Let me tell you about my new obsession – these melt-in-your-mouth high protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites that have become my secret weapon for easy weeknight dinners. Picture this: juicy chunks of beef swimming in rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce that’s been simmering all day. The smell alone will make your whole house feel like a fancy steakhouse!
I stumbled onto this recipe when I was desperate for a high-protein meal that didn’t require babysitting. My slow cooker became my best friend, transforming tough cuts into tender perfection while I went about my day. Now these garlicky beef bites are my go-to when I want something indulgent-tasting but still packed with nutrition.
The magic happens when the garlic butter seeps into every nook of the beef – giving you restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why I make them at least twice a week!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Listen, I know we’re all busy – that’s exactly why this recipe has become my kitchen hero. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed too:
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic: Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, come home to dinner ready
- Protein powerhouse: Packed with 35g protein per serving to keep you full for hours
- Buttery garlic heaven: That sauce? It’s like liquid gold clinging to every tender beef bite
Perfect for Meal Prep
Sunday afternoons are sacred in my house – that’s when I quadruple this recipe! The beef bites stay juicy for 4 days in the fridge (though mine never last that long). They reheat like a dream for quick lunches over rice or zoodles.
Rich and Flavorful
That first bite always makes me close my eyes – the beef practically dissolves while the garlic butter sauce hits you with its savory punch. Pro tip: Use the leftover juices as a sauce for veggies – it’s criminal to waste that flavor!
Ingredients for High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You’ll be shocked how few things you need for such incredible flavor. Here’s exactly what goes into my slow cooker (measurements matter, so no eyeballing!):
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin – Cut into 1-inch cubes (anything bigger won’t absorb that garlic butter properly)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – The real deal only, no margarine nonsense
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced fine (or more if you’re garlic-crazy like me)
- 1 tsp salt – I use kosher for even seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked for maximum flavor
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Rub between fingers before adding to wake up the oils
- 1/2 cup beef broth – Low-sodium so we control the salt
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Okay, kitchen rebels – here’s how to tweak things without ruining perfection:
- Butter haters? Use ghee or olive oil, but expect less richness
- Fresh thyme? Use 1 tbsp fresh instead of dried
- Garlic powder emergency? 1 tsp = 4 fresh cloves, but fresh is better
- No sirloin? Chuck roast works but trim excess fat first
- Want extra zing? Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce with the broth
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need anything fancy for these beef bites – just the basics from any home kitchen! Here’s what I grab:
- 6-quart slow cooker (or whatever size you have – just don’t overfill it)
- Cast iron or heavy skillet for that perfect sear
- Wooden spoon (metal scratches pans!)
- Sharp knife for cubing the beef
- Measuring spoons – no guessing with those spices!
That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.
How to Make High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than you think – just follow these steps and you’ll have the most incredible garlic butter beef bites ready for dinner. Here’s exactly how I do it:
- Season the beef: In a bowl, toss your cubed sirloin with salt, pepper, and thyme until every piece is evenly coated. This little massage helps the flavors penetrate deep!
- Melt the butter: Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Wait until it’s just starting to bubble – that’s when you know it’s ready for the garlic.
- Sizzle the garlic: Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute. You’ll smell that amazing aroma – but don’t let it brown! Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Searing the Beef
This step is CRUCIAL – don’t skip it! Working in batches, add the seasoned beef to the skillet. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle as the meat hits the hot butter. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until you get a nice golden crust. Those browned bits equal FLAVOR! Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of sear.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
Now the easy part! Transfer everything from the skillet to your slow cooker – beef, garlic butter, and all those delicious browned bits at the bottom. Pour in the beef broth (it’ll help deglaze the pan when you scrape it).
Here’s your cooking options:
- Low and slow: 6 hours for fall-apart tender beef (my favorite method)
- Fast track: 3 hours on high if you’re in a hurry (still delicious!)
Resist the urge to peek too often – every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds cooking time. Just trust the process!
- Serve and enjoy: When the beef is fork-tender, it’s ready! I like to spoon some of that garlic butter sauce over the top for extra richness.
Tips for the Best High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
After making these beef bites dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned all the tricks to guarantee perfection every time. Here are my must-know tips:
- Deglaze like a pro: After searing, splash a bit of broth in the hot skillet and scrape up those flavorful browned bits – they’re liquid gold!
- Don’t skip the sear: That quick browning step adds incredible depth – it’s worth the extra pan to wash.
- Test doneness: The beef should pull apart easily with a fork but still hold its shape.
- Fat matters: Leave a little marbling on the beef cubes – it melts into pure flavor during cooking.
- Fresh garlic wins: Jarred just can’t compare to freshly minced cloves for that punchy aroma.
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll be making beef bites that would make any steakhouse jealous!
Serving Suggestions for High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
Now for the fun part – plating up these garlic butter beauties! My absolute favorite way is over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes (the sauce soaks right in – heaven!). But here are all my go-to pairings:
- Cauliflower mash for low-carb lovers
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – they caramelize beautifully
- Buttery noodles when I’m feeling indulgent
- Simple green salad to balance the richness
Honestly? I’ve been known to eat them straight from the slow cooker with just a fork – no judgement here!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s how I keep these garlic butter beef bites tasting just as amazing as day one! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container:
- Fridge: Up to 4 days (though mine never last that long!)
- Freezer: Portion into freezer bags for up to 3 months – perfect for emergency meals
When reheating, go gentle! I microwave in 30-second bursts or warm slowly in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the beef juicy. Pro tip: That garlic butter sauce thickens when chilled – just stir in a bit of hot water to loosen it up.
High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Nutrition
Let’s talk numbers! Each generous serving (about 1 cup) packs a protein punch while keeping carbs low. Here’s the breakdown – but remember, these are estimates since ingredient sizes can vary:
- 320 calories – Most from that glorious protein!
- 35g protein – Perfect for post-workout recovery
- 18g fat (9g saturated) – Thank that delicious butter
- Just 3g carbs – Great for low-carb diets
- 650mg sodium – Adjust salt to your taste
Nutrition info calculated using standard ingredients – your mileage may vary slightly!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about these garlic butter beef bites ALL the time – so here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):
Can I use frozen beef?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Frozen beef releases too much water during cooking, making your garlic butter sauce watery. If you must use frozen, thaw completely first and pat the cubes dry with paper towels – this helps them sear properly.
How do I adjust cook time for larger pieces?
Made your cubes too big? No worries! Add an extra 30-60 minutes cooking time if your beef pieces are more than 1.5 inches. The best test? The beef should practically fall apart when poked with a fork.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven in a 300°F oven for about 2.5-3 hours. Same delicious results – just check it more often since oven temps can vary.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Easy fix! Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, stir into the hot liquid, and let it bubble for a minute. Instant thickness without losing that amazing garlic butter flavor.
Best cut of beef for this recipe?
While sirloin is my top pick for tenderness, chuck roast works great too (and often costs less). Just trim excess fat – those marble-sized chunks are what we want melting into the sauce!
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35g Protein Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Slow Cooker Magic
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Tender beef bites cooked slowly in a garlic butter sauce, perfect for a high-protein meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Season beef pieces with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add beef pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer beef and garlic butter mixture to the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth over the meat.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for best results.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
