Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender beef chuck roast melts in your mouth, enhanced by garlic butter and Italian herbs. The baby Yukon Gold potatoes soak up the rich sauce, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
- Step 3: Place halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared beef chunks on top. Scatter onion and carrots in if using.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley.
- Step 5: Pour beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft but not mushy.
- Step 7: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, let it sit uncovered for 15 minutes or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth for thickness.
- Step 8: Transfer beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, sear the beef even if you’re short on time—it adds a delicious crust and richness.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- If you like a bit of heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce at the end.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste; add them near the end of cooking to preserve flavor.
Storage
Store leftover beef and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, stir in a splash of beef broth or water when reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can work well in slow cookers but may require slight adjustments to cooking time depending on their thickness and toughness.
Do I have to add the vegetables?
Vegetables are optional but recommended for a complete meal and extra flavor. You can omit them or substitute based on what you have on hand.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes (LOW) or 4 hours 25 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef chuck roast cooked low and slow with baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. The addition of Italian herbs, fresh parsley, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes infuses the dish with savory depth, while optional vegetables like carrots and onions add sweetness and texture. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this hands-off slow cooker recipe yields melt-in-your-mouth beef alongside soft, savory potatoes.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, basil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor throughout the meat.
- Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared (or raw) beef chunks on top. Add sliced onions and chopped carrots if using for additional aroma and sweetness.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and chopped fresh parsley to create a fragrant sauce.
- Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes to provide moisture for slow cooking. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce over everything, then gently toss to distribute ingredients and flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but still hold their shape.
- Adjust Seasoning and Sauce: Taste the cooking liquid and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, leave the slow cooker uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce or mash a few potatoes into the broth to thicken it.
- Serve: Transfer the beef chunks and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over the dish, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for garnish, and serve warm to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but is optional for convenience.
- You can add vegetables like carrots and onions to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning to taste at the end.
- For thicker sauce, mash some potatoes into the cooking liquid or reduce uncovered.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker beef, garlic butter beef, beef with potatoes, easy slow cooker recipe, comfort food, beef chuck roast

