Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef chuck roast simmers with baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and a touch of heat. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner that delivers rich taste and satisfying textures.

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 the 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 and sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if necessary.
- Step 3: Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef chunks on top. Scatter the sliced onion and chopped carrots over if using.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley.
- Step 5: Pour the beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over everything and gently toss to distribute the flavors.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the 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 to thicken.
- Step 8: Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce over top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For more depth of flavor, sear the beef even though it’s optional; it locks in juices and adds a nice crust.
- Try adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- Use fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary instead of dried Italian herbs for a brighter taste.
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage
Store leftover garlic butter beef and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. For longer storage, freeze portions in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or short ribs. They may require slightly different cooking times, so check for tenderness before serving.
Is it necessary to sear the beef first?
Searing is optional but recommended as it enhances the flavor and texture of the beef. If short on time, you can skip it, but the dish may have a milder taste.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a hearty and comforting meal featuring tender beef chuck roast cooked low and slow with baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with Italian herbs and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors. Ideal for busy days, the slow cooker method ensures the beef becomes fork-tender while the potatoes soak up all the delicious juices.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 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)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Beef: Pat the beef chunks dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Optional Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Doing this in batches prevents crowding and ensures even browning, which adds depth to the dish.
- Arrange Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef chunks on top, then scatter the sliced onions and chopped carrots if using, creating layers of flavor.
- 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 infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.
- Add Liquids and Sauce: Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce over all the ingredients, then gently toss to distribute the flavors without breaking the potatoes.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 7-8 hours or 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 Thickness: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thin, leave the slow cooker uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce or mash a couple of potatoes into the broth to thicken it naturally.
- Serve: Transfer the beef and potatoes to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, and serve warm to enjoy this comforting slow-cooked meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, sear the beef before adding to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.
- You can omit onions and carrots if preferred; potatoes and beef still make a satisfying dish alone.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit for mild flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried parsley instead, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; flavors tend to develop further overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker beef, garlic butter beef, slow-cooked beef recipe, beef with potatoes, slow cooker dinner, comfort food recipe

