Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes

Slow cooker garlic butter beef with potatoes transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically cooks itself. Tender beef chuck cubes braise for hours in rich beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, while Yukon Gold potatoes soak up all the savory goodness. This high protein garlic butter beef recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want to come home to a ready-made meal.

The magic happens in two stages of garlic butter. The first adds flavor throughout the long cooking process, while the second is stirred in during the final 30 minutes to deliver a punch of fresh, aromatic garlic that makes this dish unforgettable. The beef becomes so tender it falls apart at the touch of a fork, and the potatoes absorb the rich, buttery sauce.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Garlic Butter Beef

Each serving provides over 50 grams of protein from the beef, making this perfect for anyone focused on fitness goals or looking for a filling, satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and you’ll come home to a house that smells absolutely incredible.

The garlic butter is what sets this recipe apart from ordinary pot roast or beef stew. I love how the butter enriches the cooking liquid, creating a luscious sauce that coats every piece of beef and potato. The smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness while Worcestershire sauce brings umami depth that makes the beef taste even meatier.

Searing the beef before slow cooking is crucial for developing deep, caramelized flavor. Those browned bits aren’t just for show—they create the foundation for the rich sauce that makes this dish so special. The few extra minutes of searing make a noticeable difference in the final result.

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it on Sunday and you’ll have protein-rich lunches or quick dinners ready all week. The beef and potatoes reheat beautifully without drying out.

Ingredients for High Protein Garlic Butter Beef

I always choose beef chuck for slow cooker recipes because it has the perfect amount of marbling. The fat breaks down during the long cooking time, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. For this recipe, 2 pounds (900g) cut into 1.5-inch cubes gives you generous portions for four people.

For the Beef and Potatoes:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1.5 lbs (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 8 cloves garlic, minced

For the Braising Liquid:

• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (to season after cooking)

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Notes:

Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking. Look for well-marbled meat with visible fat running through it—this is what makes the beef so flavorful and tender. Ask your butcher to cut it into cubes, or do it yourself at home by cutting against the grain into 1.5-inch pieces.

Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape beautifully during long cooking and have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the garlic butter. Cut them into quarters so they’re large enough not to fall apart but small enough to cook through and absorb the sauce. Baby red potatoes work too if you prefer an even firmer texture.

Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level in the dish. I use it in two stages—2 tablespoons for searing the beef, 2 tablespoons tossed with the potatoes, and the final 2 tablespoons mixed with fresh garlic at the end. This layered approach builds incredible depth of flavor.

Fresh garlic is essential here. Use 3 cloves tossed with the potatoes at the beginning, and reserve 5 cloves to mix with butter at the end. This prevents the garlic from becoming bitter during the long cook time while ensuring you get that fresh, pungent garlic flavor when serving.

How to Make High Protein Garlic Butter Beef

The key to exceptional flavor is properly searing the beef to develop a rich, caramelized crust. Don’t skip this step even though it’s tempting to just throw everything in the slow cooker. The second key is adding fresh garlic butter at the end for a punch of flavor that makes this dish special.

Sear the Beef:

1. Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear—wet meat will steam instead of brown. Season the beef lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until it stops foaming and just begins to turn golden.

3. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes per side, turning to brown all sides. You want a deep golden-brown crust. Don’t move the beef around—let it develop that crust. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker as each batch finishes.

Prepare the Potatoes and Liquid:

4. In a medium bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 3 of the minced garlic cloves until evenly coated. Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, arranging them on top of and around the beef.

5. In the same bowl (no need to wash it), whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. The mixture should be well combined and aromatic.

6. Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, making sure to get some liquid on everything but don’t worry about submerging everything completely.

Slow Cook:

7. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. The potatoes should be completely tender but still holding their shape.

Finish with Fresh Garlic Butter:

8. About 30 minutes before serving, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Stir in the remaining 5 cloves of minced garlic until well combined.

9. Remove the slow cooker lid and drizzle the fresh garlic butter over the beef and potatoes. Stir gently to distribute it throughout, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much.

10. Leave the slow cooker uncovered and continue cooking on LOW for the final 30 minutes. This allows some liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken slightly while the fresh garlic flavor infuses everything.

Serve:

11. Taste the cooking liquid and add the salt as needed—start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste. The salt is added at the end because the liquid reduces during cooking and you don’t want it to become too salty.

12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately in shallow bowls to capture all that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Pro tip: The beef will release liquid as it cooks, so don’t worry if the slow cooker looks a bit dry initially. By the end, you’ll have plenty of rich, flavorful sauce. If you want an even thicker sauce, remove the beef and potatoes and simmer the liquid on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes to reduce it.

