

    Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.

  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour over the beef and vegetables.

  5. Add Butter

    Place the unsalted butter on top of the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.

  6. Cook

    Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.

  7. Final Touch

    Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley before serving.

  8. Serve

    Serve the beef and vegetables with the flavorful sauce over rice or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Slow Cooked Garlic Butter Beef, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions, which makes it easy to reheat individual servings later.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the luxurious garlic butter sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad can add a nice contrast and balance to the meal.

Recipe Variations

For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the slow cooker. Alternatively, try using different cuts of beef or even chicken for a lighter version. Add in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.