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Close-up shot of juicy and flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Bites, perfect for a simple and delicious meal.

Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Bites Ultimate

These Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Bites are incredibly tender and flavorful, infused with garlic and savory herbs. This recipe requires minimal effort and is perfect for an easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or as sliders for a complete meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine optional
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Slotted spoon
  • tongs
  • mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides until browned.
  4. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
  5. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and smoked paprika.
  9. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
  10. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender.
  11. About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  12. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  13. Stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
  14. Remove the beef bites from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the skillet with the garlic sauce.
  15. Toss to coat the beef bites in the delicious garlic sauce.
  16. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For the most tender beef, cook on low for a longer period of time. If the sauce is too thin after slow cooking, thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These beef bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Adding sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions is also an option.