There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of tender beef and buttery potatoes slow-cooking their way to perfection. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate blend of savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep staple.
I discovered this recipe during a hectic week when I needed something easy yet satisfying. It quickly became a favorite, thanks to its simple prep and rich, hearty flavors that make you feel like you're dining at a steakhouse.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Get ready to fall head over heels for this savory and satisfying dish. Here’s why it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.
First, it’s an absolute time-saver. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to free up your day for other tasks.
The flavors are out of this world. Juicy, tender beef bites are smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly complementing the soft, fluffy potatoes. Each bite is a warm hug for your taste buds.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can easily switch up the vegetables or even add mushrooms and carrots for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
Finally, the dish is budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. It’s a hit with adults and kids alike, and you’ll love how affordable it is to make using pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, making the final dish irresistible.
The star of the show is the beef bites. Opt for chuck roast or stew meat, which become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. If you want a fancier touch, use beef tenderloin for an ultra-luxurious result.
Baby potatoes are the perfect partner for the beef. Their creamy texture absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully, and there’s no need to peel them, saving you valuable prep time. If baby potatoes aren’t available, quartered Yukon Gold potatoes work just as well.
The garlic butter sauce ties everything together. Made with minced garlic, unsalted butter, and a touch of olive oil, this sauce coats the beef and potatoes in a rich, savory glaze. A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of freshness.
For a flavorful depth, we’ll use a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. These pantry staples create a base that’s rich and perfectly balanced.
Lastly, if you have a slow cooker liner, it can make cleanup a breeze, especially for recipes like this that involve a lot of sauce.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
Start by seasoning the beef bites generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the beef bites on all sides until browned. This step locks in the flavor and adds a delicious crust to the meat.
While the beef is searing, wash and halve the baby potatoes. No peeling is needed, making this step quick and easy. Place the potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a bed for the beef.
Once the beef bites are seared, transfer them to the slow cooker on top of the potatoes. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour the garlic butter over the beef and potatoes, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
Mix beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the slow cooker. 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.
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the sauce is well-distributed.
Storage Options
This dish stores beautifully, making it a great choice for leftovers or meal prep.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it tastes even better the next day.
For longer storage, transfer the cooled beef and potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
If reheating in the slow cooker, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Heat on low for 1-2 hours until fully warmed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative with it.
Add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or onions to make it a one-pot meal. Just layer them with the potatoes for even cooking.
Swap out the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more vibrant twist. They pair wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce.
If you’re short on time, you can skip searing the beef. While it adds extra flavor, the dish will still be delicious without this step.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce into the garlic butter mixture.
Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
Closing Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Its hearty, flavorful nature makes it a guaranteed hit, whether you’re serving it to your family or hosting friends. Give it a try this week – your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Make a delicious and hearty slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes recipe with tender meat and flavorful buttery potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear beef bites until browned.
- Add baby potatoes, seared beef, garlic, melted butter, and seasonings (paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper) to the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender and potatoes are fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the dish before serving.
- If you prefer crispier potatoes, broil them in the oven for a few minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
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