There is something truly comforting and irresistible about this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. Tender beef bites infused with garlicky, buttery goodness mingle with soft, flavorful baby potatoes, all slowly cooked to perfection. Every bite bursts with rich, savory flavors and herbaceous warmth, making it an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or when you want an effortless, yet impressive meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy the anticipation of a melt-in-your-mouth feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients ensures this recipe delivers a soulful and hearty meal. Each component plays a crucial role— from the beef’s rich texture to the herbs that bring brightness and warmth, all tying together in a buttery, garlicky embrace.
- Beef stew meat or chuck roast, 2 lbs: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the star protein that becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking.
- Baby potatoes, 1 lb: Halved for perfect cooking, they absorb all the flavors while offering a creamy bite.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons: Melted to coat the beef and potatoes, imparting rich, velvety depth.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Provides that pungent, aromatic kick that beautifully complements the butter and beef.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Used for searing the beef to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust.
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon: Adds warm, sweet smokiness that enhances the beef’s flavor profile.
- Onion powder, 1 teaspoon: Contributes subtle, savory undertones without the texture of fresh onions.
- Dried thyme, 1 teaspoon: This herb adds an earthy and slightly minty aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Beef broth, 1/2 cup: Keeps the beef moist while enriching the sauce with deep, meaty notes.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped: Used as a final garnish to brighten and add a fresh, herbal finish.
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, browning them on all sides. This step isn’t just about looks—searing locks in the juices and creates a lovely caramelized crust that adds layers of flavor throughout the slow cook.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer your beautifully seared beef into 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. Gently mix so that the seasoning starts to coat the meat and potatoes evenly, setting the stage for rich flavor infusion.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic. Drizzle this luscious garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes inside the slow cooker. This step ensures that those decadent butter and garlic notes seep deeply into every morsel, making this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe truly shine.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover your slow cooker and cook the beef and potatoes on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow heat allows the meat to become tender without drying out, while the flavors meld to create an unforgettable, hearty dish.
Step 5: Optional Cooking Adjustment
If you’re short on time, you can switch to the high heat setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours, though the longer slow cook on low is highly recommended for maximum tenderness and flavor development.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
When cooking is complete, gently stir the beef and potatoes to coat them well in the luscious sauce. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Now your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is ready to warm your soul!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green contrast and fresh flavor that lightens the richness of the beef and butter. You might also consider a little cracked black pepper for extra bite or even a few chili flakes if you like a hint of heat to awaken the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh side salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness. A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every bit of that garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef bites and potatoes on a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or alongside roasted root vegetables. You could even turn this recipe into a hearty stew by ladling it over buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta for a comforting bowl everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, and be sure to leave some room for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to maintain that lovely, buttery texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or chuck roast are ideal for slow cooking due to their tenderness when cooked low and slow, you can also use other cuts like brisket or short ribs for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Do I need to sear the beef beforehand?
Searing is highly recommended because it adds extra flavor through caramelization and helps retain juices in the meat. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but the flavor may be less robust.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, or pearl onions make great additions, adding sweetness and texture. Just keep in mind that different veggies may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always double-check your beef broth and seasoning labels to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
How do I make it more buttery?
Feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of butter before serving or stir in a pat of butter at the end of cooking to enhance the richness even further. Just remember that butter also adds richness, so balance it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to share with loved ones when you want to spoil them a little. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again for cozy dinners filled with flavor and heart.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
- 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 comforting dish featuring tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes slow-cooked with garlic-infused melted butter, herbs, and beef broth. This recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for an easy family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Sauce
- 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 and create a rich crust.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker. Transfer the seared beef, halved baby potatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Prepare Garlic Butter. In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with minced garlic until well blended.
- Drizzle Garlic Butter. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker to infuse the dish with rich, savory garlic flavor during cooking.
- Cook Slowly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the beef bites and potatoes to coat with the flavorful juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce before slow cooking.
- If baby potatoes are unavailable, use small red or Yukon gold potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- This dish pairs well with steamed green vegetables or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
