Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe. Tender, juicy beef stew meat cooked to perfection alongside buttery Yukon gold potatoes offers a comforting combination of rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures. The garlic butter infusion makes every bite irresistible, while the slow cooking method ensures ridiculously tender beef and potatoes bursting with savory goodness. This dish hits all the right notes for a cozy dinner that feels special but is incredibly easy to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to making this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from seasoning the beef perfectly to adding richness with butter, creating a harmonious dish full of flavor and texture.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for flavor and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Brings a balanced salty and savory kick.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic delivers that fragrant punch that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads: Infuses richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These creamy potatoes hold up well to slow cooking and soak up all the buttery goodness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Chop the garlic, measure out your spices, and if needed, rinse the baby Yukon gold potatoes. Having everything sorted makes the slow cooker assembly quick and stress-free.
Step 2: Add Beef and Potatoes to the Slow Cooker
Place the beef stew meat in one half of the slow cooker and the potatoes in the other side. Keeping them separate allows the flavors to develop distinctly while cooking together, ensuring the beef gets beautifully tender and the potatoes absorb all the garlic butter aroma.
Step 3: Season Both Ingredients
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and the potatoes. This seasoning combo brings out the natural flavors and builds the base for the rich taste that defines this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe.
Step 4: Toss the Beef
Gently toss the beef stew meat so the seasoning coats every piece evenly, but keep it separated from the potatoes. This careful approach helps each element cook perfectly without flavors muddling together prematurely.
Step 5: Add Fresh Garlic and Butter Pads
Evenly sprinkle the chopped garlic over the beef and potatoes, then lay the butter pads on top. As the slow cooker heats up, the butter will melt and mingle with the garlic and juices from the beef, producing the luscious sauce that makes every bite shine.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This gentle cooking method breaks down the beef’s connective tissue, making it wonderfully tender, while the potatoes become soft and flavorful without turning mushy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the dish and add a fresh layer of flavor, toss on chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper works beautifully too, adding just the right touch of spice.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complements the richness without overwhelming your palate. For a complete feast, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the heat for an inviting presentation. Alternatively, plate the beef and potatoes atop creamy mashed cauliflower or alongside buttery herbed noodles to mix things up and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making the next day’s meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing, and leave some room for expansion to maintain texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a pinch of fresh butter or a splash of broth while reheating helps revive that freshly cooked richness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon golds are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape, you can swap in red potatoes or fingerlings. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes to cook evenly.
Is it necessary to keep the beef and potatoes separate in the slow cooker?
Separating them helps to better control the cooking process, ensuring neither overcooks. It also allows the seasonings to stay distinct, giving you that perfect balance of flavors.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can, though cooking times will differ. Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes. Always check tenderness before serving.
What if I don’t eat dairy? Can I skip the butter?
You can substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The flavors won’t be quite the same, but it will still deliver a tasty dish with a bit less richness.
Can I add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms?
Definitely! Root vegetables like carrots add natural sweetness and color, while mushrooms lend earthiness. Add them alongside the potatoes for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again because of how effortlessly delicious and comforting it is. It’s an easy slow cooker meal that feels like a celebration in every bite, making weeknights or lazy weekends infinitely better. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this warm, garlicky delight. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender and flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Bites slow-cooked to perfection alongside baby Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and seasoned salt for a comforting, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including beef stew meat, baby Yukon gold potatoes, and seasonings. Chop the garlic and cut butter into tablespoon-sized pads.
- Arrange Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the beef stew meat in one half of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes in the other half to keep them separate during cooking.
- Season the Meat and Potatoes: Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the beef and potatoes.
- Toss the Beef: Gently toss the beef meat to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed, while keeping the potatoes separate.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Sprinkle the chopped garlic over both beef and potatoes, then place the butter pads on top of the mixture to melt and infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the potatoes to cook through.
- Serve: Once done, serve the beef bites and potatoes with the delicious sauce formed in the slow cooker.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use grass-fed butter or add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary before cooking.
- You can substitute baby Yukon gold potatoes with red potatoes or fingerlings if desired.
- Ensure the slow cooker lid fits tightly to maintain moisture for tender beef.
- For a thicker sauce, remove beef and potatoes after cooking and simmer the liquid on the stovetop until reduced.
- If short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours can be an alternative but low and slow yields best tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
