Hearty Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes Dinner (Print Version)
Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes: Enjoy tender beef, soft potatoes, and rich garlic flavor with minimal effort. Your perfect easy weeknight meal!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth/Worcestershire)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
2-3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-2 inch chunks
02 -
1.5 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Flavor Builders
03 -
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
04 -
6-8 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won't judge!)
05 -
4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
06 -
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
07 -
1 tsp dried thyme
08 -
2 bay leaves
09 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Veggie Boosters
10 -
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Finishing Touches & Thickener
11 -
2 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 3 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, pat that chuck roast dry with paper towels. Seriously, it makes a difference if you’re going to sear it, which I highly recommend for extra flavor. Cut it into nice big chunks, like 1.5 to 2 inches. Then, chop your potatoes, carrots, and onion. I don't get too precious about the potato size, but try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly. This is where I sometimes get distracted and cut the carrots too small, then they practically vanish! Oops. Just try to keep them chunky enough to hold their own in the Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes.
02 -
If you have an extra 10 minutes, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks in batches until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Honestly, this step builds so much flavor, it’s worth the extra pan to wash. I used to skip it, thinking the slow cooker would do all the work, but trust me, that browned crust adds something special to your Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear!
03 -
Now for the easy part! Dump everything into your slow cooker. Start with the browned beef (if you seared it), then pile on the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Mince all that glorious garlic and scatter it over everything. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme and a bay leaf or two. Give it a gentle stir – nothing too intense, just enough to get things acquainted. I love this step because the smells already start building, promising good things for the Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes to come.
04 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I prefer the low and slow method for this Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes because the beef gets incredibly tender, practically falling apart with a fork. Go about your day, let the magic happen. This is where I always forget to check on it until the amazing aroma fills the house, then I remember I’m making dinner! Don't peek too much; every time you lift the lid, it adds to the cooking time.
05 -
Once the cooking time is up and the beef is fork-tender, carefully remove the bay leaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth – this is your slurry. Pour it into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine it with the liquid. Let it cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. I once added the cornstarch directly without mixing, and let's just say I had some lumpy moments. Learn from my mistakes!
06 -
Taste the Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes and adjust the seasonings. You’ll definitely want to add salt and freshly cracked black pepper here. Sometimes I feel like it needs a little extra something, so I'll add a tiny splash more Worcestershire. Ladle this hearty goodness into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The beef should just melt, and the potatoes will be soft and infused with all those amazing flavors. It’s truly a comforting meal that feels like a big hug.
# Notes:
01 -
Always sear the beef first if you have the time; it truly deepens the flavor of your Slow Cooker Garlic Beef & Potatoes.
02 -
This dish tastes even better the next day, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
03 -
If you're out of russet potatoes, sweet potatoes or even fingerlings can work, just adjust cooking time if needed.
04 -
Serve with a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that amazing garlicky sauce!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
02 -
large skillet (optional
03 -
for searing)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 35g