A comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish that combines tender beef bites with perfectly seasoned potatoes, all bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. With the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe is low-maintenance and full of flavor—perfect for cozy dinners or hearty family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal! The slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
- Packed with savory garlic butter goodness, it’s a flavor bomb in every bite.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile! Perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need to get started. Full list of ingredients is at the bottom of the post.
- Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- Garlic, minced
- Butter, melted
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prep the beef: Season the beef bites with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
- Layer the slow cooker: Add the potatoes first, followed by the beef.
- Garlic butter magic: Mix melted butter with minced garlic, then drizzle it over the beef and potatoes.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are perfectly soft.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Sear the beef first: Browning the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Uniform potato sizes: Cutting the potatoes evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Garlic lovers: Add a few whole garlic cloves to the slow cooker for an extra punch of garlic goodness.
- Don’t lift the lid: Resist the urge to check on your dish too often; it disrupts the slow cooking process.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Protein swap: Try pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different twist.
- Vegetable variety: Add carrots, green beans, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with rosemary, paprika, or Italian seasoning for unique flavor profiles.
- Potato alternatives: Use Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes for a different texture and taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up all that luscious garlic butter sauce.
- For a hearty side, consider serving over rice or egg noodles.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but thaw it first for the best texture and even cooking.
Q2: What’s the best type of potato to use?
Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds work best as they hold their shape well during slow cooking.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release.
Q4: Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! But you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want some heat.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Let your slow cooker work its magic and enjoy the delicious results!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender beef bites and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a stress-free meal prep recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Add beef broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover 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.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots for a sweeter flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg