If you’re like me; always chasing flavor but not the mess, then this high protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites recipe is going to be your new go-to. Tender, buttery, and full of garlicky goodness, it’s everything you want in a protein-packed dinner with none of the fuss. In today’s post, I’m walking you through exactly why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation. From pantry-friendly ingredients to that dreamy garlic butter aroma filling your kitchen, we’ll cover why it works, how to make it, tips to tweak it, and answers to the top questions people ask about it.
Table of Contents

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
These high protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites are rich, juicy, and effortless to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, keto diets, or comforting family dinners.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast works well)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
1. Season beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place beef into the slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic on top.
3. Add sliced butter pieces and pour in Worcestershire sauce.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
5. (Optional) Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken sauce.
6. Stir well before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a bolder flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently.
Great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Why You Will Love These Garlic Butter Beef Bites
It’s hearty, simple, and packed with flavor
Hi, I’m Saly, a home cook who’s learned over time that flavor doesn’t need fancy. This recipe for slow cooker garlic butter beef bites came out of a weeknight moment when I had beef stew meat, garlic, and butter but no energy for anything else. Tossed into the crockpot, it became magic. My husband took one bite and said, “Please tell me you wrote this down.” That was the beginning of this flavorful shortcut to comfort.
What makes these garlic butter beef bites a must-try? Three things: They’re rich in protein, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and wildly versatile. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or in a wrap, they adapt to your cravings and schedule. And when you use your slow cooker (or crockpot, same thing!), you get to walk away and return to a meal that tastes like it simmered on a stovetop for hours.
Want even more high-protein beef recipes like this? You might also love this cozy Creamy Parmesan Beef and Bowtie Pasta, a hearty dish perfect for pasta nights.
It’s perfect for meal prep and family dinners
One of the best parts? This recipe makes enough for leftovers. Portion it into containers for protein-rich lunches or reheat it for a no-effort dinner that tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re eating low-carb, feeding kids, or just want something delicious with zero stress, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple. It’s soulful. It’s Dailycious.
Ingredients
Pantry staples meet rich, buttery flavor
The beauty of these garlic butter beef bites is how effortlessly they come together with a short, purposeful list of ingredients. This isn’t the kind of recipe that has you hunting through grocery store aisles for obscure items. Nope. It’s all about bold flavor from things you probably already have.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast works perfectly)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for that rich, garlicky sauce)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, fresh; it matters!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (umami booster)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but it pops)
Optional for thickening the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Why these ingredients work: The butter and garlic infuse the beef with depth, while the Worcestershire sauce acts like a shortcut to “slow-roasted for hours” flavor. Seasonings like onion powder and paprika round it out with warmth and balance. And since beef stew meat becomes wonderfully tender in the slow cooker, you don’t need expensive cuts.
Want something sweet and savory to round out the meal? This Honey Glazed Steak Strips recipe pairs well with roasted veggies and rice for a full high-protein plate.
Ingredient swaps for different diets
Cooking for a crowd or someone with dietary needs? You can easily tweak the ingredients:
- Swap butter for ghee to keep it paleo.
- Use coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire for a soy-free option.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Prefer a creamy version? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Simple, smart swaps make this recipe customizable without losing what matters most; that rich, garlic butter flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Make this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Set it and forget it – your slow cooker does the work
Making these crockpot garlic butter beef bites is the definition of effortless cooking. You don’t need fancy tools or advanced prep; just a few minutes in the morning, and you’ll have a hot, hearty meal waiting by dinnertime.
Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Season the beef – In a large bowl, toss the stew meat with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add to slow cooker – Transfer the beef to your slow cooker insert. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top.
- Top with butter – Slice the butter into chunks and place them over the beef.
- Add Worcestershire sauce – Pour it evenly across the top.
- Cook low and slow – Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- (Optional) Thicken the sauce – If you’d like a thicker buttery sauce, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Just before serving, give everything a good stir and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Done!
Looking for another protein-packed, low-effort dinner? This Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a fantastic option that’s just as flavorful and family-approved.
Serving suggestions that go beyond basic
You can serve these garlic butter beef bites in so many ways:
- Spoon them over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or herbed rice.
- Stuff them in hoagie rolls with melted provolone for the ultimate beef sandwich.
- Toss them with roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a full low-carb meal.
However you plate them, the result is comforting, crave-worthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Tips and Variations
Small tweaks make a big difference
Over the dozens of times I’ve made these garlic butter beef bites, I’ve picked up little tricks that turn “good” into “you need to make this again tomorrow.” It’s those details; how long to cook, when to season, how to reheat, that take a slow cooker meal from basic to unforgettable.
Here are my best tips:
- Sear the beef first if you have 5 extra minutes. It’s not required, but a quick browning in a skillet adds depth and locks in juices.
- Use a liner or spray your slow cooker for easier cleanup. Trust me, butter gets clingy.
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking; each peek adds 20 minutes to the total time. Let the magic happen undisturbed.
- If your beef is dry, it’s likely overcooked. Stick to the lower end of the time range, especially with leaner stew meat.
Want another flavorful crockpot idea? Try this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s creamy, garlicky, and perfect for pasta night.
Flavor twists and creative ways to serve
Want to change it up? This recipe welcomes variations:
- Spicy kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne.
- Smoky depth: Swap paprika for smoked paprika or add a splash of liquid smoke.
- Herby and bright: Add fresh thyme or rosemary with the garlic; perfect for fall meals.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream near the end for a luscious sauce.
You can also stretch the leftovers into tacos, grain bowls, or lettuce wraps. However you remix it, these slow cooker garlic butter beef bites never get boring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes. While stew meat or chuck roast works best for tenderness, you can use sirloin or even brisket. Just make sure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked long enough to become tender.
Can I make this garlic butter beef without a slow cooker?
Absolutely. You can use a Dutch oven. Brown the beef, add all ingredients, cover, and bake at 300°F for 2.5–3 hours until tender. Keep an eye on moisture levels.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Is this recipe keto or low carb?
Yes! These garlic butter beef bites are naturally low-carb, high-protein, and keto-friendly. Just avoid adding thickeners like cornstarch or flour if keeping it very low carb.
Final Thoughts
This high protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a meal that feels special. It’s cozy, protein-rich, full of bold garlic butter flavor, and flexible enough to fit into your weeknight lineup or meal prep game plan. It’s become a staple at my house, and if your family is anything like mine, I guarantee you’ll see clean plates and happy faces.
Whether you’re craving comfort food, keeping an eye on macros, or just love simple meals that deliver big on flavor, this one’s got your name all over it.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!