In the world of comforting dinners, crockpot garlic butter beef bites are a true winner. This dish takes tender beef bites and smothers them in a rich garlic butter sauce, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, this recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience with minimal preparation. Let’s dive into the hearty goodness of slow-cooked flavors!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Equipments
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large spoon for stirring
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by cutting the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures the beef will cook evenly and become tender. Season the cubed beef generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning at this early stage helps lock in flavor during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Set your skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add your seasoned beef cubes. Brown them on all sides, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This searing locks in juices and adds a beautiful crust to each piece.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Transfer your browned beef cubes into the crockpot. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning directly over the beef. This blend of herbs and garlic will infuse into the meat as it slow cooks, enhancing the overall aromatic experience.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low heat and cook the beef bites for 6-8 hours. The slow, steady heat ensures that the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in tender beef that’s easy to chew. Stir occasionally to make sure all pieces absorb the garlic butter flavor.
Step 5: Finish Off with Butter and Parsley
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave or saucepan and stir it into the crockpot along with the fresh parsley. This final touch of buttery goodness enhances the flavor, while the parsley adds a hint of freshness, making each bite delightful.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites
These garlic butter beef bites are perfect on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice, absorbing all that delicious sauce. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The rich garlic-butter sauce pairs excellently with a crusty bread to mop up every last bit!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For maximum flavor, don’t skip the browning step; it enhances the beef with a deep, rich taste. Adjust garlic to your preference; more for garlic lovers, less for a milder flavor. Using fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness but feel free to replace with dried if necessary.
High-Protein Delight: Beefy Bites Upgrade
If you’re seeking a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of pea or soy protein powder to the sauce at the end. This doesn’t change the taste but significantly elevates the protein content. Pair the beef bites with a side of quinoa for an extra hit of protein, making it a perfect choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Low-Carb Heaven: Taste Without the Guilt
For a low-carb version, serve these beef bites with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These options maintain the soul-comforting quality of the dish while allowing you to keep carb counts in check. By replacing traditional sides, you also introduce a slight crunch that complements the tender beef beautifully.
Storage Instructions
This dish stores wonderfully! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To enjoy later, reheat gently on the stove or microwave. If you wish to freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish on the stovetop? Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 2 hours, ensuring it’s simmered on the lowest heat.
Is it necessary to use fresh parsley? Fresh parsley adds freshness, but dried works if that’s what you have.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes make great additions.
Should butter be salted or unsalted? Unsalted butter gives better control over the seasoning.
Share Your Thoughts on Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites!
We’ve shared a delightful recipe that’s both easy and delicious. Now it’s your turn! Try these crockpot garlic butter beef bites and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share with friends and drop a comment below about how it turned out or if you added your personal twist!
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare and season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef cubes in melted butter on the skillet.
- Transfer seared beef to the crockpot, adding garlic and seasoning.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- In the last 15 minutes, add remaining butter and parsley.