High-Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites | Tender and Flavorful
Whenever I crave something rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, I think of Garlic Butter Beef Bites — tender cubes of beef slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth soft, bathed in a garlicky, herbed butter sauce. I first made this recipe on a chilly winter Sunday, inspired by a rustic Mediterranean tavern meal I had along the Amalfi coast — buttery, garlicky, yet surprisingly light. This high-protein slow cooker recipe makes it effortless to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Simply toss everything into the crockpot, let the slow heat do its magic, and return to a dish that tastes like it’s been lovingly simmered all day.
How to Make High-Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thicken sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth.
- Load the slow cooker: Place the seasoned beef in the Crockpot and pour the garlic butter mixture over it. Stir gently to coat.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right cut: Sirloin or chuck are best for tenderness.
- Don’t skip the sear (optional): For deeper flavor, brown the beef in a skillet before slow cooking.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms or pearl onions pair beautifully in this dish.
- For extra protein: Serve over quinoa or pair with lentil mash.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Cooking Notes: Why Garlic Butter Beef Bites Shine in the Slow Cooker
These high-protein garlic butter beef bites are all about flavor meets nutrition. The slow cooker allows the beef to slowly absorb the buttery garlic sauce while staying juicy and tender. Garlic and butter meld into a rich, aromatic glaze that complements the natural umami of the beef. This recipe delivers more than 35g of protein per serving — ideal for athletes, meal preppers, or anyone wanting a filling yet balanced dinner. The healthy fats from olive oil and butter make it keto-friendly and satisfying, while the minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy days.
🥕 Nutrition & Storage Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 37g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Storage | Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months |
| Reheat | Microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth |
Meal Prep Ideas for Garlic Butter Beef Bites
This slow cooker beef recipe is perfect for meal prep! Pair portions with:
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a low-carb meal.
- Brown rice or quinoa for balanced macros.
- Mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a cozy dinner bowl.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a protein-packed lunch.
🧄 Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef: A Comfort Classic Reimagined
Garlic and butter — a timeless duo that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. In this slow cooker garlic butter beef, the long, gentle cooking time breaks down the fibers of the meat while infusing every bite with flavor. The result is a dish that’s comforting yet refined — ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or even Sunday gatherings when you want to impress with minimal effort.
FAQs
1. Can I use stew meat instead of sirloin?
Yes! Stew meat works great and becomes very tender when cooked low and slow.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
3. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes — it’s naturally low-carb and high in healthy fats and protein.
4. What sides pair best with garlic butter beef bites?
Try mashed cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or herbed rice for a balanced meal.
If you make this High-Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag me on Pinterest @ChefSofiaCooks — your kitchen creations always make my day.
High-Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
High-protein garlic butter beef bites slow-cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce for a tender, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef sirloin or chuck
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
½ cup beef broth
Cornstarch slurry (optional)
Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Pat beef dry and season.
2. Mix butter, oil, garlic, Worcestershire, and broth.
3. Add beef to slow cooker, pour sauce over.
4. Cook on LOW 6–7 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
5. Optional: thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Serve with veggies or rice. High in protein and freezer-friendly. Keto and low-carb options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 37
- Cholesterol: 120
Final Tips
To make these Garlic Butter Beef Bites shine, use real butter, fresh garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce — it adds umami depth. Double the recipe for meal prep and freeze portions for quick, protein-packed meals all week!
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