Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef – Tender & Flavorful

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

This slow cooker garlic butter beef is the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself. Tender chunks of beef chuck roast are braised low and slow with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a rich buttery sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine or additional beef broth
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 8 ounces mushrooms, halved
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add beef broth and red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
4. Pour mixture into slow cooker with beef. Add thyme, rosemary, onion, carrots, and mushrooms.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is very tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes, stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce if desired.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Practical Tips

• Don’t skip browning the beef: This step creates a flavorful crust that deepens the overall taste of the dish, even though it adds a few extra minutes.
• Use quality butter: Since butter is a star ingredient here, choosing good quality butter will noticeably enhance the garlic butter sauce’s richness and flavor.
• Serve with the right sides: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

Common Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, beef brisket or short ribs work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness, as thicker cuts may need an extra hour or two.

What if I don’t have red wine? Simply use an additional 1/2 cup of beef broth. The dish will still be delicious, though you’ll lose some of the subtle wine complexity.

Is the cornstarch slurry necessary? No, it’s optional. If you prefer a thinner, brothier sauce, skip it entirely. The sauce will still be flavorful from the butter and tomato paste.