These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a tasty treat! The beef gets super tender while soaking up all that yummy garlic butter flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Honestly, what’s better than biting into soft beef bursting with flavor? I love making these on busy days—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic. So easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Beef sirloin or stew meat works best. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey or chicken. Keep in mind the cooking time might vary.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for a similar taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a robust flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use about 1/2 teaspoon for each fresh clove. Fresh is always worth it, in my opinion!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami kick. If you’re avoiding it, soy sauce or tamari can serve as a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, try a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Potatoes: The baby potatoes add heartiness. You can easily switch to carrots or even sweet potatoes to mix things up!
What’s the Best Way to Sear Beef for Tender Bites?
Searing the beef adds flavor and color. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- First, make sure your beef pieces are dry by patting them with a paper towel. Moisture prevents browning.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter—wait until it’s bubbling.
- Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip.
- Once browned, let the beef sit on one side without moving it much; this helps create a nice crust.
Taking the time to sear is worth it for flavor! Once done, transfer them to the slow cooker, and you’ll have juicy, delicious beef bites.
How to Make High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Beef and Butter:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavorings:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For Moisture:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup small peeled baby potatoes (optional side)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. It’s a set-and-forget meal—perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef bites dry with paper towels. Dry pieces of meat will brown better for a nice flavor!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the beef bites in batches, searing them until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. When they’re done, set the beef aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once it melts, add in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s nice and fragrant—it should smell amazing!
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour that delicious garlic butter mixture over the browned beef bites in your slow cooker. It’ll soak up all that flavor!
5. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using) on top of the beef. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over everything. Give it a gentle toss to make sure all the beef is well coated.
6. Add the Beef Broth:
Pour in the beef broth to keep everything moist and flavorful. It’s going to make such a tasty sauce!
7. Add Potatoes (Optional):
If you’re using baby potatoes, add them around the beef bites in the slow cooker for a hearty meal.
8. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and delicious when it’s done.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the beef and adjust the seasoning if you like. A pinch of extra salt can enhance the flavor!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your beef bites with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them warm and enjoy!
These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are perfect for busy days and will definitely become a family favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be careful not to start cooking the beef in the process.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tamari are great substitutes that will provide similar umami flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can look for vegan Worcestershire sauce at the store.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the beef moist. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so add harder vegetables first, allowing them more time to cook.
