Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Medallions

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Medallions

Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Medallions are a rich, comforting dinner featuring thick, tender pieces of beef cooked slowly in a delicious homemade garlic butter sauce. The combination of butter, fresh garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary creates a savory sauce that gives the beef incredible flavor.

This recipe is perfect when you want a special-looking dinner without spending hours standing in the kitchen. The beef is seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then quickly seared in olive oil to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. After searing, the medallions are transferred to the slow cooker and surrounded with the garlic butter mixture.

As the ingredients cook, the garlic and herbs infuse the sauce with a wonderful aroma. Optional mushrooms add another layer of savory flavor, while fresh parsley provides a bright finishing touch.

Serve these beef medallions with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or buttered noodles. The flavorful garlic butter sauce makes every side dish even more delicious.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: Approximately 3–5 hours on LOW, depending on thickness and desired doneness

Total Time: Approximately 3½–5½ hours

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 2–2½ pounds (900g–1.1kg) beef tenderloin or thick-cut beef steak

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Remove the beef tenderloin or thick-cut steak from its packaging. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages better browning during searing.

Cut the beef into thick medallions approximately 1½–2 inches thick. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook more evenly.

In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the beef medallions. Gently press the seasoning into the meat.

2. Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef medallions into the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan because this can prevent proper browning.

Sear the beef for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, just until a golden-brown crust develops. The purpose of this step is to add flavor and color, not to cook the beef completely.

Transfer the browned medallions to a plate while you prepare the sauce.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, add the melted unsalted butter and minced garlic.

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and onion powder.

Whisk everything together until the mustard is blended into the liquid and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

The sauce should have a rich buttery aroma with noticeable garlic and herb flavors.

4. Arrange Everything in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired.

Arrange the seared beef medallions in a single layer or slightly overlapping layers, depending on the size of your slow cooker.

Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the beef, making sure each piece is coated.

If using mushrooms, scatter the sliced mushrooms around and over the beef. They will soften during cooking and absorb some of the delicious garlic butter flavor.

5. Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW, checking the beef periodically with a reliable meat thermometer.

The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the medallions, the cut of beef, and your slow cooker. Avoid assuming that a fixed number of hours will produce a particular level of doneness.

For food safety, USDA guidance for whole beef steaks is a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a three-minute rest. Because slow cooking can produce a more thoroughly cooked result, the texture may be different from traditionally pan-seared, pink-centered steak.

If you prefer beef that remains juicy, use a suitable cut, avoid excessive cooking, and check the temperature rather than relying only on the clock.

6. Finish the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the beef has reached the appropriate temperature, carefully transfer the medallions to a serving platter.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

For a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir until smooth.

Add the slurry gradually to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thickened.

If the sauce is already thick enough, you can skip this step.

7. Serve and Garnish

Arrange the beef medallions on a serving plate and spoon the warm garlic butter sauce generously over the top.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes while the beef and sauce are warm.

Helpful Notes

Choose the right beef: Beef tenderloin is naturally tender and works well for medallions. Thick-cut sirloin can also be used, although its texture may be firmer.

Cut evenly: Similar-sized medallions help the beef cook more consistently.

Do not skip searing: Browning the beef first creates additional savory flavor. Although optional, this step makes a noticeable difference.

Use unsalted butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, especially because Worcestershire sauce and beef broth may already contain sodium.

Adjust the garlic: If you enjoy a strong garlic flavor, use six cloves. For a milder taste, start with four.

Add mushrooms carefully: Mushrooms release moisture as they cook, so the finished sauce may be slightly thinner when they are included.

Check doneness: A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check the internal temperature. Do not rely on cooking time alone.

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

  1. Pat the beef completely dry before seasoning and searing.

  2. Allow the skillet to become hot before adding the meat.

  3. Sear the medallions in batches to avoid overcrowding.

  4. Use fresh garlic for a stronger, fresher flavor.

  5. Whisk the Dijon mustard thoroughly into the sauce.

  6. Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.

  7. Allow the cooked beef to rest for three minutes before serving.

  8. Add fresh parsley just before serving to preserve its color and flavor.

  9. If the sauce tastes too rich, add a small squeeze of lemon juice to balance the butter.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Medallions pair beautifully with simple sides that absorb the flavorful sauce.

