High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Easy Dinner Recipe!

Tender, juicy, and packed with protein, these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are the kind of dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. If you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb, family-friendly meal that simmers to perfection while you go about your day, this one’s for you.

With rich garlic butter, fragrant herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth beef, this dish checks all the boxes for an easy, hearty, slow cooker recipe that tastes like comfort food—but fits right into high-protein or keto meal plans.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Beef Bites

These beef bites are:

Rich in flavor: thanks to garlic, butter, and herbs.

Fall-apart tender: slow cooking turns budget-friendly cuts into fork-tender bites.

High in protein: each serving packs in lean muscle-building fuel.

Low in carbs: no flour, sugar, or starches—just meat, fat, and flavor.

Meal prep-friendly: makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully.

Whether you’re eating for strength, health, or simply taste, these bites are perfect over mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables. One pot. Big results.

Ingredients Overview: Why Each Element Matters
Beef Chuck or Stew Meat

Chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes, is ideal for slow cooking. It’s budget-friendly, marbled with fat, and becomes incredibly tender over long cooking times. Stew meat also works if it’s well-trimmed.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is key. As it slow-cooks, it mellows and infuses the butter and beef with deep, savory flavor. Use whole cloves or minced—just don’t skip it.

Butter

Butter adds richness and depth, coating every bite of beef with a silky finish. It also helps carry the flavor of the garlic and herbs. Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level.

Beef Broth

A small amount of broth keeps things moist and adds umami. Choose low-sodium broth so the dish doesn’t get too salty as it reduces.

Worcestershire Sauce

Adds a subtle tangy-sweet depth and enhances the savory beef flavor. Optional but highly recommended.

Italian Seasoning

This blend of herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary) brings balance and brightness to the rich garlic butter.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for drawing out the natural beef flavor. Season generously at the start, and taste again after cooking.

Optional Add-Ins

Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat.

Mushrooms: Add in the last hour for extra texture.

Fresh parsley: For garnish and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Perfect

This recipe is as easy as it gets—just prep, dump, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

1. Prepare the Beef

Cut a 2–2½ lb beef chuck roast into 1.5-inch cubes.

Pat dry with paper towels for better browning (optional).

Season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Optional: Sear for Flavor

For extra depth:

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear beef in batches for 2–3 minutes until browned.

Transfer to the slow cooker.

Note: This step is optional but adds rich caramelized flavor.

3. Load the Slow Cooker

Add the following to the slow cooker:

Sear or raw beef chunks

6 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)

⅓ cup unsalted butter (cut into chunks)

½ cup beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1½ tsp Italian seasoning

Extra pinch of salt and pepper

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is fall-apart tender.

Avoid over-stirring—let the beef soak in the juices without breaking apart too early.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you want a thicker garlic butter sauce:

After cooking, remove the lid and stir in a slurry of:

1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot for low-carb) mixed with 2 tbsp water

Cook uncovered on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes.

6. Serve and Garnish

Spoon beef bites and sauce over your favorite side (see ideas below).

Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
Chef’s Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd the pan if searing: brown in batches for better flavor.

Butter tip: Add some at the beginning and a little at the end for layered richness.

Garlic flavor: Adjust based on preference—use more or roast garlic first for sweetness.

Variations

Add veggies: Mushrooms, pearl onions, or bell peppers can be added in the last 1–2 hours.

Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

Herbed finish: Stir in fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley before serving.

Substitutions

Butter: Use ghee for Whole30 or clarified fat alternatives.

Broth: Swap with bone broth for extra protein and nutrients.

Beef: Try pork shoulder or boneless short ribs for a twist.

Serving Ideas & Occasions
Meal Prep

Divide into containers with veggies or cauliflower mash. Keeps well for 4–5 days and reheats without drying out.

Family Dinner

Serve over:

Mashed cauliflower

Steamed green beans

Garlic sautéed spinach

Zucchini noodles

Creamy polenta (if not keto)

Dinner Parties

These beef bites make a great dish for entertaining. Keep them warm in the slow cooker and serve with toothpicks as a rich appetizer or over garlic mashed potatoes for a main course.

Freezer Friendly

Freeze leftovers in portions with sauce. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

These garlic butter beef bites are indulgent yet smart. Here’s why they work well in high-protein and low-carb diets:

Protein-Rich: 30–35g of protein per serving helps support muscle repair and satiety.

Healthy Fats: Butter and beef fat help keep you full and support hormone function.

Low-Carb: With no starches or grains, this dish fits keto, paleo, and Whole30 lifestyles (with ghee).

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just double-check your Worcestershire and broth labels.

Estimated Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 400–450

Protein: 30–35g

Fat: 28–30g

Carbs: 3–5g

Fiber: 0g

Great for those tracking macros or eating high-protein for fitness goals.

FAQ: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Beef chuck roast is ideal, but stew meat, sirloin tips, or even boneless short ribs work. Just make sure to cook long enough for tenderness.

2. Do I have to sear the beef?

No. It adds flavor but isn’t necessary. The beef will still be tender and delicious without searing.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use ghee (clarified butter) for a dairy-free paleo version, or substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil (though flavor will change slightly).

4. Can I cook it overnight?

Yes. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours and use a programmable slow cooker that shifts to warm once done.

5. How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

Use arrowroot powder or xanthan gum for a keto-friendly thickener. Stir in after cooking and heat briefly.

6. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Use the “Sauté” function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on High for 30 minutes with a natural release. Use less broth (¼ cup) since pressure cooking retains more moisture.

7. What can I serve this with to keep it low-carb?

Try:

Mashed cauliflower

Roasted Brussels sprouts

Zucchini noodles

Creamed spinach

Cauliflower rice

All make great pairings without spiking carbs.

Print