High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Easy & Comforting Dinner Recipe

When you’re craving a hearty, high-protein meal that’s both flavorful and hands-off, these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a weeknight winner. Melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaked in a rich garlic butter sauce, and packed with lean protein, this dish makes dinner feel indulgent without the extra effort.

Perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or cozy Sunday suppers, this dump-and-go recipe transforms simple ingredients into savory, succulent beef bites with minimal cleanup. Plus, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a balanced, family-friendly dinner.

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Ingredients Overview

Every component in this slow cooker dish plays a vital role in flavor and tenderness. Here’s what makes it work:

Chuck Roast or Sirloin Steak (Cut into Chunks)

Choose well-marbled beef like chuck roast for juicy, fall-apart bites. Sirloin is leaner and slightly firmer, but still great.

Why it works: Long slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in beef, resulting in fork-tender bites while preserving high protein content.

Garlic (Minced)

Garlic infuses the beef and butter with rich, aromatic depth. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or garlic paste for convenience.

Butter

Butter creates a velvety, savory sauce and complements the natural richness of the beef.

Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt level.

Beef Broth

Adds moisture and flavor. A low-sodium option helps balance the richness of the butter.

Worcestershire Sauce

Brings a subtle umami depth that rounds out the sauce.

Italian Seasoning

Adds a balanced blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil for subtle earthy flavor.

Salt & Black Pepper

Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors.

Cornstarch (Optional)

To thicken the sauce at the end, if desired.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This is a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe with just a few simple prep steps and minimal effort.

1. Prep the Beef

• Cut 2 pounds of chuck roast or sirloin into 1½-inch cubes.

• Season with:

  • 1½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • Optional: lightly sear in a hot pan for deeper flavor (but not necessary).

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan:

• Melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• Stir in:

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • ¾ cup beef broth

Mix until well combined.

3. Slow Cook

• Place beef in the bottom of a 5–6 quart slow cooker.

• Pour garlic butter mixture over the top.

• Cover and cook on:

  • Low for 6–8 hours, or

  • High for 3–4 hours

• Stir once halfway through, if possible.

4. Optional: Thicken the Sauce

If you’d like a thicker sauce:

• In the last 30 minutes, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir into the slow cooker.

• Let cook uncovered until sauce thickens.

5. Serve

Once the beef is tender and juicy, spoon over your favorite side dish and garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for Tender, Flavorful Beef:

• Don’t rush the cooking: Low and slow is ideal for chuck roast.

• Use a fattier cut like chuck or brisket for richer flavor and tenderness.

• For leaner results: Go with sirloin or round roast, but avoid overcooking.

Variations:

• Add vegetables: Baby potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms added in the last 2 hours create a complete one-pot meal.

• Make it spicy: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Lemon garlic version: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice + zest for brightness.

Substitutions:

• Butter alternative: Use ghee for more richness or vegan butter for dairy-free.

• Worcestershire swap: Use soy sauce + a splash of balsamic vinegar.

• Broth option: Use bone broth for added protein and nutrients.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These beef bites are super versatile and pair well with a variety of comforting sides. Whether you want something low-carb or hearty, there’s an option.

Serve With:

• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

• Steamed or roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans

• Brown rice, quinoa, or buttery egg noodles

• Crusty sourdough bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce

Perfect For:

• Weeknight dinners

• Meal prep lunches (reheat beautifully!)

• Sunday comfort food

• Holiday potlucks or buffets

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is not just flavorful—it’s also protein-rich, satisfying, and easily modified to suit your health goals.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx. 4 oz beef):

• Protein: 27–30g

• Fat: 20g (mostly from butter; use less if desired)

• Carbs: 2–4g (depending on thickener)

• Calories: ~320 per serving

High-Protein Tips:

• Serve with quinoa or Greek yogurt mashed potatoes.

• Use bone broth for added collagen and amino acids.

• Pair with a veggie-rich side for a complete macro-balanced meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What cut of beef is best for slow cooker beef bites?

Chuck roast is ideal—it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Sirloin or brisket also work well. Avoid lean cuts like eye of round unless you enjoy a firmer texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Cooked beef bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

3. Can I freeze these beef bites?

Absolutely. Let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container with the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

4. Is this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes! Without any added starch or thickener, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Skip the cornstarch or use xanthan gum to thicken.

5. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use 1½ tsp garlic powder in a pinch.

6. Can I cook this on the stovetop or oven instead?

Yes. Sear the beef in a Dutch oven, add the sauce, cover, and bake at 300°F for 3 hours or simmer on the stove on low for 2½–3 hours.

7. What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking, or simmer the sauce uncovered for 10 minutes after removing the beef.

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