Butter Beef is one of those dishes I wish I’d discovered earlier in my life—especially for those nights when you literally have zero energy, but you still want something that tastes way fancier than your effort level. Ever get bored of the same old chicken or just tired of complicated recipes with ingredients no one’s ever heard of? Yeah, me too. If you want something simple, keto-friendly, and feels like a five-star restaurant meal (but with half the work, no joke), you’re about to meet your new favorite. If you’re looking to spice up your dinner rotation, check out this collection of beef recipes or even give that amazing flavor-packed beef pizza a try too. Both are worth a whirl!
What Is Stick-of-Butter Beef?
Okay, the name pretty much gives it away, right? Stick-of-Butter Beef is exactly what it sounds like: you take a chunk of beef, plop a stick of butter right on top, and let magic happen. This isn’t just a “dump everything in and hope” situation. The butter slowly melts into the beef and those savory seasonings, making it ridiculously juicy and rich without almost any effort. Like, you can literally walk away and come back to something that smells like comfort in a pot.
If you’re wondering—yes, it’s great for keto eaters. It skips pretty much all carbs but keeps all the deep, hearty flavors you want in a comfort meal. And don’t be fooled, it’s not just for people watching their carbs. My family (who basically thinks vegetables are the enemy sometimes) requests this at least twice a month. You’ll end up with meat so tender, you won’t even need a sharp knife.
“I didn’t think anything with so few ingredients could be this good! Seriously, it’s in our weekly rotation now.”
— Reader Testimonial
How to Make Stick-of-Butter Beef
Alright, time to roll up those sleeves. Don’t stress, this recipe doesn’t require fancy tools or timing your steps down to the millisecond. Grab your beef—chuck roast is my pick—season it, toss it in your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and top with a generous pat of butter. Done.
Here’s the basic play-by-play:
First, season your beef with salt, pepper, and maybe a little onion powder if you’re feeling wild. Put it right into your pot. Next, spread a pack of dry Italian dressing or ranch seasoning on top—the kind people usually use for salads. Trust me on this, it adds the perfect punch. Cut up a stick of butter (real butter is best, no substitutes, please) and lay those pieces on top of the beef.
Pop the lid on. If you’re using a slow cooker, low for 6-8 hours is ideal, but 3-4 hours on high works in a pinch. For an Instant Pot, 60-ish minutes on high pressure, then let the steam reduce for a bit. The butter’s gonna melt, blend into those spices, and turn your kitchen into a “where’s dinner, I smell it already” zone. The beef comes out shreddy and flavorful. Spoon on some of those buttery juices—don’t skip this, it’s the best part.
Variations to the Instant Pot Butter Beef
Now here’s where you can have some fun. If you like a little heat, toss in a few pepperoncini or pickled jalapeños. It’s kind of like that viral Mississippi roast, but richer. Don’t worry if you don’t have an Instant Pot; the oven or slow cooker works just fine. I’ve even made a steak version, slicing sirloin into chunks and using garlic-herb butter for a totally different vibe.
If you’re in “use it up” mode, toss some mushrooms or baby carrots in (not strictly keto, but hey, they soak up flavor). Got leftover beef? Pile it on a bun, top with cheese, and broil quick for a beef melt that’s dangerously addictive. This dish plays well with customizations, so feel free to experiment based on what you’ve got in the fridge.
Once I swapped in ranch seasoning because I was out of Italian, and it knocked everyone’s socks off. Moral of the story: go with your gut.
What to Serve With Butter Beef
Since Butter Beef is so rich, I like to serve it with something to balance everything out. Here’s what works for me every single time:
- Steamed cauliflower rice for low-carb fans—it’s a staple in our house.
- Mashed potatoes if carbs aren’t a concern (kids demand this, honestly).
- A light green salad with lemony vinaigrette, just to keep things fresh.
- Roasted asparagus or broccolini for extra color and crunch.
Or, heck, just spoon it straight into a bowl. No judgment here if you skip the sides. The buttery juices are fantastic for drizzling, so don’t forget to ladle them over your veggies or grains for an insane flavor boost.
Tips for Making Keto Instant Pot Butter Beef
Being keto doesn’t mean you have to eat boring food, promise. For keto Instant Pot Butter Beef, I stick wit chuck roast since it’s marbled with enough fat to keep things juicy (and good fat is your friend here). Watch out for those seasoning packets, though; some brands sneak in sugar or starch you don’t need. Pick the lowest carb option or make your own simple blend: garlic powder, dried parsley, a touch of dill, and you’re set.
Oh, and don’t toss the broth that forms in the pot. It’s basically liquid gold for drizzling or even as a swirl in scrambled eggs the next morning (trust me, you’ll want every drop). If you need more beefy recipes, check out this archive of beef recipes loaded with keto-friendly options and fresh ideas. You won’t run out of dinner plans for a while!
Common Questions
Can I make butter beef ahead of time?
Absolutely. Butter Beef actually gets better as it sits. Reheat gently to keep it juicy.
Is this really keto-friendly?
Yep! As long as you check your seasoning packet for hidden carbs, you’re good.
Can I use a different cut besides chuck roast?
Sure can. Brisket and round roast work, but chuck roast is my happy place for maximum flavor.
Does this freeze well?
Oh yeah. Freeze leftovers (if you have any, ha) in meal-sized portions for easy lunches.
Can I add veggies without ruining the keto aspect?
Steer clear of potatoes and carrots if you need strict keto. Otherwise, green beans or mushrooms fit right in.
Ready to Try This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Dinner?
If Butter Beef isn’t already on your radar, trust me, you’re missing out. It’s hearty, easy, and perfect for days when you’ve got way too much going on (or, honestly, for days when you just want to eat something amazing without all the fuss). For another take: Stick-of-Butter Beef Is ‘Out of This World Delicious’—and the Recipe spells it out step-by-step. Keto lovers, check out the Instant Pot Butter Beef Roast – Keto, Low-Carb Recipe for even more variations. There are so many ways to switch this dish up to fit whatever you’ve got in the fridge—or in your mood.
Promise, you won’t regret diving into this one. Now, go grab that butter and make your kitchen smell like a dream.

Stick-of-Butter Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned beef in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- Spread the packet of dry Italian dressing or ranch seasoning over the beef.
- Cut the stick of butter into pieces and place on top of the beef.
- For slow cooker: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- For Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes, then allow steam to reduce.
- Once cooked, the beef should be tender and shreddable. Serve with the buttery juices.
- Optional: Pair with steamed cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.