Introduction

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef with Potatoes is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef chuck roast simmers slowly with baby Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic butter, and aromatic herbs, making for a rich and flavorful family dinner.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich, dark brown stew made of large, chunky pieces of tender meat covered in a thick sauce. Around the meat, there are several small, golden potatoes with a shiny surface, also coated in the sauce. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch of color. The texture of the stew looks hearty and slightly glossy, with visible bits of spices mixed throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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. 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 the 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 the 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

Searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
For firmer potatoes, add them halfway through cooking instead of at the start.
Prep all ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
Use plant-based butter and gluten-free broth for dairy-free and gluten-free adaptations.
Mix in other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added variety.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Sauces tend to thicken when chilled; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore consistency.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich, dark brown beef stew with visible thick chunks of meat that have a slightly fibrous texture. The stew's surface is glossy with a deep reddish-brown sauce, speckled with finely chopped green herbs. Surrounding the meat, there are several small, golden yellow potatoes with a smooth texture, sitting at the bottom edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the colors of the stew and potatoes contrast well against the clean white bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip searing the beef?

Yes, searing is optional but it adds extra depth of flavor and a nice browned crust. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still enjoy a delicious meal.

How do I make sure the potatoes don’t get mushy?

Use baby Yukon Gold potatoes and avoid overcooking by checking for tenderness towards the end of cooking. Adding potatoes halfway through the cooking time also helps keep them firmer.