Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe

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Looking for a hearty meal that practically cooks itself? My Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites recipe is just what you need! Juicy beef, rich garlic butter, and simple spices come together for a dish that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent or just love easy cooking, this recipe makes dinner stress-free. Let’s dive into the mouthwatering details and get started on this tasty journey!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare: This dish requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme creates a savory depth that elevates the beef to a whole new level.
3. Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker ensures tender beef with minimal effort.
4. Versatile Serving Options: These garlic butter beef bites can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a hearty sandwich.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 6 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup beef broth

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Measurements and Tips for Freshness

When using fresh ingredients, always choose the best quality you can find. For herbs like rosemary and thyme, look for vibrant leaves. They should be fragrant and firm. Fresh garlic should feel firm, with no sprouts. Use beef sirloin that has a bright red color and minimal fat for great flavor. Keep all items stored properly to maintain freshness. Use beef broth that is low in sodium for better control over saltiness in your dish.

Optional Ingredients for Customization

You can add a dash of red wine for depth. A splash of hot sauce can bring heat if you prefer spice. For a different flavor twist, consider adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. If you enjoy a sweeter taste, a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar works well too. Remember to adjust the salt if adding these ingredients so your dish stays balanced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Overview

To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

– 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 6 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup beef broth

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure your beef is cut into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly.

Slow Cooking Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the beef bites and sear them for 3-4 minutes. Make sure to brown all sides for great flavor.

3. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. The garlic should smell nice but not brown.

5. Pour this garlic-butter mix over the beef in the slow cooker.

6. Now, add the rosemary, thyme, pepper, salt, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

7. Stir the mix gently to coat the beef.

8. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender.

9. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this into the slow cooker 30 minutes before it’s done.

10. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Tips for Browning and Flavor Enhancement

Browning your beef gives it a rich flavor. Here are some tips:

– Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.

– Use a hot skillet. This helps achieve a nice sear.

– Let the beef sit for a moment before moving it. This allows it to brown better.

These simple steps can make your slow cooker garlic butter beef bites even more delicious!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking Beef

To get the best beef bites, start with fresh beef sirloin. Cut it into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook uniformly. Searing the beef before slow cooking adds great flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter. Brown the beef pieces for 3-4 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, skip this step, but it really boosts taste.

Adjusting Flavors and Seasoning

Taste is key in this dish. Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a bright flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you want more umami, add extra soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Always taste before serving to make final tweaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is not browning the beef. This step adds depth to the flavor. Another issue is overcooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent dry beef. Also, don’t skip the garlic. It brings a rich aroma and taste. Lastly, avoid using old spices. Fresh ingredients always make a big difference.

Variations

Alternative Cuts of Beef

You can use different cuts of beef for this dish. While I love sirloin for its flavor, chuck roast works well too. It has great marbling, making it tender and juicy. Flank steak is another option, but remember to slice it against the grain for the best texture.

Flavor Profile Modifications

Feel free to mix up the flavors! Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess. You can also try spicy flavors by adding red pepper flakes. If you want a sweet touch, consider adding honey or brown sugar. Changing the herbs is fun too; try oregano or basil for a new twist.

Dietary Adaptations (e.g., gluten-free, low-carb)

If you need a gluten-free meal, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For a low-carb version, skip the cornstarch to thicken. You can also serve the beef bites over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps it light and healthy while still delicious.

Storage Info

Proper Storage Techniques

To keep your savory slow cooker garlic butter beef bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the beef has cooled to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can cause spoilage. Store the container in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your beef bites again, you can reheat them easily. Place the beef in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking.

Freezing Tips and Thawing Suggestions

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the beef into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the beef for up to three months. To thaw, place the beef in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave’s defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as mentioned earlier.

FAQs

How to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites more tender?

To make beef bites more tender, you can use sirloin or chuck. These cuts have fat and collagen. The slow cooker helps break down tough fibers. Cooking on low for longer gives the best results. I suggest cooking for at least six hours. This method allows the meat to soak up all the flavors. If you want, you can sear the beef first. This adds a nice crust but is optional. Using beef broth adds moisture too. If you have leftovers, store them properly. This helps keep the beef tender for later meals.

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking. If you add frozen beef directly, it may take longer to cook. Make sure to check the meat’s internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F for safety. If you want to use frozen beef, consider cooking on high for a bit longer. This ensures the beef cooks evenly. Just remember, thawing overnight in the fridge works best.

What to serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites?

You can serve garlic butter beef bites with many sides. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They soak up the flavorful sauce well. Rice is another good option. It pairs nicely with the beef. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. Green beans or broccoli work great. If you want something lighter, consider a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy dressing balances the meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a touch of brightness.

In this blog post, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. We discussed key ingredients, with tips for freshness and customizations. You learned about preparation steps, slow cooking methods, and ways to enhance flavor. We shared best practices and common mistakes to avoid during cooking. Variations for different tastes and dietary needs were also covered. Finally, we provided crucial storage, reheating, and freezing tips.

Now, you have a complete guide for creating tasty beef bites. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this easy recip

Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Tender beef bites cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Add the beef bites to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.
• Transfer the beef bites to the slow cooker.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Pour the garlic-butter mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
• Add chopped rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker.
• Stir the ingredients gently until the beef is evenly coated.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before finishing the cooking time.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, garnished with parsley.

Keyword beef, butter, garlic, slow cooker

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