If you’ve been hunting for the perfect comfort meal that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy beef bites infused with buttery garlic goodness, mingling with soft, flavorful potatoes that soak up all the savory broth. This dish is a fantastic way to impress family or friends with minimal effort, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe just right means starting with a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays its part, from the tender beef stew meat that soaks up those flavors to the baby potatoes that bring comforting texture and color to the plate.
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose tender chunks or beef chuck cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite melts in your mouth.
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes: Halved or quartered, these keep their shape while absorbing savory juices beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the recipe, garlic smells irresistible and infuses everything with rich aroma.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and enhances the meaty flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Coats the beef and potatoes, lending a luscious, silky texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown and marry the flavors together while adding a subtle richness.
- 2 tsp dried thyme: Brings an earthy, fragrant warmth to round out the seasonings.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a pine-like depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing the flavors — adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a mild kick that enlivens the dish subtly.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Boosts the savory foundation alongside fresh onion.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky flavor for that irresistible punch.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Used as a bright, fresh garnish to finish your dish with color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start with cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces if not done already, and halve or quarter your baby potatoes. Chop your onion and mince the garlic cloves carefully — fresh garlic really makes the flavor pop in this dish.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Bites
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the beef pieces on all sides. This step locks in the juices and creates a richer flavor base that your slow cooker will build upon beautifully.
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and potatoes on top, making sure to distribute everything evenly for uniform cooking.
Step 4: Mix Seasonings and Add Liquids
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef and potatoes, ensuring everything gets coated to soak up those delicious herbs and butter.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker will work its magic, tenderizing the beef and infusing those potatoes with all the garlicky butter goodness that’s signature to this recipe.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a burst of vibrant color and a bright herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, consider serving this with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the buttery sauce. Simple roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully, adding texture and variety to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic cast-iron skillets or creamy white bowls to emphasize its hearty nature. For a party, consider placing it on a large platter with a sprinkle of parsley and extra garlic butter drizzled on top to invite everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, making next-day servings even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the beef bites and potatoes into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water during reheating helps keep the beef and potatoes moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or beef chuck is preferred for tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts as long as they are suitable for slow cooking and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
While optional, browning the beef adds a deeper, richer flavor and better texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but your dish will be even tastier with this extra step.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, mushrooms, or celery for added nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times so vegetables don’t become overly soft.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil to keep the rich and luscious texture without using dairy.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing everything in a covered Dutch oven and baking at 325°F (160°C) for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hands-off yet deeply satisfying meal, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe has got you covered. It’s cozy, flavorful, and such a joy to serve for busy weeknights or weekend dinners alike. Give it a try and watch it become a delicious staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe combines tender beef stew meat with baby potatoes in a savory garlic butter sauce. Cooked low and slow, this comforting dish is infused with aromatic herbs and rich flavors, making it a perfect hassle-free meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat (or beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Garlic Butter Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Halve or quarter the baby potatoes based on their size for even cooking. Chop the medium onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Mix Seasoning and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, beef broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to create the garlic butter sauce that will flavor the beef and potatoes.
- Combine Meat, Potatoes, and Onion: Place the beef stew meat, baby potatoes, and chopped onion into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the ingredients, ensuring even coating to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the mixture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your hearty slow cooker meal.
Notes
- For best results, use beef chuck for tender and flavorful bites.
- You can adjust the seasoning amount to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- This recipe freezes well, so leftovers can be stored and reheated later.
- Feel free to add veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
