Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef chuck roast and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce make for an easy yet impressive dinner.

Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
- Step 3: Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared beef chunks on top. Scatter onion and carrots in if using.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley.
- Step 5: Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft but not mushy.
- Step 7: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth for thickness.
- Step 8: Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra flavor and color but can be skipped for convenience.
- Use other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips instead of or along with carrots for a different twist.
- Add a splash of red wine to the broth for deeper flavor.
- For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a beef brisket or short ribs work well in slow cookers and will become tender and flavorful over the cooking time.
Is it necessary to add butter?
The butter adds richness and enhances the garlic flavor, making the sauce silky and delicious. You can reduce it slightly but omitting it will change the texture and taste.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes recipe offers tender, flavorful beef chuck roast chunks cooked low and slow with baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a savory garlic herb butter sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, this comforting dish is perfect for a hands-off family meal with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Vegetables and Broth
- 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and aid in browning.
- Sear the beef (optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped.
- Prepare slow cooker base: Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared (or raw) beef chunks on top. If using, scatter sliced onions and chopped carrots evenly around and on top of the beef.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Add liquids and sauce: Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Then drizzle the garlic butter mixture over everything. Gently toss or spread to distribute the sauce and seasonings thoroughly.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but not mushy.
- Adjust seasoning and thicken sauce: Taste the cooking liquid and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, leave the slow cooker uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth to thicken it slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the top, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef is optional but adds more flavor and color to the dish.
- Using low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish better.
- Adding carrots and onions is optional but enhances the flavor and nutrition of the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a thicker sauce, mash some cooked potatoes into the broth or reduce the liquid by cooking uncovered.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker beef recipe, garlic butter beef, beef with potatoes, crockpot dinner, easy slow cooker meals, comforting beef stew

