These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are so tender and full of flavor. Just let your slow cooker do the magic while you kick back and relax!
Seriously, who doesn’t love garlic and butter? I can’t resist these bites! They’re perfect on their own or tossed with veggies. Quick prep means more time to enjoy the yummy results!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: The star of the dish! You can choose chuck roast or round steak if you want a slightly different cut. For a leaner option, lean cuts like sirloin work well too, but they’ll typically be less tender.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use olive oil or a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that it won’t have the same rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon = 1 clove), but fresh is always better for a more robust taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a great depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or liquid aminos can be a good substitute, though it may alter the taste slightly.
Chili Powder: This is optional for a little heat. If you like it spicy, feel free to use cayenne pepper instead, but use it sparingly! You can also omit it entirely for a milder dish.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Tender Beef in a Slow Cooker?
Getting tender beef bites is all about the cooking time and method. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pat the beef dry: This helps with browning and ensures better flavor absorption.
- Marinate: Letting the beef soak in the garlic butter marinade for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Low and slow: Always opt for low cooking (6-8 hours) for the best tenderness. If you’re short on time, high (3-4 hours) will still work!
- Check the beef: Test for tenderness with a fork; it should flake easily when done.
Following these steps will help you serve up juicy, delicious beef bites that your family will love!
High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for slow cooker insert
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks slowly for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This means you can set it up in the morning and come home to a tasty, ready-to-eat meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Doing this ensures a good sear and helps the beef absorb all the tasty seasonings you’re about to use!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, optional chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks delicious!
3. Marinate the Beef:
Now, toss the beef cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure all the pieces are coated nicely. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
While your beef is marinating, lightly grease the slow cooker insert with some cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help prevent the beef from sticking.
5. Cook the Beef:
Transfer the marinated beef and all the marinade into the slow cooker. Cover it up and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You want the beef to be tender and full of flavor, so the longer cooking time is usually better!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, give the beef bites a gentle stir. They should be perfectly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor!
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve these savory garlic butter beef bites warm. They make for a hearty snack on their own or can be paired with steamed vegetables, rice, or your favorite low-carb sides. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
These tender beef bites are packed with flavor and are so easy to make. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy your time!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is a great choice due to its tenderness after slow cooking, feel free to use chuck roast or round steak. Just remember that leaner cuts might not be as tender as fattier ones.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne for a kick! You can also incorporate red pepper flakes into the marinade for some added spice.
What Should I Serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites?
These beef bites pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, serve them alongside roasted broccoli or cauliflower!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
