High Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner 🍖🧄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a high-protein beef recipe that is both flavorful and simple to prepare, then these slow cooker beef bites are perfect for you. This protein-packed beef dish combines tender pieces of beef with aromatic garlic butter, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re planning an easy beef dinner for the family or looking for a hearty meal after a busy day, this recipe has everything you need for a delicious, nutritious, and fuss-free meal.
2. Ingredients for this Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe
- 2 pounds of high-quality beef stew meat
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
3. How to Make High Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by trimming excess fat from the beef stew meat, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the beef pieces in a hot skillet with a little butter until browned on all sides. This step adds depth but is not mandatory for a tender result in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, butter, beef broth, red pepper flakes, and toss to combine evenly.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef bites for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep moist.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Beef Dinner
This easy beef dinner pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as creamy potato soup, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a complete, hearty meal, consider serving it over mashed potatoes or rice. The rich garlic butter flavor complements numerous dishes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
6. Tips for Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Bites
- Use high-quality beef for better flavor and tenderness.
- If you want extra tender beef, allow it to slow cook for the full 8 hours.
- Customize the spice levels with red pepper flakes or add your favorite herbs.
- For an additional flavor boost, sprinkle some shredded cheese or chopped herbs before serving.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute the beef with chicken or pork?
Yes, you can swap the beef with chicken breasts or pork shoulder, but cooking times may vary. Adjust accordingly depending on the meat used.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef bites ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat for quick and nutritious meals throughout the week.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with cooking time ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on your slow cooker setting.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Certainly! Incorporate additional red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your taste.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — This slow cooker simplifies your cooking process, ensuring even heat and tender beef every time.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for chopping garlic and herbs quickly and safely.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ideal for searing or warming up your leftovers.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can significantly improve your cooking experience and results. Check out our recommended tools to make this easy beef dinner even more enjoyable!
9. Conclusion
This high-protein garlic butter beef bites recipe is the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and nutritional value. Its time-efficient slow cooker method makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Enjoy this protein-packed beef dish with your favorite sides, and explore other delicious recipes on our site to keep your meals exciting and healthy!
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High Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
Tender beef bites cooked slowly in garlic butter to create a savory, juicy dish perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place beef bites in the slow cooker.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour garlic butter mixture over beef in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until beef is tender and flavorful.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth or a dash of hot sauce. Best served with steamed vegetables or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg