If you’re looking for a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef is your new best friend. Tender chunks of beef chuck slowly braised in a rich bath of garlic, butter, and savory broth create a luscious, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. The beauty of this recipe is how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary, delivering deep, satisfying flavors with minimal effort and maximum love.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredient list is straightforward but every item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and tenderness. From the rich butter to the fragrant garlic, these essentials come together seamlessly to create that classic slow cooker magic.

2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
8 cloves fresh garlic, smashed: Garlic infuses the beef with a robust aroma and taste that’s simply irresistible.
½ cup unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps to create a silky sauce that coats every bite.
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended): Provides a savory base that both moistens and seasons the beef throughout the cooking process.
1 tsp dried thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthiness that complements the garlic and beef beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef chuck roast and cutting it into large, even chunks. This helps the meat cook evenly and absorb the garlic and butter flavors better. Proper seasoning with salt and pepper at this stage is key—don’t be shy here, as it builds a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place the generously seasoned chunks of beef directly into your slow cooker. Scatter the smashed garlic cloves on top—it’s these cloves that will slowly mellow and sweeten, imparting a wonderful garlic essence throughout the cooking process.

Step 3: Add Butter and Broth

Melt the butter on the stove over medium heat until it’s luxurious and golden, then carefully pour it over your beef and garlic. Follow up by pouring in enough beef broth to just cover the meat, ensuring every piece stays moist and tender. This combination of butter and broth creates a rich cooking liquid that elevates the dish beyond simple roast beef.

Step 4: Sprinkle Thyme and Begin Cooking

Finish by sprinkling the dried thyme evenly over the pot. The thyme’s herbal notes marry beautifully with the garlic and beef broth, rounding out the flavor profile perfectly. Cook your beef on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours—either way, this slow cooking method will yield a tender, shreddable beef that’s packed with flavor.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once the beef is fork-tender and ready, shred it directly in the slow cooker to soak up all those luscious juices. This final step turns your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef into a meal full of rich texture and savory goodness that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Garnishes

Simple fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top just before serving also enhances the aroma and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles that soak up all those delicious juices. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a nice textural balance and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the shredded beef piled high on toasted baguette slices for hearty sliders or stuffed inside soft buns with pickled onions and a drizzle of horseradish sauce. It also makes an incredible filling for stuffed peppers or even savory hand pies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the shredded beef in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Portion it out for easy thawing and future quick meals that still taste freshly made.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep the beef moist and tender. Avoid overheating to maintain the buttery, luscious texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

FAQs

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

While beef chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use other cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.

How can I make this recipe if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can recreate a similar effect by cooking the beef in a covered oven-safe pot at low heat (around 300°F) for 3-4 hours until tender, but a slow cooker really nails the hands-off convenience and flavor infusion.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Adding hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions can complement the beef beautifully. Just add them at the beginning so they cook alongside the meat.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic delivers the best aroma and flavor when slow cooked, but if necessary, you can substitute about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder. The flavor will be different but still tasty.

What should I do if the sauce is too thin after cooking?

To thicken the sauce, remove the beef, then simmer the cooking liquid uncovered on the stove until it reduces to your preferred consistency. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water for a quicker thickening.

Final Thoughts

The magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavors that develop as it slowly cooks. Whether you’re making it for a quiet dinner or feeding a hungry family, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and a taste sensation every time. Give it a try—you’ll quickly find it’s a recipe to keep coming back to again and again.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
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 features tender chunks of beef chuck roast infused with rich garlic butter and dried thyme, slow-cooked to perfection. The beef becomes incredibly flavorful, juicy, and easy to shred, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
8 cloves fresh garlic, smashed
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Season Beef: Generously season the beef chunks with salt and freshly ground black pepper for a balanced flavor profile.
Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker and spread the smashed garlic cloves evenly over the top to infuse the beef with aroma and flavor.
Add Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat and pour the melted butter evenly over the beef and garlic in the slow cooker.
Add Broth: Pour in enough low-sodium beef broth to cover the meat, which helps keep the beef moist during the slow cooking process.
Season with Thyme: Sprinkle the dried thyme evenly over the contents to add an earthy herbal note to the dish.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and can be shredded easily.
Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the beef directly inside the slow cooker using two forks and serve hot for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some broth and simmer it on the stove until reduced before adding back to the beef.
Using low-sodium beef broth helps control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning to taste.
For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary before cooking.
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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