If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying meal, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender bites of beef infused with aromatic garlic butter, perfectly paired with soft, flavorful baby potatoes that soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. It’s a hands-off recipe that delivers big on taste and cozy textures, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend vibes when you want something nourishing without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to creating the right texture and color balance that makes this dish look as good as it tastes.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this provides tender, juicy meat that absorbs all the seasonings beautifully.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved: These small potatoes cook just right alongside the beef, offering a soft, buttery bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the dish, enhancing depth and silkiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic that infuses the dish with a warm, savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the beef to lock in flavor and create a lovely crust before slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a touch of smoky warmth and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity without overpowering the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, slightly floral note that complements the meat and potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Provides moisture and deepens the overall savoriness while the ingredients slow cook.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the final dish with fresh color and a hint of herbal freshness for garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then, sear the beef bites for about 2-3 minutes, making sure to brown all sides. This step locks in flavor and develops a delicious crust that adds texture and richness to the final dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer the seared beef and the halved baby potatoes to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the top. Give everything a gentle mix to distribute the seasonings and broth evenly, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic. Drizzle this fragrant garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes. This step is key because it infuses the dish with creamy richness and savory garlic goodness during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long, gentle cooking time allows the beef to become meltingly tender while the potatoes soak up all those fabulous flavors and buttery richness.
Step 5: Alternative Cooking Time
If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but the flavor and tenderness truly shine with the slower, low setting.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Once the cooking is complete, gently stir the mixture to combine all the flavors one last time. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and a touch of herbal brightness. Serve warm and enjoy the incredible comfort of this one-pot wonder.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish, adding vibrant green color and a subtle, fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich garlic butter beef and potatoes. Feel free to add a few red pepper flakes for some gentle heat or a wedge of lemon for a bright, zesty twist just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round it out, simple steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad are excellent choices. These sides add a welcome crunch and fresh textures to balance the soft potatoes and tender beef bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe feel extra special by serving it in beautiful rustic bowls or on a large wooden platter for a family-style meal. Drizzle a bit more melted garlic butter on top just before serving for that gorgeous glossy finish and an irresistible aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for planned meals throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a suitable container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to keep the meat and potatoes moist and tender. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that just-cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and maintain their shape, you can substitute with fingerlings or small Yukon Gold potatoes. Just be sure to cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the beef.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing the beef is highly recommended as it locks in flavors and creates a delicious crust. It’s a quick step that elevates the overall flavor and texture of the dish tremendously.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the slow cooker insert in the fridge. Then, in the morning, simply start the slow cooker and enjoy dinner ready when you get home.
What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but beef broth adds a deeper, richer flavor that complements the meat and garlic butter perfectly.
How do I know when the beef is done and tender?
The beef is ready when it easily pulls apart with a fork and is tender throughout. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is ideal, but you can check earlier. If it’s not tender enough, simply cook a bit longer until it reaches your desired texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of tender beef, buttery garlic, and perfectly cooked potatoes after a long day, and the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe delivers just that with ease. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker go-to!
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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: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender slow cooker beef bites and baby potatoes infused with garlic butter and a blend of savory herbs and spices. This easy, comforting one-pot meal features seared beef for extra flavor and cooks low and slow to bring out rich, hearty flavors perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef bites for 2-3 minutes, browning all sides to develop flavor and lock in juices.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef, baby potatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Mix everything gently to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes inside the slow cooker for rich, aromatic flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked.
- Finish and Garnish: Once cooking is complete, gently stir the beef bites and potatoes to mix the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb aroma.
- Serve Warm: Serve the garlic butter beef bites and potatoes warm as a hearty main dish, perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Notes
- For best flavor, use chuck roast, as it becomes very tender during slow cooking.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with red or Yukon gold potatoes if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning and garlic amount according to taste preferences.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
