Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are tender, flavorful beef chunks slow cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat infused with savory buttery goodness. This easy recipe offers ultimate convenience, perfect for family dinners, appetizers, or party snacks, combining simplicity with deep, comforting flavors.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef bite-size chunks (sirloin or chuck)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from beef chunks and pat dry with paper towels to ensure better browning and concentrated flavor.
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites on all sides until lightly browned to lock in juices and add caramelized depth.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in beef broth, stir, and let it simmer briefly to combine the flavors.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef, then season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently to coat evenly.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Choose chuck roast or sirloin tips for best slow cooking results.
- Do not overcrowd the slow cooker to allow even cooking and proper sauce absorption.
- Searing beef is optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker’s heat settings and check tenderness near the end to avoid overcooking.
- Optional additions: diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice; substitute parsley with rosemary or thyme for different herb flavors; add sliced mushrooms in the last hour for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approx. 5 oz beef bites with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, garlic butter beef bites, beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, family friendly, gluten free, appetizer