Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Cowboy Butter Broccoli Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Cowboy Butter Broccoli Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head); 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter (1 cup total), sliced; 1 oz au jus gravy mix (1 packet)

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Slow cooker cowboy butter broccoli beef bites bubbling in the crockpot with a spoon lifting a scoop

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 6 h
Total: 6 h 10 min
Serves: 6

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality au jus mix and real butter—don't substitute margarine. The garlic-herb cowboy butter can be homemade or store-bought; if making your own, let it soften before mixing in the herbs and garlic.

Cut the beef into uniform cubes so they cook at the same rate. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes.

This recipe is forgiving: you can add other vegetables like carrots or onions, or swap the broccoli for green beans. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

The leftovers are even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Serve with crusty bread, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the extra sauce.

Variations

Spicy Cowboy Butter Beef: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the other ingredients for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy cowboy butter or add a dash of hot sauce to the au jus before serving.
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff: Replace the broccoli with an extra 8 ounces of mushrooms and serve the finished dish over egg noodles. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a creamy stroganoff-style sauce.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Serve the beef and vegetables over steamed cauliflower rice instead of mashed potatoes. The rich au jus works beautifully with the lighter base, and you can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Herb and Citrus Twist: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with the other ingredients, and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill or thyme before serving. The citrus brightens the rich butter and beef, making it perfect for spring.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen it. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

You can assemble the slow cooker insert the night before: layer the beef, broccoli, mushrooms, butter, and au jus mix in the insert, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes it even easier to get dinner going on a busy morning.

Serving ideas

Serve this cowboy butter broccoli beef bites over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich au jus. The buttery potatoes complement the savory beef and vegetables perfectly.

For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower mash or alongside crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness.

This dish also works well over rice, egg noodles, or polenta. The sauce is the star, so choose a base that can absorb it.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired. A glass of full-bodied red wine, like a Zinfandel or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the beef and garlic-herb flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes, but the cooking time is different. Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release. The broccoli and mushrooms will be tender, and the sauce may be thinner; thicken with cornstarch if needed.

What is cowboy butter, and can it be substituted?

Cowboy butter is a compound butter flavored with garlic, herbs like parsley and chives, and often a hint of cayenne or lemon. It's sold in many grocery stores or can be made at home. If unavailable, mix 1 cup softened butter with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.

How can the sauce be thickened if it's too thin?

If the sauce is thinner than you'd like after cooking, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Alternatively, remove the beef and vegetables and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce.

Can frozen broccoli be used instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli can be substituted, but add it during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. There's no need to thaw it first; just stir it in and continue cooking until heated through and tender.

What are the best sides to serve with this dish?

Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic choice, as they soak up the rich au jus. Other good options include rice, egg noodles, polenta, or crusty bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the richness.

Recipe card

Cowboy Butter Broccoli Beef Bites: Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

2 lb beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 sticks garlic-herb cowboy butter (1 cup total), sliced
1 oz au jus gravy mix (1 packet)

Instructions

Place the cubed beef chuck stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the broccoli florets and sliced baby bella mushrooms evenly over the beef. Top with the sliced garlic-herb cowboy butter and sprinkle the au jus gravy mix over everything.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Stir gently once halfway through, if possible, to redistribute the butter and au jus. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
Once the beef is cooked through and tender, let it rest in the slow cooker for 5 minutes. Serve the beef, broccoli, and mushrooms over creamy whipped mashed potatoes, spooning the garlic-herb au jus over the top.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 580
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 42 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.