These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a tasty treat! Tender pieces of beef cook slowly in a yummy garlic butter sauce that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Cooking in a slow cooker makes everything super easy. Just toss in the ingredients and let it work its magic while you relax. Perfect for a cozy dinner! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut is great for slow cooking as it becomes tender over time. If you can’t find stew meat, chuck roast cut into cubes works well too. It’s affordable and super tasty!
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the salt in the dish. If you prefer, you can swap it with olive oil for a lighter option, but butter gives that lovely rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder (about 1.5 teaspoons) can be a quick substitute, but fresh is best when you can manage it!
Beef Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work in a pinch!
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: Both bring depth to the dish. You can use tamari for gluten-free needs or coconut aminos for a soy sauce alternative.
Smoked Paprika: I love the smokiness it adds. If you run out, regular paprika plus a pinch of cayenne can mimic that flavor, but it won’t have the exact same taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef Bites?
Cooking your beef until it’s perfectly tender is essential. Slow cooking allows flavors to mingle and the beef to soften beautifully. Here’s how:
- Choose the right cut: Go for well-marbled beef like chuck. The fat helps keep it tender.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Low heat for 6-8 hours works wonders, but if you’re short on time, the high setting for 3-4 hours is fine.
- Let it rest: After cooking, allow the beef to sit for a few minutes. This helps reeves the juices, making it even tastier when you dig in.
Remember, patience is key! Your slow cooker will take care of the rest, resulting in mouthwatering bites every time. Happy cooking!
How to Make High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This warm and hearty dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then will slow cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on your schedule. You’ll love the way the beef fills your kitchen with delicious smells!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined to create a tasty marinade for the beef.
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the beef stew meat to the bowl and gently toss it around until every piece is coated in that flavorful garlic butter mixture. This will ensure every bite is delicious!
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Carefully pour the coated beef bites into your slow cooker. Spread the beef out so it cooks evenly. Then, add the rosemary on top for extra flavor.
4. Cook to Perfection:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the beef is wonderfully tender and infused with all the garlic butter goodness.
5. Finish Up:
When the cooking time is up, remove the rosemary sprigs. Gently stir the beef bites in the cooking juices to make sure they are all nicely coated. This adds even more flavor!
6. Serve with Style:
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve these succulent beef bites hot, perhaps with some crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
You’ll love these tender, rich beef bites that are perfect for a cozy night in or meal prep for the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat is great for slow cooking, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Low Sodium?
Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to reduce the salt content. Just remember to taste as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced!
What Should I Serve with Beef Bites?
These garlic butter beef bites are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them in a pita or as part of a grain bowl!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Definitely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
