When the winter wind starts to howl, I crave something warm and hearty. These slow cooker garlic butter beef bites are the ultimate comfort food for a chilly night.
You can set your slow cooker in the morning and forget about it. By dinner time, your kitchen will smell like a five-star steakhouse. It is the perfect stress-free meal for your busy family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner because it requires zero searing or stovetop prep. You simply toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work. It turns tough beef into melt-in-your-mouth tender bites every single time.
It is also incredibly budget-friendly since it uses affordable chuck roast. Your kids will love the mild, buttery flavor and soft texture. It is a great way to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these beef bites is as easy as it gets for beginners. You just season the meat and whisk a simple savory sauce. There is no fancy equipment needed for this recipe.
The secret is adding butter at the beginning and the very end. This creates a velvety, rich sauce that coats every piece of beef. You will feel like a pro chef with very little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are likely already in your pantry or easy to find. Fresh garlic and real butter make all the difference here.
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Season the beef cubes evenly with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned beef cubes into the slow cooker basin.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the beef bites.
- Place 4 tablespoons (half) of the cubed butter on top of the beef.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Before serving, stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and the fresh parsley until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is emulsified.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these buttery bites over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce acts like a delicious gravy that everyone will want to soak up. You can also serve them over white rice or buttered noodles.
For a lighter winter meal, pair them with roasted green beans or broccoli. Set the table and enjoy a cozy family dinner together. Don’t forget some crusty bread to dip into that garlic butter sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze these beef bites for up to two months. This makes them perfect for meal prep or future busy nights.
To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the beef tender and juicy.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the butter at the end for the creamiest sauce.
- Use a well-marbled chuck roast for the most tender results.
- Cut your beef into uniform cubes so they all cook evenly.
- Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat inside.
- For a winter holiday feast, double the batch for a crowd.
- Swap the parsley for fresh thyme for a more earthy flavor.
- Make sure to use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use mushrooms for an extra layer of savory umami flavor.
- Swap the beef for venison if you have a hunter in the family.
- Try using ghee instead of butter for a nuttier aroma.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the beef and sauce the night before. Just keep them separate until you are ready to start the slow cooker. It makes morning prep even faster!
What if my beef is still tough?
Beef chuck roast needs time to break down properly. If it is still tough, cook it for another 30-60 minutes. It will eventually become perfectly tender and easy to chew.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely, this recipe is naturally low-carb and high in healthy fats. Just serve it with cauliflower mash or zoodles. It is a satisfying meal that fits many dietary needs.
I hope these savory beef bites bring a little extra warmth to your table this winter. They are so simple to make and always leave everyone feeling full and happy. Enjoy every buttery bite!
— Lidia
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and divided
- 6 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup low -sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sal t
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Season the beef cubes evenly with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned beef cubes into the slow cooker basin.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the beef bites.
- Place 4 tablespoons (half) of the cubed butter on top of the beef.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Before serving, stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and the fresh parsley until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is emulsified.
