If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, then the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is about to become your go-to. Tender beef bites swim in rich, garlicky butter alongside perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all infused with a blend of savory spices that create a dinner bursting with flavor and heartiness. This dish is simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress family and friends, making the slow cooker your new best kitchen companion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that bring depth, texture, and vibrant color to the plate. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s developing rich flavor, tenderizing the meat, or adding a pop of freshness.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast: Perfectly sized for bite-sized tenderness and juicy flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved: These absorb all those delicious juices and offer a tender, buttery texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds that luscious richness and helps carry the garlic aroma beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an irresistible savory punch to this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing to lock in meat juices and deepen flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and a touch of vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory background notes without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceous warmth that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the beef with extra savory goodness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Added at the end for a fresh, bright garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef Bites
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure every side gets a nice brown crust. This step is crucial because it locks in flavor and gives the meat that beautiful caramelized texture that will elevate the entire dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer your perfectly seared beef to the slow cooker along with the halved baby potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over everything. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all those tasty spices evenly coat the meat and potatoes.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic until well combined. Drizzle this garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in your slow cooker. This step infuses the entire dish with that decadent, garlicky richness that makes this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe stand out.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. The long, gentle cooking process allows the beef to become tender and juicy, while the potatoes soak up all those delightful flavors.
Step 5: Alternate Cooking Time Option
If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will also yield delicious results, though the slow low heat is ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor development.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Once fully cooked, give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors one last time. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that feels special yet effortless to make.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is perfect to sprinkle across the dish just before serving, adding a burst of color and mild herbal brightness. For an extra punch, consider a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables offers balance and freshness. Creamy mashed cauliflower or a crusty loaf of bread also makes fantastic companions to help mop up every bit of that garlicky butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beef and potatoes in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or a handful of crispy fried onions for texture contrast. You can even layer the bites over fluffy rice or creamy polenta for a new twist that adds an extra cozy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion your leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or a small knob of butter during reheating helps keep the beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or chuck roast works best due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs cut into bite-sized pieces. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply add everything to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This makes dinner planning a breeze!
Is it possible to make this recipe without dairy?
Definitely. You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter to keep that garlicky richness while accommodating dietary needs.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef should be fork-tender and easily pierced after slow cooking. If it still feels tough, extend the cooking time by another 30 minutes and check again.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added sweetness and texture. Just be mindful of their cooking times and add them accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe truly brings warmth and comfort to the table with little effort but big results. The tender beef, garlicky butter, and perfectly cooked potatoes come together to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a fast favorite for busy days and cozy nights alike.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes slow-cooked to perfection with a fragrant garlic butter sauce and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Sauces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear for 2-3 minutes, browning all sides to lock in flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef, halved baby potatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into a slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic. Drizzle this aromatic garlic butter evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Final Steps: Once cooking is complete, gently stir the beef bites and potatoes to coat them well with the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish and serve warm for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, sear the beef before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with red or Yukon gold potatoes if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; add more garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
