Succulent Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites in 6 Hours

By:

June 27, 2025

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Picture this: melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes swimming in the most incredible garlic butter sauce you’ve ever tasted. That’s exactly what you get with these slow cooker garlic butter beef bites – my absolute favorite set-it-and-forget-it dinner. I first made these on one of those crazy weeknights when I had zero energy to cook, and wow, did they save the day!

Here’s why I’m obsessed: while the beef slowly cooks to tender perfection, the garlic butter works its magic, infusing every single bite with rich, savory flavor. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You just brown the beef (which honestly takes like 5 minutes), dump everything in the pot, and walk away. Six hours later – boom – restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe special is that balance between fancy-feeling and totally doable. My kids go crazy for these beef bites, and my husband thinks I slaved over them for hours. It’s our little secret!

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

Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen:

  • Easy-peasy prep: Just sear the beef (which takes like 5 minutes, promise!), toss everything in the slow cooker, and let time work its magic while you go about your day.
  • That irresistible garlic butter sauce: It coats every tender bite with rich, buttery goodness – seriously, you’ll want to lick the plate clean.
  • Melt-in-your-mouth tender: The slow cooking transforms even budget-friendly beef into fork-tender perfection that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights: Come home to a house smelling amazing and dinner that’s ready when you are – no last-minute scrambling!
  • Super versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles – it’s delicious every which way.

Trust me, once you try these beef bites, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these heavenly beef bites – simple ingredients that pack a huge flavor punch:

  • 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes (trust me, this cut stays super tender)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (the real deal – no substitutes for that rich flavor!)
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best – we want that aromatic punch)
  • 1 tsp salt (I use kosher salt for even seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium works great – we can always add more salt later)

See? Nothing complicated here – just good, honest ingredients that transform into something magical in your slow cooker!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you probably already have everything you need to make these garlic butter beef bites! Here’s the short and sweet list:

  • 6-quart slow cooker (perfect size for this recipe)
  • Large skillet (for that essential browning step)
  • Measuring spoons (because eyeballing garlic is risky business!)
  • Cutting board & sharp knife (for prepping that gorgeous beef)

That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just basic kitchen essentials that do all the work for you.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Alright, let’s get cooking! These beef bites couldn’t be easier, but following these steps will give you that perfect tender texture and crazy-good flavor. Here’s exactly how I make them:

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

First things first – let’s get that beef ready! I like to take my sirloin out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking (room temp meat cooks more evenly). Cut it into nice 1-inch cubes – not too big, not too small. Then just sprinkle them with the salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to season every bite. I usually toss them with my hands to make sure each piece gets coated evenly.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Now for the magic part – that garlic butter! Melt your butter in a skillet over medium-low heat (trust me, low and slow is key here). When it’s just melted and bubbly, add your minced garlic. You’ll want to stir constantly for about 1 minute – just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic is bitter, and we definitely don’t want that!

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Time to get some color on that beef! Turn the heat up to medium-high and add your seasoned cubes. Here’s my pro tip: don’t crowd the pan! Do it in batches if needed. You want each piece to get a nice sear – about 2-3 minutes per side. That golden-brown crust equals flavor city! No need to cook through completely – that’s what the slow cooker’s for.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Now the easy part! Dump that gorgeous seared beef and all that garlic butter goodness right into your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with thyme. Give it a quick stir, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3 if you’re in a hurry). That’s it! When that timer goes off, you’ll have the most tender, flavorful beef bites swimming in that irresistible garlic butter sauce.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites - detail 1

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

After making these beef bites more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to oh-my-goodness amazing:

  • Pat your beef dry before seasoning – that paper towel step makes all the difference for getting a perfect sear instead of steamed meat.
  • Don’t skip the sear! Those browned bits equal flavor gold. After removing the beef, I always deglaze the pan with a splash of broth and scrape up every last tasty bit to add to the slow cooker.
  • Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – that jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same punch. Take the extra minute to mince it fresh.
  • Check the sauce at the end – if it needs thickening, remove the beef and simmer the liquid on high for 10 minutes. Or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
  • Let it rest 10 minutes before serving – this lets the beef soak up even more of that delicious garlic butter goodness.

Follow these simple tips and I promise – these will be the best beef bites you’ve ever made in a slow cooker!

Variations for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

  • Mushroom lovers: Toss in a cup of sliced creminis when you add the beef – they soak up all that garlic butter magic like little sponges.
  • Spice it up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you like a kick. My husband swears by this version!
  • Herb garden: Swap the thyme for rosemary or oregano – fresh is amazing if you’ve got it growing.
  • Creamy version: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra rich sauce.

The beauty is – you really can’t mess it up. Just keep that garlic butter base and let your taste buds guide you!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities! These garlic butter beef bites are like the ultimate team player – they make everything taste better. My go-to is fluffy mashed potatoes (hello, butter on butter action!), but they’re also amazing over rice soaking up all that sauce. For a lighter option, try roasted veggies – the caramelized edges pair perfectly with the rich beef. And don’t forget crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of that garlic butter goodness!

Storing and Reheating

These beef bites keep beautifully! Just pop any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) in an airtight container – they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, I like to warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to bring that garlic butter sauce back to life. Microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop keeps the texture perfect. Pro tip: the flavors actually get even better the next day!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time about my famous garlic butter beef bites – here are the answers that’ll help you make them perfect every time!

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Frozen beef releases too much liquid and you won’t get that beautiful sear that gives so much flavor. If you’re in a pinch, thaw it completely in the fridge first, then pat it super dry with paper towels before seasoning.

How can I thicken the garlic butter sauce?

Easy fix! Remove the beef when it’s done cooking, then turn your slow cooker to high. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in, and let it bubble for 10-15 minutes. You’ll get the most luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every beef bite!

Can I make these beef bites in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Follow the same browning steps, then pressure cook on high for 25 minutes with a natural release. The texture is slightly different (more shreddable than bite-sized), but still delicious. You’ll need to reduce the broth to 1/4 cup though!

What cut of beef can I substitute for sirloin?

Chuck roast works great (and is often cheaper!) – just trim excess fat. Flank steak or round steak work too, but might need less cooking time. My golden rule? Any cut that works for stew will shine here.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1 cup) – but remember, estimates can vary based on your exact ingredients: 320 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated), 35g protein, 3g carbs. Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! Of course, if you go back for seconds (and you will), just double those numbers – no judgment here!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Succulent Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites in 6 Hours


  • Author: Laura
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Tender beef bites cooked in a slow cooker with rich garlic butter sauce.


Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cubed
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup beef broth


Instructions

  1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add beef cubes to the pan and sear until browned.
  4. Transfer beef and garlic butter mixture to the slow cooker.
  5. Pour beef broth over the beef and sprinkle with thyme.
  6. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  7. Serve hot with rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Adjust salt to taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American