HIGH PROTEIN SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES ULTIMATE

I’ll never forget the time my brother, bless his heart, tried to impress a date with a “fancy” dinner that involved, well, let’s just say the beef was tougher than shoe leather; thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then, and with recipes like these incredibly tender and flavorful High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, you’re guaranteed to avoid any such culinary mishaps. Trust me, after trying this recipe, you’ll have everyone convinced you’re a secret chef, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy, so let’s dive in and create some magic together!

Unlocking the Secret to Tender, Flavorful Beef Bites

Alright, my friend, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new go-to. We’re not just throwing beef into a slow cooker and hoping for the best. We’re meticulously building layers of flavor and ensuring that every single bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The magic lies in the combination of the slow cooking process, which breaks down the tough fibers in the beef, and the rich, savory garlic butter sauce that infuses every morsel with incredible taste. Prepare to be amazed!

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Beef Bites?

The slow cooker is your secret weapon for achieving maximum tenderness. Think about it: low and slow cooking allows the beef to gently break down, rendering it incredibly soft and juicy. Forget dry, chewy beef – we’re aiming for perfection here! Plus, the slow cooker is incredibly convenient. You can prep everything in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinner time. That’s what I call a win-win!

The Power of Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is a flavor powerhouse! The combination of rich butter and pungent garlic creates a sauce that is both decadent and incredibly aromatic. When used in conjunction with the slow cooking process, the garlic butter permeates the beef, infusing it with an irresistible depth of flavor. We’re talking serious “wow” factor here.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily accessible at your local grocery store. We’re keeping it simple, yet incredibly impactful.

• Beef Chuck Roast (2-3 lbs): This is the star of the show! Chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. Look for a roast with good marbling (those little streaks of fat) for maximum flavor.
• Butter (1/2 cup): Unsalted or salted, your choice! If using salted butter, you may need to adjust the amount of salt you add later.
• Garlic (6-8 cloves): Fresh garlic is a must! Mince it finely for the best flavor distribution. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s what makes this dish so amazing.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): This provides the liquid needed for slow cooking and adds extra beefy flavor. You can also use bone broth for added nutrients.
• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): This adds a touch of umami and helps to tenderize the beef. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): This adds a depth of flavor that you won’t want to skip. It’s a secret ingredient that elevates the dish to the next level.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This adds a touch of herbaceousness and complements the garlic and butter beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a touch of heat! Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste!
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) & Cold Water (2 tablespoons): For thickening the sauce (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying incredibly tender and flavorful High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites in no time.

1. Prep the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about being too precise; we just want bite-sized pieces. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil works well). Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds a delicious crust and enhances the flavor of the beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches to ensure proper browning. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but searing really does add depth to the flavor.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet (or in the slow cooker if you skipped the searing step), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! It should be golden, not brown.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Add the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: If you seared the beef in a skillet, transfer the browned beef cubes to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef. Make sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become!
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooker Success

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure that your High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Overcrowding can prevent the beef from cooking evenly. If you have a lot of beef, cook it in batches.
• Don’t Lift the Lid Too Often: Every time you lift the lid of the slow cooker, you release heat, which can prolong the cooking time. Try to resist the urge to peek!
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or garlic to suit your preferences.
• Use High-Quality Beef: While the slow cooker can tenderize even tougher cuts of beef, using a good-quality chuck roast will result in even more flavorful and tender beef bites.
• Make it Ahead: These beef bites are perfect for meal prepping! You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freeze for Later: These beef bites also freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bite

These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Over Rice: A classic and satisfying combination! Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich and savory beef bites.
• Over Noodles: Toss the beef bites with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Egg noodles, fettuccine, or linguine work well.
• In Sandwiches or Sliders: Shred the beef and pile it onto buns for a delicious sandwich or slider. Top with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, onions, or peppers.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the beef bites as an appetizer with toothpicks or small forks.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and healthy meal.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low carb option, these beef bites are phenomenal served over cauliflower rice.

Variations: Customize Your Bites

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Beef Bites: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat. You could also add a diced jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker.
• Mushroom Beef Bites: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the beef. The mushrooms will absorb the flavorful sauce and become incredibly tender.
• Onion Beef Bites: Add sliced onions to the slow cooker along with the beef. The onions will caramelize and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Creamy Beef Bites: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of the cooking time for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Wine Infused: Add 1/2 cup of red wine when adding the beef broth for a deeper, richer flavor.

Comparing Recipes & Flavor Profiles

If you’re looking for similar comforting and flavorful recipes, you might also enjoy Instant Pot Chuck Roast With Gravy. It offers a faster cooking time while delivering similar levels of tenderness. For a quicker stovetop option, consider Garlic Butter Steak Bites, perfect for a fast and delicious meal. If you’re looking for something with poultry, try Slow Cooker Chicken for an easy family meal. Craving a full steak? You can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Steak. And for another take on steak bites, check out Garlic Butter Steak Bites.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Beef is Too Tough: If the beef is still tough after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking it for another hour or two. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become. Make sure your slow cooker is functioning correctly and maintaining a consistent temperature.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (as described in the instructions) or a roux (a mixture of equal parts butter and flour).
• Sauce is Too Salty: If the sauce is too salty, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to balance out the saltiness. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Garlic is Burnt: If the garlic burns while making the garlic butter sauce, discard it and start over with fresh garlic. Burnt garlic will make the entire dish taste bitter.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can overcome any challenges and create perfect slow cooker garlic butter beef bites every time!

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Recipe Awaits

So there you have it! Everything you need to create incredibly tender and flavorful High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. With a little bit of preparation and a few simple ingredients, you can transform an ordinary chuck roast into a culinary masterpiece. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging you to make this recipe again and again. Now go forth and conquer your slow cooker!

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are incredibly tender and flavorful, perfect for an easy and delicious meal. The chuck roast is slow-cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef bites that are sure to impress.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup Butter
• 6-8 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley, for garnish optional
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Cold Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or vegetable oil

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• large skillet
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• tongs
• small bowl
• whisk

Method

 

1. Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan.
3. In the same skillet (or in the slow cooker if you skipped the searing step), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir to combine.
5. If you seared the beef in a skillet, transfer the browned beef cubes to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef. Make sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
7. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
8. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Don’t lift the lid too often. Adjust seasoning to taste. Use high-quality beef. Make it ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for later for up to 2-3 months. For Spicy Beef Bites: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For Mushroom Beef Bites: Add sliced mushrooms. For Onion Beef Bites: Add sliced onions. For Creamy Beef Bites: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of the cooking time. Wine Infused: Add 1/2 cup of red wine when adding the beef broth for a deeper, richer flavor.