If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that couldn’t be easier to make, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Rich, tender beef cubes swim in a dreamy pool of garlicky butter, kissed with a hint of spice and crowned with fresh herbs. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like you’ve been tending to it all day. Whether you’re serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or scooping it up with crusty bread, this recipe is pure cozy magic and destined to become a family favorite.

Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those glorious recipes where every ingredient truly matters, yet the list is refreshingly short. Each component layers in its own unique depth of flavor, from the melt-in-your-mouth beef to the punchy garlic and the luxurious butter that ties everything together.

Sirloin steak or stew meat (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled steak for the most tender, juicy bites.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Nothing beats freshly minced garlic for bold, aromatic flavor.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): The secret to that luscious, silky sauce—go unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the beef, locking in flavor and juices before slow cooking.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep, savory umami note that takes things to the next level.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out every layer of flavor in the dish.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A classic partner to beef, adding gentle heat and complexity.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle sweetness and extra depth without any chopping.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with a whisper of smokiness and gorgeous color.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a touch of heat—add more or less to taste.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): A vibrant, herby finishing touch that makes the whole dish pop.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes for 1–2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This step is worth the extra few minutes because it locks in juices and creates a deep, savory crust, but feel free to skip it if you’re short on time—you’ll still get delicious results.

Step 2: Add Beef to the Slow Cooker

Once all your beef bites are perfectly seared, transfer them straight into your slow cooker. If you’re skipping the searing step, just add the raw cubes directly into the slow cooker insert.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to blend everything together—the aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes until dinner.

Step 4: Coat the Beef and Cook

Pour that luscious garlic butter sauce over your beef in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to toss everything together until the beef is evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you’re around, give it a quick stir halfway through to help the flavors mingle even more.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Right before serving your Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe, sprinkle over the chopped fresh parsley. This brightens up the whole dish, adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few extra red pepper flakes for a little kick. You could also try a dusting of finely grated parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The right garnish makes the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe look just as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile. Pile these beef bites over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes, spoon them onto fluffy rice, or serve alongside roasted veggies for a lighter option. Crusty bread is a must for mopping up all that garlicky, buttery sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping appetizer, skewer the beef bites with toothpicks and set them out on a platter with extra garlic butter for dipping. Or, spoon them into mini slider buns for a fun party snack. However you serve it, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe always delivers big flavor and big smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream with this recipe. Let the beef bites cool completely, then transfer them (along with all that delicious sauce) into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day sandwiches.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, this dish is an excellent candidate. Place cooled beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe back to life, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, stew meat or even chuck roast work well. Just make sure to cut the meat into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.

Do I really need to sear the beef first?

Searing the beef is optional, but highly recommended for the deepest flavor and best texture. It adds that irresistible caramelized crust, though you can skip this step if you’re short on time and still enjoy excellent results.

Can I make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to a day ahead—just store the prepped beef and sauce separately in the fridge, then combine and cook when you’re ready. It’s a great time-saver for busy days or entertaining.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to your liking or omit them entirely for a milder dish. The rest of the seasonings keep the flavors balanced and kid-friendly.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Mushrooms, pearl onions, or even chunks of carrots and potatoes can be added right alongside the beef. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up all that garlicky, buttery goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that feels both effortless and indulgent, perfect for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become a staple at your table, too. Happy slow cooking!

Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Bites cooked slowly in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for an easy and satisfying meal that can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

2 pounds sirloin steak or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce and Garnish

6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the beef: Cut the sirloin steak or stew meat into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes until browned. This step enhances the flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir the mixture well.
Combine and cook: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the beef evenly with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender. If possible, stir once during cooking to distribute flavors.
Garnish and serve: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the beef bites for a fresh finishing touch. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

Searing the beef is optional but recommended to develop deeper flavor.
For added variety, include mushrooms or pearl onions when adding the beef to the slow cooker.
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American