If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is just what you need. This dish brings together tender beef stew meat simmered in a luscious garlic butter sauce paired perfectly with baby potatoes that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s ideal for busy weeknights or any time you want the warmth of a home-cooked meal without fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and perfectly balanced for maximum flavor and texture. Each one has a role in creating that rich, savory base or adding fresh brightness to the dish.
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat: Tender cuts like beef chuck work best for a juicy, slow-cooked bite.
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes: Halved or quartered to soak up all the garlicky butter goodness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star here, providing that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Creates a delicious base for the sauce and keeps everything moist.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dish with creamy, buttery richness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the meat and enhances the overall texture.
- 2 tsp dried thyme: Gives a fragrant herbal note that complements beef beautifully.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a woodsy, piney aroma that pairs perfectly with potatoes and beef.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and elevates every flavor — adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick enhancing the savory depth.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Intensifies the onion flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky goodness for a richer sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your beef stew meat lightly with salt and pepper before searing it until beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in the meat’s juices and adds incredible depth of flavor that makes the final dish so satisfying.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once the beef has a nice crust, transfer it to your slow cooker along with the halved baby potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the beef broth and melted butter, then sprinkle all the dried herbs and seasonings evenly across the top. This creates the perfect mixture for slow cooking where every ingredient melds together beautifully.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook your garlic butter beef bites and potatoes on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low-and-slow method gives you melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly tender potatoes infused with that rich, buttery garlic flavor. The aroma filling your kitchen will make waiting worthwhile!
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
When done, give the stew a gentle stir to make sure everything is coated in the luscious sauce. Taste for seasoning adjustments, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness that balances the dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must! It adds a lovely pop of green and a hint of freshness to cut through all that richness. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or finely chopped chives right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. A side of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last drop of the garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef bites and potatoes over creamy mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice to lighten the plate. Another approach is to plate it family-style in a rustic serving bowl, letting everyone help themselves to that divine buttery sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe also freezes well. Pop leftovers into a freezer-safe container, and you can keep them for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce as it warms, keeping those bites juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or chuck is ideal for tenderness after slow cooking, you can use other cuts like sirloin tips if you’re short on time. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to keep the beef tender.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Feel free to toss in carrots, celery, or mushrooms if you want to bulk up the dish with more veggies. Just remember that some vegetables cook faster, so add those towards the last hour of cooking to prevent over-softening.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simmer the dish gently on the stovetop in a heavy pot or Dutch oven, covered. Cook on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until beef and potatoes are tender.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Skip the butter and substitute with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil. This swap will still give you plenty of richness without the dairy, maintaining the recipe’s deliciousness.
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
Using frozen beef can work, but it’s best to thaw it first to allow even cooking. Putting frozen meat straight into the slow cooker can lengthen cooking time and affect the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe truly brings comfort food to a whole new level with its rich, garlicky sauce and tender, juicy bites of beef. It’s a simple-to-make dish that feels special every time you serve it—ideal for sharing with family and friends. Give it a go and enjoy the cozy warmth and incredible flavors that only slow-cooked meals can deliver!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- 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 is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes cooked low and slow in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with herbs. Perfect for an easy family meal, it requires minimal prep and delivers mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth flavors with a savory herbal finish.
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 & Seasonings
- 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 the Ingredients: Begin by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces if not already cut, and halve or quarter the baby potatoes depending on size. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the beef stew meat, baby potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. This creates the base for the dish and allows the flavors to meld together during cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, beef broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce that will infuse the meat and potatoes.
- Pour Sauce Over Ingredients: Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the beef, potatoes, and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are well coated with the seasoning and sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. This slow cooking method allows the beef to become very tender and the potatoes to absorb the rich garlic butter flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, give the dish a gentle stir and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a quicker cooking option, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours but low and slow is recommended for optimal tenderness.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the slow cooker for more variety.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; additional salt and pepper can be added before serving.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This recipe works well with beef chuck or stew meat due to their tenderness when slow cooked.
