Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a dinner that practically cooks itself yet delivers restaurant-worthy flavor, you’re going to fall in love with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Imagine meltingly tender beef, buttery potatoes, and a garlicky, herby sauce that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma—this is the kind of comfort food that makes everyone want seconds. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly simple to pull together, making it the perfect weeknight hero or an easy centerpiece for a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is rich, savory, and utterly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled chunks for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
- Baby potatoes: Their thin skins add color and hold up beautifully, soaking in all the buttery goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Divided use brings richness and that craveable, velvety mouthfeel to the finished dish.
- Garlic: Six cloves infuse the entire meal with deep, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory punch that wakes up the beef.
- Onion powder: Lends gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried thyme: Offers classic herbal notes that pair beautifully with beef and potatoes.
- Dried rosemary: Gives a fragrant, slightly piney aroma that makes the dish taste extra special.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and a warm color to the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste and adjust as needed!
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharpness that balances the richness.
- Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and adds another layer of savory depth.
- Fresh parsley: A final flourish for color and a burst of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Potatoes
Start by cutting your beef stew meat into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces if it isn’t already cubed. Halve your baby potatoes so they’ll cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors. Place both the beef and potatoes directly into your slow cooker—no need for any pre-browning or fussing. Just a bit of prep, and you’re well on your way to Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes bliss!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute or two until fragrant—this step unlocks all that sweet, mellow garlic flavor. Watch closely so the garlic doesn’t brown. Once it’s beautifully aromatic, remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This buttery, herby mixture is the foundation of the dish’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Pour the warm garlic butter mixture all over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, then gently toss everything together so every piece gets coated in the glorious sauce. This is what’s going to make those beef bites and potatoes outrageously flavorful from the inside out.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. The beef will turn fork-tender, and the potatoes will become buttery and soft, all while the flavors meld into something magical. There’s no need to stir or peek during cooking—just let the slow cooker work its wonders.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Just before serving, melt the last tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the top for that final glossy, decadent touch. Sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Now, your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Garnishes
For a beautiful, vibrant finish, always scatter a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of grated Parmesan adds a savory sparkle that makes every plate look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter with a side of crusty bread—perfect for mopping up all that buttery sauce. A crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans add freshness and a little crunch to balance the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve straight from the slow cooker for that rustic, cozy vibe. If you’re entertaining, pile the beef bites and potatoes onto a large platter, drizzle with extra butter, and let everyone dig in. You can even skewer the beef and potato bites for a fun appetizer at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic option for meal prepping or easy lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Cool completely, then package in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. The potatoes may soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef and potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to bring back that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Chuck roast works beautifully, as does sirloin if you prefer a leaner bite. Just make sure to cut the meat into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tenderness in your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
No problem—Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks are a perfect substitute. Try to keep the pieces uniform so everything cooks at the same rate.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions would be delicious additions. Just keep in mind that softer veggies might not need quite as much cooking time, so add them halfway through if you want them to hold their shape.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check your labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
How can I make this dish richer or creamier?
For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. These additions will make the sauce even more luscious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a meal that’s as easy as it is irresistible, and that’s exactly what you get with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished staple at your table, bringing warmth and big smiles to everyone who tries it. Give it a whirl—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe offers tender beef stew meat and halved baby potatoes cooked low and slow in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and fragrant herbs, making it a comforting and satisfying American main course perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef stew meat into 1-inch pieces and halve the baby potatoes to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the beef and halved baby potatoes into a large slow cooker, distributing them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Seasonings: Remove the pan from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Broth: Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Then, add the beef broth and gently toss everything to ensure the meat and potatoes are well coated with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked through.
- Finish with Butter: Just before serving, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the cooked beef and potatoes for extra richness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a fresh garnish. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan just before serving.
- You can substitute Yukon gold or red potatoes if baby potatoes aren’t available.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a balanced, hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