  • Creamy mashed potatoes

  • Roasted baby potatoes

  • Buttered egg noodles

  • Steamed white rice

  • Garlic green beans

  • Roasted carrots

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Creamy cauliflower mash

  • Fresh garden salad

  • Roasted asparagus

For a special dinner, serve the beef over mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables on the side. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the potatoes for a delicious finishing touch.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef: Stir a little heavy cream into the finished sauce for a richer, creamier consistency.

Garlic Mushroom Beef: Increase the mushrooms to one cup and cook them with the beef for a deeper savory flavor.

Spicy Garlic Butter Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Lemon Herb Beef: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and a little extra parsley before serving.

Extra Herb Flavor: Add fresh rosemary and thyme near the end of cooking for a more pronounced herbal aroma.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool slightly and place them in an airtight container with some of the garlic butter sauce. Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Freezing: Transfer cooled beef and sauce into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a little beef broth or water. Avoid overheating because beef medallions can become dry.

Microwave: Place an individual serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until thoroughly warmed.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Per serving, based on 6 servings and including the garlic butter sauce but excluding optional mushrooms and cornstarch:

  • Calories: 430–520

  • Protein: 35–42g

  • Carbohydrates: 2–4g

  • Fat: 30–38g

  • Fiber: Less than 1g

  • Sugar: 1–2g

  • Sodium: 450–650mg

These values are estimates and depend on the beef cut, portion size, and how much sauce is consumed.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Medallions

1. Provides High-Quality Protein

Beef is a source of complete protein, containing essential amino acids that help support muscle maintenance and normal body functions.

2. Contains Important Minerals

Beef provides nutrients such as iron and zinc. Iron helps support normal oxygen transport, while zinc contributes to normal immune function.

3. Provides Vitamin B12

Beef is a natural source of vitamin B12, which supports normal nerve function and red blood cell formation.

4. Includes Garlic and Herbs

Garlic, thyme, and rosemary contribute flavor and contain naturally occurring plant compounds. They allow you to create a flavorful sauce without relying entirely on additional salt.

5. Convenient Cooking Method

The slow cooker makes it easier to prepare a complete meal with relatively little active cooking time.

6. Naturally Low in Carbohydrates

The basic beef and garlic butter mixture contains very few carbohydrates. However, side dishes such as rice, potatoes, and noodles will increase the total carbohydrate content.

This recipe can be part of a balanced eating plan, but it is relatively rich in butter and fat. Portion sizes and side dishes should be adjusted to suit individual dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sirloin instead of beef tenderloin?

Yes. Thick-cut sirloin works well, although it may be slightly firmer than tenderloin. Cut it into evenly sized medallions for more consistent cooking.

2. Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing is recommended for better flavor and color, but it is not essential. You can place seasoned beef directly into the slow cooker if you are short on time.

3. Can I cook the beef on HIGH?

LOW is generally preferable for this recipe because it allows the beef to cook more gently. If using HIGH, monitor the internal temperature carefully because smaller medallions can cook quickly.

4. Why is my beef tough?

The beef may have been cooked too long, or the chosen cut may be less tender. Tenderloin is a good option for medallions. Check the temperature regularly and avoid unnecessary additional cooking.

5. Can I make the sauce without butter?

Yes. You can replace some or all of the butter with olive oil or use a smaller quantity of butter and additional beef broth. The flavor and richness will be different.

6. Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely. Mushrooms pair beautifully with garlic, rosemary, and beef. Add sliced mushrooms before slow cooking.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the simmering cooking liquid and cook until thickened.

8. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can season and cut the beef, prepare the sauce ingredients, and refrigerate them separately. Sear the beef and combine everything when you are ready to cook.

9. What is the best side dish for garlic butter beef?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice because they absorb the buttery garlic sauce. Roasted vegetables and rice are also excellent options.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes. Freeze the beef with some sauce in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently until thoroughly hot.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Medallions are a delicious dinner option when you want tender beef with a rich, savory homemade sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting flavor that makes an ordinary dinner feel special.

With a little preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Whether you are preparing a family dinner or planning a cozy weekend meal, this garlic butter beef recipe is a wonderful addition to your collection of homemade comfort foods.

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