If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dinner, look no further than Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. This dish is pure comfort food: tender beef bites, buttery potatoes, and an irresistible garlic-herb aroma that will have everyone hovering in the kitchen before dinnertime. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you need something simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is that the ingredient list is short, straightforward, and every item serves a delicious purpose. From the richly marbled beef to the humble potato, each ingredient brings something special to the table—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that gorgeous golden color.
- Beef stew meat or chuck roast: Choose well-marbled beef for the most tender, juicy bites after hours in the slow cooker.
- Baby potatoes: These little gems soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness, and their skin helps them hold their shape.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter infuses every bite with rich, velvety flavor—use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
- Garlic: Four cloves of fresh garlic give the dish its irresistible aroma and depth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and umami that brings out the savory notes in the beef.
- Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon lends earthy, herby undertones that pair beautifully with beef.
- Dried rosemary: This classic herb delivers a fragrant, woodsy kick—don’t skip it!
- Paprika: Besides a hint of warmth, paprika gives the beef and potatoes a gorgeous color.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of gentle heat.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end wakes everything up with freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Potatoes
Start by trimming your beef and cutting it into bite-sized pieces if it’s not already prepped. Wash and halve your baby potatoes. The smaller you cut them, the more quickly and evenly they’ll cook. Toss both right into your slow cooker bowl—no need to brown the meat (unless you have a few extra minutes for that extra flavor boost).
Step 2: Whisk the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant blend is the secret sauce for your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, giving every ingredient a savory, buttery coating that will have your kitchen smelling amazing.
Step 3: Marry the Flavors
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything until each piece is thoroughly coated. This step ensures the flavors infuse right from the start, so every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The magic happens while you go about your day—when you return, the beef will be melt-in-your-mouth tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in pearl onions or carrots for extra color and sweetness.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Give everything a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the buttery sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a burst of color and freshness. That’s it—dinner is served, and it couldn’t be easier or more satisfying!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a generous shower of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the rich flavors and adds beautiful color contrast. Try a light dusting of extra paprika or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a bit of sparkle and crunch. If you’re a cheese lover, a few shavings of Parmesan never hurt, either!
Side Dishes
While Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone, they pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or buttered peas. For a carb lover’s dream, consider serving them with warm rolls or crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dinners, serve straight from the slow cooker to keep things rustic and warm. If you’re entertaining, spoon the beef and potatoes into individual bowls for a cozy, personalized touch. For a party, dish them onto skewers or in small cups for a fun, appetizer-style twist on the classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes keep beautifully in the fridge. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, portion cooled beef and potatoes into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beef and potatoes in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat or chuck roast are classic choices for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, you can also use sirloin or brisket. Just make sure the beef is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Feel free to toss in pearl onions, carrots, or even chunks of bell pepper along with the potatoes. Just keep in mind that softer veggies should be added halfway through cooking so they don’t get mushy.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
If you want to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes dairy-free, substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative. Look for a vegan butter that melts well and has a neutral flavor.
Can I prep this recipe the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble everything in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop the insert into the slow cooker and start cooking as usual. It’s perfect for busy days!
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover beef bites and potatoes are fantastic in a breakfast hash, tucked into a sandwich, or even served over fluffy scrambled eggs. The flavors only get better, so don’t be afraid to get creative with what’s left!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, you have to try Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and sure to become a regular request at your table. Give it a go—you’ll see just how comforting and flavorful a slow cooker dinner can be!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe offers tender, flavorful beef stew meat combined with perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all infused with a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the beef pieces and halved potatoes into the slow cooker evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Beef and Potatoes: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Final Touch: Stir gently before serving, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to develop a rich crust and deeper flavor.
- Add pearl onions or carrots to the slow cooker for extra color, texture, and nutritional variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
