
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes turns simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal with almost no work. Each bite of beef melts in your mouth and the potatoes are perfectly tender, all smothered in a velvety garlic butter sauce. This is pure comfort food that practically cooks itself, making it ideal for frantic weeknights or anytime you crave fuss-free coziness and a home that smells absolutely spectacular.
If you have ever stood over the stove after a long day, you will truly appreciate the miracle of throwing everything in the slow cooker and walking away. The very first time I made this on a hectic afternoon, my family cleaned their plates and insisted I make it again the next week.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat: It is the foundation for this recipe. Chuck roast cut into cubes yields the most melt-in-your-mouth end result after hours of slow simmering. Always look for pieces with visible marbling for juiciness.
- Baby Yukon gold potatoes: These hold their shape yet become super creamy inside. Choose those with smooth skin and a golden hue for the best texture.
- Butter: Pads of real butter slowly melt and baste everything in richness. Unsalted butter lets you control seasoning levels.
- Fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers that bold, aromatic backbone. Firm bulbs with tight skins are best for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Onion powder: Adds mellow sweetness and depth without overpowering the garlic.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory garlic flavor so every morsel is equally seasoned.
- Seasoned salt: Unifies all ingredients with perfect savory balance. Blends with a touch of herbs elevate the dish even more.
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients:
- Cut chuck roast into even bite-size cubes and rinse potatoes if needed. Gather all spices and measure butter.
- Layer the Crockpot:
- Arrange beef cubes on one side and baby potatoes on the other side of the crockpot. This sets up even cooking so everything turns out tender.
- Season Generously:
- Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder and seasoned salt evenly across both beef and potatoes. Distribute evenly for full flavor.
- Toss Beef Only:
- Toss the beef pieces gently with tongs or a spoon to coat every surface in spices. Keep beef and potatoes separated at this stage for texture.
- Add Fresh Garlic:
- Scatter the chopped garlic evenly over the beef and potatoes. Even distribution ensures every bite is infused with garlic aroma.
- Dot with Butter:
- Place pads of butter across the entire surface of the meat and potatoes. The melting butter will create the signature creamy sauce.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for six hours. The beef will turn perfectly tender and the potatoes become creamy without falling apart.
- Serve with Sauce:
- When ready to serve, spoon the buttery garlic sauce from the bottom of the crockpot over the beef and potatoes. This step intensifies the savory experience.

Yukon gold potatoes are my favorite for this dish because they absorb the garlic butter so well without losing their shape. My fondest memory is returning home to that rich aroma after my son’s soccer game and seeing everyone sitting down for a calm family dinner.
Storage Tips
Package any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them chilled for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and intensify overnight making the next day’s bite even more delicious. I have found that reheating in a skillet over gentle heat keeps the beef’s texture soft and the butter sauce silky. For longer storage cool the dish first then freeze portions in containers leaving space at the top so they do not burst. It tastes just as good defrosted up to three months later.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap out Yukon golds for red potatoes or cut russets for a slightly different texture. No fresh garlic on hand Use twice as much garlic powder in a pinch though nothing tops fresh cloves. For a richer flavor try swapping part of the butter for a touch of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad and steamed green beans balance the richness of this dish perfectly. For special meals serve alongside crusty bread to mop up every drop of garlic butter sauce. Leftovers make an incredible filling for hoagie rolls or a topping for creamy mashed cauliflower.
Cultural and Seasonal Spin
Slow cooker beef and potatoes are a classic in many American kitchens especially during cooler months when hearty flavors shine. For a fall twist add a handful of whole baby carrots during cooking or stir in chopped parsley at the finish for freshness.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add baby carrots in autumn for extra color and sweetness. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a burst of green in spring. Use heirloom fingerling potatoes for a summery farmers market variation.
Success Stories
More than once this dish has rescued our family dinnertime on busy nights when I had little time to plan. Friends have borrowed the recipe and now keep it on weekly rotation for its simplicity and reliability.
Freezer Meal Conversion
For a freezer friendly version assemble everything in a large freezer safe bag raw including cubes of butter and garlic. On busy mornings dump straight into the crockpot frozen and cook for eight to ten hours on low for equally delicious results.

The slow cooker does the work so you get a melt-in-your-mouth meal for almost zero effort. Even on the most frantic days, you can look forward to a dinner that tastes and smells like home.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces provides tender results after slow cooking and holds up well.
- → Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, baby Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but red potatoes or fingerlings also work well.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop after chilling.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
- → How do I reheat for best texture?
Reheat gently in a covered skillet on medium, stirring to coat with garlic butter sauce, or use a microwave in intervals.
- → Can I add vegetables or herbs?
Certainly! Add carrots, peas, or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor and color before slow cooking.