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Have you ever craved a meal that’s both effortless and bursting with rich, comforting flavors? Imagine coming home to tender, juicy beef bites infused with garlic butter, perfectly paired with soft, seasoned potatoes. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you need something warm and hearty. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious slow-cooked meal with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor – The garlic butter infuses the beef and potatoes beautifully.
- Tender & Juicy – Slow cooking ensures the beef melts in your mouth.
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:
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Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Beef stew meat | 1 ½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces |
Baby potatoes | 1 pound, halved |
Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons, melted |
Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
Dried rosemary | ½ teaspoon |
Salt | ½ teaspoon (or to taste) |
Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Beef broth | ¼ cup |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting, gather all your ingredients and prep them:
- Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the baby potatoes for even cooking.
- Mince the garlic cloves for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended!)
For a richer taste, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step locks in the juices and enhances the overall flavor.
3. Mix the Seasoning Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper
This flavorful mixture will coat the beef and potatoes beautifully.
4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the seared (or raw) beef bites on top.
- Pour the melted garlic butter mixture over everything, ensuring an even coating.
- Pour in the beef broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Give everything a good stir before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef – Chuck roast or beef stew meat works best for slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Searing – This step enhances the texture and depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives a more robust taste than garlic powder.
- Adjust the Seasonings – Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or extra herbs for a more aromatic dish.
- Deglaze the Pan – After searing the beef, add the beef broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits before pouring it into the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This dish is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking for the perfect side dish, consider:
- Steamed vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or asparagus
- Buttered rolls – Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce
- Rice or mashed potatoes – For an extra hearty meal
- Fresh salad – A light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Let the dish cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth.
- Oven – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even russet potatoes (cut into smaller pieces) work well.
2. Do I have to sear the beef first?
No, but searing adds extra flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get delicious results.
3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Simmer everything in a covered pot over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your beef broth is certified gluten-free.
5. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be great additions. Add them in the last 2 hours of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
6. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Substitute beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and adjust the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate blend of convenience and comfort. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family or save it for later.
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Happy cooking! 🍽️
PrintEasy Weeknight Dinner – Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef & Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a melt-in-your-mouth, one-pot meal bursting with rich flavors. Tender beef bites slow-cooked in a garlic butter sauce alongside perfectly seasoned baby potatoes make for an easy and hearty dinner. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
-
- Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the baby potatoes for even cooking.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sear the Beef (Optional for More Flavor)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef bites for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the beef bites on top.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over everything.
- Add the beef broth for moisture.
- Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Stir everything together before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Searing the beef enhances flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste—add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For extra richness, drizzle a little more melted butter before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat in the microwave, oven, or stovetop with a splash of beef broth for moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on LOW) / 3-4 hours (on HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American