These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are simple and full of flavor! With tender pieces of beef cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is a real winner.
Honestly, the smell alone will have your family rushing to the kitchen. I love serving these with mashed potatoes or over rice. Can’t go wrong with tender beef! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender. If you can’t find chuck roast, you can also use brisket or even a leaner cut like top round, but remember it might be less tender.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil. Just adjust the quantity to 2-3 tablespoons for a lighter flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a good substitute—use about 1 teaspoon for each clove.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. If you’re going for a lighter version, you could use low-sodium broth or even chicken broth. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works too, but note it will change the flavor profile.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami. If you’re avoiding it, try soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar taste.
How Do I Get the Most Flavor from My Beef?
To maximize the flavor of your beef bites, the key is in the marinating process and cooking technique. Start by trimming the excess fat to prevent greasiness, which can overwhelm the dish. Then, season the beef before cooking to enhance the taste.
- Cut the beef into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.
- Mix all the ingredients well and ensure each piece of beef is coated.
- Cook on low heat; this allows the beef to become tender over time and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Stir gently after cooking; this helps distribute the sauce without breaking the beef apart.
Using a slow cooker is your best friend here – it does most of the work, and you’ll end up with perfectly tender bits full of flavor! Enjoy cooking!
High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients:
- For the Beef Bites:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-8 hours of cooking on low, or 3-4 hours on high. It’s great for a busy day where you can set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Then, cut the roast into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each. This ensures that they cook evenly and become tender.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
3. Add the Beef to the Cooker:
Place the beef cubes in the slow cooker. Spread them out evenly across the bottom so that each piece has some space to absorb the flavors.
4. Pour the Sauce:
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the beef cubes, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. This will help the beef soak up all the delicious flavors during cooking.
5. Cook Your Beef Bites:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the beef to be very tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce.
6. Stir and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the beef bites to coat them evenly with the juices from the slow cooker. Then, transfer the tender beef to a serving bowl.
7. Garnish:
Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the beef bites for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprig of rosemary if you like.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve these savory garlic butter beef bites warm. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite steamed vegetables. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, high-protein dish!
Cooking doesn’t get much easier or tastier than this—happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or top round. Keep in mind that top round may not be as tender but will still work well if cooked properly.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can replace unsalted butter with olive oil or avocado oil. Use about 2-3 tablespoons for a lighter flavor while still getting that rich taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Soy Sauce?
Yes! If you’re looking for a soy-free option, you can use coconut aminos or simply omit it. You might want to add a bit of extra salt for flavor if you do skip the soy sauce.