What to Serve with High Protein Garlic Butter Beef

This rich, savory beef is substantial on its own with the potatoes, but a few simple sides add freshness and complete the meal.

Steamed Green Beans: Tender-crisp green beans with a squeeze of lemon provide a bright contrast to the rich beef. Their mild flavor lets the garlic butter shine while adding color and nutrition to your plate. For more complete meal ideas, check out our collection of easy dinner recipes.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Keep the dressing simple with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce. Toast it lightly and brush with a little butter for extra indulgence.

Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan add elegance and pair nicely with the beef. The slight char on the asparagus complements the seared beef perfectly.

Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb option alongside the potatoes in the dish, creamy mashed cauliflower seasoned with butter and garlic ties in with the recipe’s flavors while keeping things lighter.

Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic double down on the umami flavors. They’re a natural pairing with beef and take only 10 minutes to prepare.

Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots with thyme and honey provide a nice contrast to the savory beef. Their natural sweetness balances the rich, meaty flavors.

Pro Tips & Variations

Searing is Essential: Don’t skip searing the beef. This step creates the deep, caramelized flavors that make this dish special. The browned bits (fond) that stick to the pan add incredible depth. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

Slow Cooker Size: This recipe works best in a 6-quart slow cooker. If using a smaller one, you may need to reduce the ingredients slightly. If using a larger one (7-8 quarts), the liquid may evaporate more, so check halfway through and add more broth if needed.

Temperature and Timing: LOW for 6-8 hours produces the most tender results, but HIGH for 3-4 hours works if you’re short on time. The beef should be fork-tender and easily pull apart when done. If it’s still tough, continue cooking.

Fresh Garlic at the End: This is the secret to amazing garlic flavor without bitterness. Garlic added at the beginning mellows during cooking, while the fresh garlic butter at the end provides that punch of aromatic flavor that makes this dish memorable.

Thicker Sauce: If you want a thicker, gravy-like sauce, make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the cooking liquid 15 minutes before serving and let it thicken.

Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, parsnips, or celery along with the potatoes for more vegetables. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. Pearl onions also add sweetness and texture. If you love slow cooker beef dishes, try our beefy garlic butter bowl for another rich, satisfying option.

Different Cuts of Beef: Chuck roast is ideal, but beef short ribs, brisket, or even stew meat work well. Adjust cooking time based on the cut—short ribs may need 7-8 hours on LOW for optimal tenderness.

Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the potatoes with radishes (add at the beginning—they become surprisingly mild and tender) or cauliflower florets (add in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy).

Wine Addition: Add 1/2 cup red wine to the braising liquid for extra depth. The alcohol cooks off, leaving rich flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This garlic butter beef stores beautifully and tastes even better as leftovers. Transfer the beef, potatoes, and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together overnight, making day-two servings even more delicious.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the beef and potatoes in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking and help restore moisture. Cover and heat gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

For microwave reheating, place individual portions in microwave-safe containers. Add a tablespoon of broth or water, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. The beef and potatoes reheat beautifully without drying out.

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave as directed above. You may need to add extra broth when reheating from frozen.

For meal prep, I portion the beef, potatoes, and sauce into individual containers. Each container becomes a complete meal that reheats in minutes. The garlic butter sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful even after several days in the fridge.

Common Questions

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW? Yes. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 6-8 hours. The beef will be tender, though LOW heat produces slightly more tender results. Check after 3 hours and continue cooking if the beef isn’t fork-tender yet.

Why do I need to add garlic twice? Garlic added at the beginning mellows and sweetens during the long cook time, while fresh garlic stirred in at the end provides that bright, pungent garlic flavor. This double-garlic technique creates layers of flavor that make the dish special.

Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar? Fresh garlic works best for this recipe, especially for the finishing garlic butter. Jarred garlic can have a slightly bitter, metallic taste that becomes more pronounced during long cooking. If you must use it, use it only for the beginning portion and use fresh for the finish.

My sauce is too thin. How do I fix it? Remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving dish, then simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes to reduce it. You can also use the cornstarch slurry method mentioned in the tips.

Do I have to sear the beef first? Technically no, but I highly recommend it. Searing creates deep, caramelized flavors that make this dish taste restaurant-quality. It only adds 10 minutes to your prep time and makes a significant difference in the final flavor.

This high protein garlic butter beef proves that slow cooker meals can be both incredibly easy and impressively delicious. The tender beef, buttery potatoes, and rich garlic sauce create a dinner that feels special enough for company but requires minimal effort. Looking for more high-protein dinners? Our high protein egg roll in a bowl is another quick favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes.