If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. This recipe brings together tender, flavorful beef and creamy baby Yukon gold potatoes all slow-cooked to perfection with rich garlic butter and a blend of spices that will have your kitchen smelling irresistibly delicious. It’s effortless to prepare, yet feels like a special occasion meal, making it one of those go-to dishes you’ll want to share with family and friends again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a taste sensation that is both rich and satisfying. Each element adds its own unique texture and flavor, from tender beef bites to melt-in-your-mouth potatoes bursting with buttery garlic goodness.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose a cut with good marbling for tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that complements the beef.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky flavor in the recipe for robust savoriness.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Brings balanced seasoning with a touch of herbs and spices.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor that lingers beautifully.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads: Melts slowly to coat the beef and potatoes in a rich, luscious finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by rinsing and drying your baby Yukon gold potatoes, leaving them whole to preserve their creamy centers. Trim any excess fat from the beef stew meat and pat the pieces dry; this helps to encourage a delicious crust as they slow cook. Gather your spices and butter so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Season the Beef and Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Then gently mix in the whole baby potatoes, allowing the seasoning to lightly coat their skins too, which will soak up all those mouthwatering juices as they cook.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned beef and potatoes into the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped garlic evenly over the top, then dot the dish with the pads of butter for richness. The slow cooker will work its magic by slowly melting the butter into a silky sauce that infuses all the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook everything on low for about 6 hours. This low and slow cooking method ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and the potatoes soak up all the garlic butter flavors, creating a harmonious dish bursting with taste.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to combine the buttery sauce with the beef bites and potatoes. Check seasoning and add a pinch more salt or garlic powder if desired. Your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is now ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness. A light grating of Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a nice finishing touch that complements the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe is impressive on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies like green beans or broccoli adds lovely crunch and balances the richness wonderfully. A crusty loaf of bread is another fantastic option to soak up every last buttery drop from the slow cooker.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the beef bites and potatoes over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or even buttery egg noodles. Alternatively, plate each serving in small cast-iron skillets to keep the dish warm and give it a rustic, homestyle feel that’s sure to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to savor the flavors again easily.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a small sprinkle of water or broth before reheating helps to keep the beef bites and potatoes moist and tender without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon gold potatoes work beautifully for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape, red potatoes or even fingerlings would be great substitutes. Just be sure to select potatoes that won’t turn mushy during slow cooking.
Do I have to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning is optional but recommended if you want to add extra depth of flavor and texture to the beef. However, since the slow cooker cooks low and slow, the meat will still turn out tender and delicious without this step.
Can I add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms?
Yes! Root vegetables like carrots or hearty mushrooms complement this dish nicely. Just add them alongside the potatoes to cook for the full 6 hours, ensuring they become tender and flavorful.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when seasoning the beef. You could also finish with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure any added seasonings or broth are certified gluten-free if you opt to adjust the recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite as satisfying as coming home to the comforting aroma of a warm, slow-cooked meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is a wonderful dish to add to your rotation, impressing family and friends with its tender beef, buttery garlic richness, and wholesome potatoes. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker staple.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender beef stew meat and baby Yukon gold potatoes cooked slowly in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with onion and garlic powders, and finished with plenty of buttery goodness. This comforting slow cooker meal is perfect for an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by rinsing the baby Yukon gold potatoes and cutting them into bite-sized pieces if they’re larger. Trim the beef stew meat into uniform bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Beef: Place the beef stew meat in a large bowl. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Toss well to coat each piece evenly with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add the seasoned beef and baby potatoes into the slow cooker. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients but avoid crushing the potatoes.
- Add Garlic Butter: Scatter the chopped garlic evenly over the beef and potatoes. Dot the tops with the butter pads so they melt slowly during cooking, infusing everything with rich buttery flavor.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft. Once done, give everything a gentle stir to combine the garlic butter sauce fully before serving.
Notes
- For quicker cooking, you can use the high setting on your slow cooker and reduce the time to 3-4 hours.
- If you prefer, substitute baby red potatoes or fingerlings for Yukon gold potatoes.
- Fresh garlic adds more flavor than garlic powder; adjust amounts as desired.
- The recipe is best served fresh but any leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish gluten free, confirm your seasoned salt does not contain gluten additives.
