If you are craving a dish that hugs you with warmth and melts in your mouth, then this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of beef bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy Yukon Gold potatoes and the fresh brightness of parsley. This recipe is so comforting and straightforward that it’s perfect for your weeknight dinners or when you want to impress at potlucks without the stress. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

What makes the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe truly shine is its simplicity—the ingredients are familiar, wholesome, and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the luscious butter that coats the beef to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of green, these basics come together to create something truly memorable.

2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks: The star of the dish, beef chuck is wonderfully marbled and becomes exceptionally tender when slow-cooked.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and potatoes.
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional): Adds a caramelized crust to the beef for extra depth if you choose to sear.
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Creates a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce that generously coats the beef and potatoes.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the true flavor hero here, infusing every bite with savory warmth.
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil): Provides a fragrant herbal note to complement the richness.
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a slight kick if you like a touch of heat.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish): Brightens the dish and offers a lovely contrast to the butter and beef.
2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved: Creamy potatoes that soak up the beef juices for a fantastic texture and taste.
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth: Keeps everything moist and contributes to the delicious slow cooker sauce.
1 medium onion, sliced (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef and potatoes.
1 cup carrots, chopped (optional): Provides a gentle, earthy sweetness and color contrast to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef

Begin by patting your beef chunks dry with paper towels—this simple step helps ensure a beautiful brown sear if you decide to take that optional step. Generously season all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, which enhances the meat’s natural flavor and sets the foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Worth It)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a mouthwatering golden crust. This step adds incredible depth and richness to the final dish, though you can skip it if you’re short on time. Remember to work in batches so the meat sears properly rather than steaming.

Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place the halved baby Yukon Gold potatoes into the bottom of your slow cooker—this positioning helps them cook perfectly in the slow cooker’s heat. Then, add the seared beef chunks on top. If using onions and carrots, scatter them in evenly around the beef and potatoes; their sweetness will balance the richness of the beef beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the chopped fresh parsley. This fragrant butter sauce is where all the magic begins, infusing every piece of beef and potato with irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Add Broth and Garlic Butter, Then Cook

Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes to keep everything moist and tender. Then drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top and gently toss to distribute the flavors evenly throughout. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are perfectly soft but still intact.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once cooking is complete, taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce feels a bit thin, simply let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken naturally or mash a small portion of the potatoes into the broth to create a luscious texture. Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter, spoon any extra garlic butter sauce over the top, sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe

The dish shows a bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer has small, round golden potatoes lightly coated with shiny sauce and some sprinkled green herbs. On top of the potatoes, there is a thick layer of dark brown chunks of meat covered in a rich, glossy sauce mixed with bits of green herbs. The sauce glistens, giving the meat a juicy look, and the green herbs add a fresh touch all over. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of bright, fresh parsley makes the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe visually inviting and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the dish beautifully. If you want to elevate it a little more, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a bit of grated Parmesan cheese offers extra bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is so hearty it can easily stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts for a contrasting crunch. A crusty baguette also works wonderfully to mop up that irresistible garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style presentation, serve the beef and potatoes directly from the slow cooker or a large wooden board with herbs scattered around. Alternatively, create individual plates by layering the potatoes first, then topping with the tender beef and drizzling extra sauce artistically—almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll want to dive right in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delightful. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to make this recipe ahead for a busy week, it freezes wonderfully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly and stays juicy. If the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I skip searing the beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can skip searing to save time, and the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe will still be delicious. Searing adds extra flavor and a nice crust but isn’t essential.

What type of potatoes work best?

Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture after slow cooking. You can substitute with red potatoes or fingerlings if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter in place of unsalted butter and confirm your beef broth is dairy-free to adapt this recipe for dairy-free diets.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Onions and carrots are classic additions here, but feel free to toss in celery, mushrooms, or even green beans toward the end of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?

If the garlic butter sauce is thinner than you’d like, letting the slow cooker sit uncovered for 15 minutes can help it reduce. You can also mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the sauce to thicken it naturally without any added thickeners.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate in comfort food—simple to prepare but incredibly satisfying to eat. The luscious garlic butter sauce, tender beef, and creamy potatoes combine for an unbeatable combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home as quickly as it did in mine!