If you’re craving a dish that is deeply comforting, packed with rich flavor, and melts in your mouth, then the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is exactly what you need in your life. This recipe takes tender chunks of beef chuck roast and transforms them into a luscious, buttery masterpiece infused with fresh garlic and fragrant thyme. The slow cooker does all the work, coaxing out every bit of savory goodness while you relax and anticipate a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for those cozy nights when you want big flavor without fuss.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from imparting flavor to achieving that perfect tender texture and gorgeous color in the finished dish.

2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy as the connective tissue breaks down.
8 cloves fresh garlic, smashed: Garlic infuses a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the buttery richness beautifully.
½ cup unsalted butter: Butter adds exceptional richness and an irresistible silky texture to the beef.
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended): The broth keeps the beef moist and creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
1 tsp dried thyme: Thyme provides a subtle herbal note that brightens the overall dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and garlic.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Begin by trimming any excess fat from your beef chuck roast and cutting it into large, hearty chunks. This ensures even cooking and helps the beef absorb the garlic butter flavors more effectively.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Generously season the beef chunks with salt and pepper all around. This simple step is key for developing a rich crust and intensifying the beef’s natural flavors as it cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned beef directly into your slow cooker, then scatter the smashed garlic cloves evenly over the top. The garlic will soften and mellow during cooking, infusing the meat with its wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat and immediately pour it over the beef and garlic inside the slow cooker. This step ensures the butter envelops the meat, giving you that decadently rich garlic butter sauce.

Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in enough beef broth to mostly cover the meat, then sprinkle the dried thyme evenly on top. The broth keeps everything moist while slowly simmering a flavorful sauce that clings to each bite.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low for about 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The low setting is best for maximum tenderness as the tough fibers of the chuck roast soften and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Shred the Beef

Once cooked, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This allows the beef to soak up even more of that incredible garlic butter sauce, making each mouthful luscious and tender.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Garnishes

To brighten and freshen the dish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or rosemary on top. A little fresh herb garnish adds not only a pop of color but also a subtle freshness that complements the rich beef.

Side Dishes

Serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad add balance and texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the shredded beef onto toasted ciabatta rolls to create sloppy joe-style sandwiches. Another idea is to serve it over polenta or rice for a hearty, comforting bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight, making for even tastier leftovers.

Freezing

This beef freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded beef along with some sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the beef in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and toughness, you can use other cuts like brisket or short ribs for great results, though cooking times might vary slightly.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

This recipe skips browning to keep it simple, but searing the beef chunks before adding them can add even more depth of flavor if you have the time.

Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to melt butter and add garlic, then pressure cooking the beef for about 60 minutes.

How can I make the dish less rich?

Reducing the amount of butter slightly or using a mixture of butter and olive oil can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor. Also, balancing with fresh herbs and some acidity like a splash of vinegar can help.

What is the best way to serve leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef?

Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, tacos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The tender beef and sauce make it a versatile ingredient for many quick meals.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef, it will become your go-to comfort meal on busy days or when you just want to indulge. It’s effortless to prepare, deeply flavorful, and has that perfect hearty, buttery goodness that we all crave. Don’t hesitate to give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you big time!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chunks of beef chuck roast are slow-cooked with fresh garlic, rich butter, and aromatic thyme, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks

Seasonings

8 cloves fresh garlic, smashed
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Butter

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the beef: Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks to ensure even and thorough cooking.
Season the beef: Generously season the beef chunks with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Layer in slow cooker: Place the seasoned beef in the slow cooker, then scatter the smashed garlic cloves evenly over the top for aromatic infusion.
Melt and add butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat, then pour the melted butter evenly over the beef and garlic in the slow cooker.
Add broth: Pour in enough beef broth (about 1 cup) to cover the meat, creating a moist cooking environment that keeps the beef tender.
Season with thyme: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mixture to add earthy, herbal notes.
Cook the beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Shred and serve: Once cooked, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks to mix all flavors well before serving.

Notes

Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level in the dish.
For a richer flavor, sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
You can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
Adjust garlic and thyme quantities to taste for stronger or milder flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American