Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect comfort food, combining melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This dish is effortless to prepare but delivers robust, satisfying flavors that will impress both family and guests.

Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a hearty weekend dinner, this one-pot wonder allows the slow cooker to do all the hard work while you go about your day. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow, soaking up the garlicky butter sauce and fragrant herbs.

Paired with baby potatoes, this recipe is a complete meal in itself. Add a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that’s destined to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It

The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender beef bites and perfectly cooked potatoes with minimal effort.

Bold Flavors

The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the beef and potatoes.

Versatile

This dish is customizable—swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots, or use different herbs to suit your taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe fits the bill.

Minimal Cleanup

With just one pot needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (on low) or 3–4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Beef and Potatoes

• 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the beef bites with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Add the halved potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add the Beef

Layer the seasoned beef bites over the potatoes.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and beef broth. Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.

Step 6: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, straight from the slow cooker, alongside a side salad or crusty bread.

Ingredient Background

Beef Chuck: Known for its marbling, beef chuck becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow, making it ideal for this recipe.

Baby Potatoes: These small, thin-skinned potatoes cook quickly and evenly, soaking up the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.

Garlic: The star ingredient that infuses the entire dish with its aromatic, savory flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth that enhances the richness of the sauce.

Butter: Provides creaminess and helps the garlic flavor permeate the beef and potatoes.

Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.

Technique Tips

Sear for Flavor: Searing the beef before slow cooking locks in flavor and adds a caramelized crust to the meat.

Layering is Key: Place the potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker so they cook evenly in the juices from the beef.

Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space in the slow cooker for heat to circulate, allowing even cooking.

Keep the Lid Closed: Resist the urge to peek, as removing the lid releases heat and slows down cooking time.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.

Veggie Swap: Substitute the potatoes with diced sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips for a sweeter, earthier flavor.

Herb Lovers: Use rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different herbal profile.

Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella over the dish during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring the dish retains its moisture and richness. For best results, reheat slowly to allow the flavors to meld and revive the dish’s original texture.

Freezing: Allow the beef and potatoes to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later. To prevent freezer burn, consider wrapping the container in an extra layer of foil or plastic wrap. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of beef broth, water, or even melted butter to rehydrate the sauce and keep the dish moist. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second increments, checking for even heating. Avoid overheating to prevent the beef from becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Weeknight Comfort: This hearty dish is perfect for busy evenings. Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or steamed green beans for a simple yet nutritious meal the whole family will love.

Dinner Party: For an elegant presentation, transfer the beef and potatoes to a large serving dish, garnishing with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve with crusty artisan bread, garlic knots, or even herbed rice. Complement the meal with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a restaurant-quality experience.

Meal Prep: Divide the beef and potatoes into individual meal prep containers, pairing with roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. Store in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for batch cooking.

Potluck Star: Transport the dish in the slow cooker to keep it warm and ready to serve. Place the slow cooker on the “warm” setting and provide a ladle for easy self-service. Pair with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

Game Day Delight: Serve as a part of a buffet spread with other comfort foods like mac and cheese, sliders, or cornbread. Add a topping bar with grated Parmesan, sour cream, or chives to let guests customize their plates.

Special Equipment

Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe, a slow cooker ensures the beef bites turn out perfectly tender and the potatoes soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. A programmable model with “low” and “high” settings offers maximum control and convenience.

Skillet: Searing the beef in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker adds a caramelized crust that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor. A cast-iron skillet works particularly well for this step.

Mixing Bowl: Use a medium-sized bowl to combine and whisk the garlic butter sauce ingredients. A sturdy mixing bowl prevents spills and ensures the sauce is evenly distributed.

Tongs: Tongs are indispensable for transferring beef bites without breaking them apart and for gently mixing the dish in the slow cooker during or after cooking.

Pastry Brush (Optional): A pastry brush can be used to coat the beef and potatoes with any extra garlic butter sauce just before serving, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or pork shoulder can be substituted, though cooking times may vary slightly.

2. Do I have to sear the beef?
Searing is optional but highly recommended for adding flavor and texture to the dish.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, use a Dutch oven to cook the dish on low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Russet or diced sweet potatoes work well, but adjust the cooking time as needed.

5. How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better during slow cooking.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute olive oil or plant-based butter for the regular butter in the sauce.

7. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or coconut aminos make excellent substitutes with similar umami notes.

8. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added in the last hour of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. With tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill. The slow cooker ensures perfectly tender results every time, and the versatile flavors make it easy to customize to your liking.

Take the time to savor this comforting dish with family and friends, and enjoy the unbeatable combination of convenience and taste. From its irresistible aroma to its melt-in-your-mouth texture, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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