There’s something so comforting about the aroma that fills your home when you slow cook a meal. It’s like a warm hug from the kitchen! My Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites have become a staple in my house, especially on those busy weeknights when I just want to come home to something delicious without all the fuss. The beef becomes so tender, soaking up that rich garlic butter goodness, and the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, when you take that first bite, it’s pure bliss. This dish is not only easy to whip up but also makes for a fantastic family meal that everyone will love. I often make a big batch so we can enjoy the leftovers too—it’s just that good!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the beef chuck pieces right in there. Don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform—just cut them into bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly.
- Now, let’s make that heavenly garlic butter! In a pan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter, and once it’s bubbly, toss in the minced garlic. Wow, the smell will be irresistible! Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned, because burnt garlic is a no-go.
- Once your garlic butter is ready, pour it over the beef in the slow cooker. Just wait until you see it glistening!
- Next, add in the soy sauce, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and the beef broth. This is where the magic happens—everything comes together beautifully. Give it a good stir to make sure the beef is coated in all that flavorful goodness.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Now, here’s the hard part: you’ll need to wait for 6 hours. I know, it’s a test of patience, but trust me, it’s worth every second!
- When the time is up, the beef will be tender and the sauce will be rich and buttery. Serve it hot and enjoy the cozy flavors with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy this hearty dish knowing it’s packed with protein and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and flavorful: The slow cooking process transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites, infused with a rich garlic butter flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it! It’s a no-fuss recipe that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Come home to a warm, comforting meal waiting for you after a long day. It’s like having a homemade dinner ready to go without any last-minute rush.
- Gluten-free option: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week! These beef bites are versatile and can easily be incorporated into various meals.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, choose a good quality beef chuck—look for well-marbled meat, as the fat will melt down and keep everything tender and juicy. If you like a bit of a kick, feel free to adjust the seasoning; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice warmth!
Don’t forget to stir the ingredients well to ensure the beef is evenly coated in that luscious garlic butter. Also, if you’re short on time, you can sear the beef in the pan before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor—just be careful with the heat so you don’t burn the garlic! Lastly, let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving; it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite even more delicious!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with fluffy white rice to soak up all that delectable garlic butter sauce. Mashed potatoes are also a fantastic option—there’s nothing quite like creamy potatoes with tender beef bites. If you want something lighter, steamed vegetables add a nice crunch and color to the plate. You can even throw in a fresh salad on the side for a refreshing touch. No matter what you choose, your meal is bound to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is super easy! Just let the beef cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to label your container so you remember what it is!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quick fix. Just pop them in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep the moisture in, heating until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until everything is hot and ready to savor again!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While I recommend beef chuck for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How can I adjust the cooking time?
If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours instead of 6 hours on low. Just keep an eye on it to ensure the beef stays tender!
What can I substitute for garlic?
If you’re not a fan of garlic, you could try using shallots for a milder flavor or even garlic powder, though the fresh garlic really enhances the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! These beef bites store well and can be enjoyed in various meals throughout the week, making them a perfect option for meal prep lovers!
For more delicious recipes, check out my blog for inspiration!
For tips on slow cooking, you can visit Food Network’s slow cooking guide.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites: 6 Cozy Comforts
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender beef bites cooked in garlic butter using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- Melt butter in a pan and add garlic.
- Pour garlic butter over beef.
- Add soy sauce, pepper, salt, thyme, and beef broth.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be served with rice or vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites