Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth meal that delivers big on comfort and flavor, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender beef stew meat cooked to perfection alongside golden, buttery baby potatoes, all infused with rich garlic and vibrant spices. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also makes your kitchen smell heavenly, creating a cozy atmosphere even before you take your first bite. Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the tender beef providing richness, the potatoes offering comforting texture, to the carefully blended spices and herbs that awaken the senses and create a perfect harmony of flavors.
- 5 lbs beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and delightful tenderness.
- 5 lbs baby potatoes: Halved to soak up buttery garlic goodness and for a soft, creamy bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted to coat and enrich the meat and potatoes for that buttery, luscious texture.
- 5 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with pungent warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps the seasoning balanced.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and underscores the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky richness, deepening the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory base with its gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal hint that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like things a little spicy.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the dish juicy and infuses it with meaty, savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Gives an umami punch and helps round out the flavors with a savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by placing the beef stew meat and halved baby potatoes right into your slow cooker. This simple step gets the foundation of the dish ready for all those delicious flavors to meld together later on.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef and potatoes, giving everything a good stir so every bite is coated evenly with that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Add Broth and Soy Sauce
Next, mix the beef broth and soy sauce in another bowl. Pour this savory liquid over the ingredients in the slow cooker, adding moisture and an extra layer of umami richness to the dish.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method ensures the beef becomes tender and juicy while the potatoes become perfectly soft and infused with flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When everything is beautifully cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. The herb adds a lively, fresh note that brightens up the rich, cozy dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can also consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or some fresh thyme sprigs to elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus bring in some crunch and vibrant flavors, completing a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve the beef bites and potatoes straight from the slow cooker in a cast-iron dish or wooden bowl. Alternatively, plate it neatly with a drizzle of the cooking juices spooned over the top and a side of crusty bread for mopping up all the juicy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep deliciously for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure it has cooled completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water before reheating helps keep the beef moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work wonderfully because of their creamy texture and quick cooking time, Yukon gold or red potatoes are great alternatives. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes! If you prefer to skip the soy sauce or need a soy-free option, substitute with Worcestershire sauce or simply omit it and add a pinch more salt. The broth and spices will still create plenty of flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the beef and potatoes and the garlic butter mixture ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to cook. This makes dinner prep a breeze on a busy day.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No worries! You can make this dish in a Dutch oven over low heat, simmering gently for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. Feel free to adjust the amount or leave them out entirely for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and incredible flavor that warms you up from the inside out. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your meal rotation—easy to make, delightful to eat, and wonderfully satisfying for every occasion.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for an easy dinner, delivering savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth textures without much effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat and halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to integrate all the spices and aromatic flavors. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly.
- Add Broth and Soy Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth and soy sauce. Pour this liquid mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker to add moisture and depth of flavor.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into similar bite-sized pieces.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- If desired, add vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on Low or 3 to 4 hours on High
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
