These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a tasty treat! They are juicy pieces of beef cooked slowly with garlic and butter, making them super flavorful and tender.
Using a slow cooker means less stress for you! I love coming home to that yummy smell. Serve them with rice or veggies for a perfect meal. You’ll be asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin for its tenderness, but stew meat is a great alternative. If you prefer chicken, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs, just reduce the cooking time a bit!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my top choice here to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. This will still keep those rich flavors intact!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a distinct taste. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon. But keep in mind fresh garlic has a stronger flavor.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, go for tamari. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute too, but you’ll want to adjust the salt in the recipe.
How Do You Achieve Tender, Flavorful Beef in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking beef in a slow cooker is all about time and moisture. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Marinate: Don’t skip the marinating! This helps the beef absorb all those wonderful flavors. An hour is okay, but overnight makes it even better.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW for 6 to 8 hours results in tender bites. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to break down perfectly.
- Stir Gently: When it’s cooked, stir the beef in the sauce gently to keep the pieces intact. This way, every bite gets that garlicky goodness.
This method brings out the best in your beef and leaves you with a dish your family will love! Enjoy cooking!
High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Bites:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 6 to 8 hours of cooking on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. Be sure to account for at least 1 hour of marinating time for the beef to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, parsley, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This marinade is where all the flavors come from!
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss them gently until they are evenly coated. For the best flavor infusion, cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you can, let it marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Once marinated, transfer the beef along with all the marinade into the slow cooker. Spread it out a bit for even cooking.
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The beef is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
5. Stir and Garnish:
When the cooking time is up, gently stir the beef bites in the sauce to coat them well. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and thyme before serving to add a fresh touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the garlic butter beef bites hot on their own, or with sides like steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, protein-packed dish!
These tender, garlic-infused beef bites are perfect for meal prep and a delicious option for any family dinner. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or stew meat is recommended for tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or flank steak. Just remember that tougher cuts may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! If you love heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. Just start small and adjust to your taste preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef bites for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve With the Beef Bites?
These garlic butter beef bites pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, consider serving them with cauliflower rice or a simple side salad!
