01 -
Okay, this is a step I learned the hard way *not* to skip for amazing Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Potatoes. Pat your chuck roast dry with paper towels—seriously, this helps with browning! Season it generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, sear the beef on all sides until it's beautifully browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. You're not cooking it through, just building that incredible flavor crust. The smell alone is enough to get your tummy rumbling!
02 -
Next up, grab your trusty slow cooker. I usually spray mine with a little cooking spray, just to be safe. Spread the chopped onions, carrots, and baby red potatoes evenly across the bottom. This creates a nice bed for the beef and helps them absorb all those wonderful flavors as they cook. Honestly, this part feels a bit like building a delicious little fortress. Don't worry if it looks a little crowded; they'll shrink down.
03 -
Carefully place your seared chuck roast right on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Now, sprinkle all that glorious minced garlic over the beef and veggies. I mean, don't be shy here! The more garlic, the better, in my book. It's going to infuse everything with such a deep, aromatic flavor profile. You can practically smell the garlicky goodness already, even before it starts cooking!
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure it mostly covers everything. Then, tuck in the dried thyme and bay leaves. This is where the magic liquid bath begins for your Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Potatoes! I once forgot the Worcestershire and it just wasn't the same, so don't be like me!
05 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Seriously, that's it! This is the beauty of the slow cooker—you can go about your day, maybe tackle that mountain of laundry, or just relax. The house will start to smell absolutely incredible after a few hours, a warm, savory aroma that just promises comfort. I often peek, but try not to lift the lid too much, it lets the heat escape!
06 -
Once the cooking time is up, the beef should be incredibly tender—so tender you can shred it easily with two forks. Carefully remove the bay leaves (important!). You can shred the beef right in the slow cooker or take it out to a cutting board. Give everything a good stir, making sure those potatoes are perfectly tender and coated in that rich, garlicky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. It should look, smell, and taste like pure bliss, a real triumph after a busy day!