Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
There is nothing quite like the comfort and rich flavors of a hearty dish to make your day feel special, and this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe does exactly that. Imagine tender, juicy beef bites and perfectly soft baby potatoes, all infused with the warm embrace of garlic butter, fragrant herbs, and a subtle smoky kick. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings deep, homestyle flavors together with ease, making it a perfect dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish, and luckily, they’re simple yet powerful in building layers of flavor. Each component plays a role—from the melt-in-your-mouth beef to the luscious garlic butter, they come together to make your taste buds dance.
- 5 lbs beef stew meat: Choose good-quality beef cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure tenderness after slow cooking.
- 5 lbs baby potatoes, halved: These small potatoes absorb flavors beautifully and offer a creamy texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The key to that rich, buttery coating that carries all the seasonings.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings aromatic depth and a savory punch to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spicy warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the beef bites wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements garlic and beef beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this is the perfect touch.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides essential moisture and richness during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness that enhances the beef.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by placing your beef stew meat and halved baby potatoes straight into the slow cooker. This simple first step sets the stage for the flavors to meld perfectly throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this heavenly mixture over the beef and potatoes, stirring everything carefully so every bite gets coated with that garlicky, buttery goodness.
Step 3: Add Broth and Soy Sauce
Next, combine the beef broth and soy sauce in another bowl and pour it over the ingredients already in your slow cooker. This layer of liquid ensures everything cooks evenly and infuses extra savory notes into your beef bites and potatoes.
Step 4: Cook the Dish
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the beef beautifully and makes the potatoes melt-in-your-mouth soft, all while letting the flavors develop deeply over time.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When cooking is complete, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. Then, serve it up and prepare yourself for a truly satisfying meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the fresh parsley that already adds great brightness, a little extra freshly cracked black pepper can add subtle spice. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you want a zesty twist that cuts through the butteriness.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans adds fresh texture and color contrast. For a heartier meal, crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the beef and potatoes in mini cast iron skillets or rustic wooden bowls to highlight the homey vibe. You can also layer the beef bites and potatoes over creamy mashed cauliflower or polenta for an elegant twist that amps up the comfort factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next day can be even tastier!
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, making sure to remove excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe gently in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry to bring back the comforting sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks or even short ribs if you want. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut and size.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
While browning beef adds extra flavor, it’s not required for this recipe. The slow cooker does a wonderful job tenderizing the meat and building rich flavor without that step, keeping the process simple and hands-off.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! The crushed red pepper flakes are a great way to add some heat, and you can adjust the amount to your liking. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture for extra kick.
How can I tell when the beef and potatoes are done?
The beef should be tender enough to fall apart easily with a fork, and the baby potatoes should be soft when pierced with a knife. This usually happens within 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume without overcrowding. Cooking times might be a bit longer, so check for tenderness before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe brings warmth, ease, and incredible flavor to your dinner table. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big hug after a long day. I promise once you make it, it will become a staple that friends and family look forward to. Give yourself the gift of comfort food made simple and delicious—you won’t regret it!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef stew meat and tender baby potatoes simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. Cooked low and slow, this comforting dish is perfect for a hands-off, satisfying dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat and halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for uniform 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 blend all seasonings into the butter. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat everything 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 deepen the savory flavor.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook the beef and potatoes on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.
Notes
- For spicier flavor, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe can be adapted for a pressure cooker or Instant Pot by adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Use baby Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (LOW) or 3 to 4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
