This set-it-and-forget-it meal combines tender beef bites with creamy potatoes, all infused with rich garlic butter. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup beef broth
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment:
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cutting board
Instructions
- Prep Beef (10 minutes)
- Cut beef into 1-inch cubes
- Season with salt and pepper
- Heat oil in skillet
- Brown beef in batches
- Make Garlic Butter (5 minutes)
- Melt butter in skillet
- Add minced garlic
- Cook until fragrant
- Stir in seasonings and broth
- Layer Slow Cooker (5 minutes)
- Place browned beef in bottom
- Add halved potatoes
- Pour garlic butter mixture over top
- Cook (6-8 hours)
- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
- Cook until beef is tender
Pro Tips
- Brown beef in batches for best flavor
- Don’t crowd the slow cooker
- Use uniform potato sizes
- Check liquid levels halfway
- Add more broth if needed
Variations
Meat Options:
- Beef stew meat
- Sirloin tips
- Beef tenderloin
- Chuck roast
Potato Alternatives:
- Red potatoes
- Yukon gold
- Sweet potatoes
- Mixed root vegetables
Seasoning Additions:
- Fresh herbs
- Red pepper flakes
- Cajun seasoning
- Montreal steak seasoning
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store up to 4 days
- Keep in airtight container
- Reheat gently
Freezer:
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Reheat in slow cooker or stovetop
Troubleshooting
Tough Beef:
- Cook longer
- Add more liquid
- Check meat quality
- Cut uniform sizes
Watery Sauce:
- Remove lid last 30 minutes
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry
- Reduce liquid amount initially
FAQs
Can I skip browning the beef?
Not recommended – browning adds significant flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, add carrots, mushrooms, or onions.
What’s best beef cut to use?
Chuck roast or stew meat work best.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prep ingredients night before and start cooking morning of.
This recipe combines the convenience of slow cooking with rich, satisfying flavors. The key is properly browning the beef and using enough garlic butter to create a luxurious sauce. Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking.