35g Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Irresistibly Tender

Name: 35g Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Irresistibly Tender
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 cup beef broth

By:

Laura

June 8, 2025

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

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Oh my gosh, if you haven’t tried these garlic butter beef bites in your slow cooker yet, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, most satisfying dinners ever. Picture this: tender chunks of beef soaking up all that rich, buttery garlic goodness while you go about your day. It’s my go-to meal when life gets crazy but I still want something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.

I first made these for a hectic weeknight when my kids had soccer practice back-to-back. The smell when we walked in the door? Absolutely heavenly. Even my picky eater asked for seconds! What I love most is how the slow cooker does all the work – you get melt-in-your-mouth beef packed with 35g of protein per serving, and all you really do is toss everything in. No fancy techniques, no constant stirring, just set it and forget it magic.

This recipe has become our family’s favorite way to enjoy beef – way more exciting than plain old pot roast but just as simple. The garlic butter sauce is so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean (no judgment here – I’ve done it!).

Table of Contents show

Why You’ll Love These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Listen, these beef bites aren’t just dinner—they’re a game-changer. Here’s why:

Minimal effort, maximum flavor: Just brown the beef, dump everything in the slow cooker, and walk away. Come back to a house smelling like your favorite steakhouse.
Protein powerhouse: Packing 35g of protein per serving, these keep you full for hours—perfect for post-workout meals or when you need serious fuel.
That garlic butter magic: The combo of real butter and fresh garlic creates a sauce so lickable, you’ll catch yourself “taste testing” straight from the pot (guilty!).
Meal prep hero: Makes killer leftovers—toss them over rice, in salads, or even in breakfast omelets for an extra protein boost.

Seriously, it’s like getting restaurant-quality beef without any of the fuss. Your slow cooker’s about to become your new best friend.

Ingredients for High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because using the right stuff makes all the difference here. Trust me, I’ve tried shortcuts (we all have!), but sticking to these simple, quality ingredients gives you those melt-in-your-mouth beef bites every single time:

1.5 lbs beef sirloin – Cut into 1-inch cubes (big enough to stay juicy, small enough to cook evenly). Pro tip: Pat the beef dry with paper towels first—it helps get that perfect sear!
4 tbsp unsalted butter – The real deal, please! Margarine just won’t give you that rich, velvety sauce we’re after.
4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is best here. That pre-minced stuff? Nah. Take the extra minute to chop it fresh—your taste buds will thank you.
1 tsp each salt & black pepper – Season generously! The beef needs this flavor base.
1 tsp onion powder & dried thyme – My secret weapons for depth. The thyme adds this cozy, herby note that balances the garlic perfectly.
½ cup beef broth – Low-sodium if you’re watching salt, but honestly? Regular gives the best flavor. It’s the liquid gold that keeps everything juicy.

See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that do all the heavy lifting while your slow cooker works its magic.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy for these beef bites—just the basics! Here’s what I grab every time:

6-quart slow cooker – Big enough for everything to cook evenly without crowding.
Large skillet – For that quick browning step (cast iron works wonders for a good sear).
Wooden spoon or tongs – To stir the garlic butter and flip the beef.
Chef’s knife & cutting board – For cubing the beef and mincing garlic fresh (no shortcuts!).

That’s it—now let’s get cooking!

How to Make High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—making these irresistible beef bites! I’ll walk you through each step like we’re cooking together in my kitchen. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think, and that slow cooker is going to do most of the work for you.

Step 1: Seasoning the Beef

First things first—let’s give that beef some serious flavor! Grab your bite-sized sirloin pieces and pat them dry with paper towels (this is KEY for getting a good sear). I like to toss them in a big bowl and sprinkle all the seasonings right on top—salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Now, get your hands in there! Massage those spices into every nook and cranny of the beef. You want each piece coated like it’s wearing a little flavor jacket. Don’t be shy—this is what makes every bite taste amazing later!

Step 2: Sautéing Garlic Butter

Here’s where the magic starts! Melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat—watch for that moment when it starts foaming slightly. Now, add your freshly minced garlic (smell that? Heaven!). Here’s my big tip: don’t walk away! Garlic burns in a flash. Just stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and golden—not brown. When it smells like your favorite Italian restaurant, you’re done. Turn off the heat quick—we’re preserving all that garlicky goodness for the beef.

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites - detail 1

Step 3: Browning the Beef

Time to sear! Crank the skillet back up to medium-high and add your seasoned beef in a single layer—no overcrowding or it’ll steam instead of brown. I do this in batches if needed. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Let each side get a nice crust (about 2-3 minutes per side)—we’re not cooking it through, just building flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef releases easily from the pan. That golden-brown color? That’s pure flavor waiting to happen!

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites - detail 2

Step 4: Slow Cooking

Now for the easy part! Transfer your browned beef and all that glorious garlic butter right into your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth—it’ll keep everything juicy and help create that amazing sauce. Give it one gentle stir to combine, then cover and let the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s your choice: 6 hours on low for fall-apart tenderness (my preference!) or 3 hours on high if you’re short on time. Either way, resist the urge to peek—that steam is precious! When you open the lid later, you’ll be greeted by the most tender, garlic-buttery beef bites imaginable.

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites - detail 3

See? Simple steps with HUGE payoff. Now let’s talk about making these even more perfect…

Tips for Perfect High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Want to take these beef bites from good to “Oh my gosh, what did you DO to these?” level? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:

Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – That powdered stuff just won’t give you the same punch. Trust me, the extra minute of mincing is worth it!
Don’t skip the sear – Those browned bits equal flavor gold. If your beef isn’t sizzling when it hits the pan, your heat’s too low.
Low and slow wins – If you have time, always choose the 6-hour low setting. The beef turns so tender, you could cut it with a spoon.
Check doneness with a fork – Perfect beef bites should pull apart easily but still hold their shape. If they’re tough, give them another 30 minutes.
Let it rest – Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef sit in that garlic butter sauce for 10 minutes before serving. It’s like a flavor bath!

Serving Suggestions

Now for the fun part—what to serve with these garlic butter beef bites! I love how versatile they are. Here are my go-to pairings:

Creamy mashed cauliflower – The perfect low-carb sponge for that garlic butter sauce (my husband always asks for extra!)
Roasted green beans or broccoli – The crisp-tender veggies balance the rich beef beautifully
Cauliflower rice – For soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce
Crusty bread – When carbs aren’t off the table, nothing beats dunking!

Sometimes I even toss them over a big salad for a protein-packed lunch—they’re that good cold too!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These beef bites make fantastic leftovers—if you have any left, that is! Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

Fridge storage: Let the beef cool slightly (but don’t leave it out more than 2 hours), then transfer to an airtight container with all that glorious garlic butter sauce. They’ll stay perfect for 3-4 days.
Freezer magic: Portion them into freezer bags with the sauce—they’ll last 2-3 months. I write the date with a Sharpie because, let’s be real, freezer surprises are the worst.
Reheating tip: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to keep them juicy. Microwaving works in a pinch—just cover and use 50% power to prevent rubbery beef.

Pro tip: The flavors get even better overnight as that garlic butter works its magic!

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites FAQ

I get asked about these beef bites ALL the time—so here are answers to the most common questions that pop up!

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Technically? Yes. Ideally? No. Here’s why—frozen beef releases tons of water when cooking, which waters down that amazing garlic butter sauce. If you must use frozen, thaw it first (overnight in the fridge is safest), pat it super dry, then proceed with the recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

Help! My sauce is too salty—how can I fix it?

Oops—we’ve all been there! Try stirring in a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk to balance it out. If it’s still too intense, serve the beef bites over plain cauliflower rice—it’ll soak up excess salt beautifully. Next time, use low-sodium broth and taste as you season!

Can I make these without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For instant pot fans—use the sauté function for steps 1-3, then pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with quick release. For oven lovers—transfer everything to a Dutch oven and braise at 300°F for 2.5 hours. Both methods work great!

What cut of beef can I substitute for sirloin?

Chuck roast cubes are my backup choice—they’re cheaper and become insanely tender! Just trim excess fat first. Flank steak works too if you cut across the grain. Avoid super lean cuts like round steak—they’ll dry out.

How do I make it extra garlicky?

Oh, a fellow garlic lover! Double the fresh garlic (yes, really!) and add 1/4 tsp garlic powder with the other seasonings. Top with minced raw garlic right before serving if you’re feeling bold—it’s transformative!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. While these garlic butter beef bites pack a serious protein punch (hello, 35g per serving!), always check your own labels if you’re tracking macros closely. That said, this recipe keeps it lean and mean with quality beef and minimal added carbs—perfect for fueling your day without weighing you down!

Share Your Experience

Did you make these garlic butter beef bites? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below—tell me if your family went wild for them like mine does, or share your brilliant twists (extra garlic? Different spices?). Your feedback helps make this recipe even better for everyone. Happy slow cooking!