This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy days, delivering tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak and perfectly seasoned potatoes with minimal effort. The rich, savory garlic butter sauce infuses every bite, creating a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right at home. With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting for 6 hours, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
The result? Juicy, buttery steak paired with golden, fluffy potatoes that soak up all the flavorful sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s packed with protein and warmth, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. The blend of garlic, herbs, and butter creates a symphony of flavors that’s both indulgent and comforting. Plus, it’s ready when you are, making it the ultimate hands-off dinner solution.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided; adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided; adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided; substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for searing the beef)
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for coating the potatoes)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped (yellow or white onion works best)
- ½ cup butter, cubed (unsalted or salted, depending on preference)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and sear until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Season the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Scatter the chopped onion evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared beef on one side and the seasoned potatoes on the other. Distribute the cubed butter evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fork-tender. (For a quicker option, cook on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow yields the best results.)
- Serve: Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes with a drizzle of garlic aioli or a spoonful of creamy horseradish sauce. For a fresh twist, top with chopped parsley or chives. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will add a spicy kick!
How to Serve It Up
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli. For a cozy meal, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. Don’t forget a glass of red wine or iced tea to complete the experience!
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For a quick meal prep, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Save time by prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop the onion and potatoes, and season the beef ahead of time. If you’re short on time, skip the searing step—though it adds flavor, the slow cooker will still deliver tender, delicious results. Use pre-cubed stew meat to cut down on prep even more!
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap out the baby Yukon gold potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots for a different flavor profile. For a richer dish, add a splash of red wine or beef broth before cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. Vegetarian? Substitute the beef with hearty portobello mushrooms!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
- skillet
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds baby yukon gold potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Ingredients
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- ½ cup butter, cubed
Instructions
- Season the beef. Season the beef stew meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sauté until browned on all sides. Do not crowd the skillet. Brown in batches if needed.
- Season the potatoes. Add the potatoes to a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the potatoes in the seasoning.
- Load the slow cooker. Scatter the onion across the bottom of the slow cooker. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Push the beef over to one side. Fill the other side with the potatoes. Distribute the cubes of butter evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Cook. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is nice and tender.