If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, then you simply must try the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. This comforting dish combines tender beef stew bites and golden baby potatoes, all infused with a rich garlic butter sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a perfect blend of savory, buttery, and garlicky goodness that will warm your soul and impress any dinner guest without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a star role, enhancing the dish’s deep, savory flavors while keeping things easy and fuss-free. The blend of seasoning powders brings depth, while fresh garlic and butter add a luscious richness that ties everything together. Plus, those baby Yukon gold potatoes give you that perfect soft yet firm texture and a lovely pop of color.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose good-quality, well-marbled beef for tender, flavorful bites after slow cooking.
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up beautifully during cooking and their thin skin means no peeling necessary.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to balance the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor while complementing the fresh garlic.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: A perfect mix of salt and spices that seasons both beef and potatoes evenly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Fresh garlic gives this dish its signature aroma and bold, savory punch.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads: Melts down during cooking, creating a luscious garlic butter sauce coating each bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This little step ensures that nothing sticks as the beef and potatoes cook low and slow, making cleanup a breeze. A well-prepped slow cooker is the foundation of this effortlessly delicious dish.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Place the beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the baby potatoes on the other side—this helps maintain distinct textures as they cook. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the meat and potatoes, making sure every piece is well-seasoned. Gently toss the beef bites with the seasonings to coat them well, but keep them separate from the potatoes to ensure they each cook properly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Distribute the chopped garlic evenly over both the beef and potatoes. The fresh garlic will infuse the dish with that unmistakable aroma and flavor that makes this recipe so irresistible. Then, place pads of butter on top—it slowly melts throughout the cooking process, bathing the ingredients in rich garlic butter.
Step 4: Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow and steady cooking method allows the beef to become fall-apart tender while those Yukon gold potatoes soak up all the garlicky buttery goodness. The resulting dish is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe hot, drizzling any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top for extra flavor. For an optional bright touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add an extra layer of savory delight.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish beautifully. Fresh parsley adds a splash of vibrant green and a subtle freshness that balances the richness. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth, making each bite a little more special. Both are fantastic options to finish your meal with style.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add more color and variety, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables would be a great match. Something light and fresh cuts through the richness of the beef and butter, making for a well-rounded dinner experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and potatoes over creamy mashed cauliflower or buttered noodles to soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce. You can also plate the meat bites atop roasted garlic bread for a savory handheld feast that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe keep exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in airtight containers to preserve flavor and moisture. When reheated, the beef remains tender and the potatoes hold their shape.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this meal for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw fully in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven or microwave, adding a small splash of butter or broth if the dish seems dry. This will refresh the flavors and keep your beef bites and potatoes luscious and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also try chuck roast cut into chunks. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Are any substitutions possible for the potatoes?
If you don’t have baby Yukon gold potatoes, red potatoes or fingerlings work well too. Just pick a variety that holds its shape during slow cooking so you get that perfect tender bite without falling apart.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
While butter is key to the rich garlic sauce, you can swap in olive oil for a lighter version. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Using baby potatoes helps, and keeping them on one side of the slow cooker, away from the beef juices, also prevents overcooking. If you want firmer potatoes, you can reduce the cooking time by 30 minutes or so.
Can I double the recipe?
You can, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients without crowding. Larger batches may also require additional cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is hands-down one of those comforting classics that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to prepare, bountiful on flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with how easy and delicious slow cooker meals can be.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender beef stew meat and baby Yukon gold potatoes cooked low and slow with a delicious blend of garlic, butter, and seasonings. This hearty dish is perfect for a hands-off dinner that yields flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with perfectly cooked potatoes.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Butter
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other side to allow even cooking. Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the beef and potatoes. Gently toss the beef bites to coat them with the seasonings while keeping the meat and potatoes separate.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Distribute the chopped garlic evenly over the meat and potatoes for a fresh, pungent flavor. Then place butter pads evenly on top to create a rich garlic butter sauce as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to fall apart easily. This slow cooking method ensures the beef and potatoes absorb all the flavors and reach perfect tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the beef bites and potatoes hot, drizzling the melted garlic butter sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the meat and potatoes after cooking and simmer the remaining liquid on the stove until reduced.
- You can substitute red potatoes for Yukon gold if desired.
- To add a bit of heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
- Make sure to cut the butter into small pads so it distributes evenly and melts properly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
