If you’ve been searching for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself and delivers big on flavor, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is here to change your dinner game. Imagine tender, juicy beef bites soaked in garlicky buttery goodness paired with baby potatoes that soak up every delicious drop. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a slow cooker magic that results in a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing something special to this dish — from the rich, savory beef stew meat to the golden baby potatoes that add a satisfying texture and heartiness.
- 5 lbs beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces ensuring quick, tender cooking.
- 5 lbs baby potatoes: Halved to perfectly absorb the garlic butter sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted for that creamy, buttery coat that makes every bite luscious.
- 5 cloves garlic: Minced to bring aromatic depth and a punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky note.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a mild, savory sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides herby freshness to balance richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat if you like it spicy.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the meat juicy and adds a rich base.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings umami and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped, for a bright, fresh garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by placing your bite-sized beef stew meat and halved baby potatoes directly into the slow cooker. This sets the hearty foundation for the recipe and ensures everything cooks together evenly, blending flavors from the very beginning.
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 optional crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this irresistible garlic butter blend over the beef and potatoes, then stir well so every piece is fully coated—this is where the magic starts to happen and the flavors begin to infuse perfectly.
Step 3: Add Broth and Soy Sauce
Combine the beef broth and soy sauce in another bowl, then pour this savory liquid over the seasoned beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. This mixture helps keep the meat tender while building a rich, flavorful sauce you’ll want to savor.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This hands-off cooking time allows the beef bites to become tender and the potatoes to absorb all those garlicky, buttery, and smoky flavors, resulting in a dinner that’s bursting with comfort and soul.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and herby brightness that balances the richness of the dish. Now it’s ready to enjoy, whether you’re serving family or friends!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley adds freshness and vibrancy to your plate. You could also try a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an unexpected twist that pairs wonderfully with the buttery beef and potatoes.
Side Dishes
Though this dish brings protein and starch together in one, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to brighten the meal. A crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic yet elegant presentation, serve the dish straight from the slow cooker at the center of the table and let everyone scoop out generous portions. Alternatively, arrange the beef bites and potatoes on a large platter, drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce, and sprinkle with parsley and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and solids together helps maintain moisture and flavor during storage.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months to maintain the incredible garlic butter flavor and tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it and keep the beef bites moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work perfectly because they cook evenly and absorb flavor well, you can substitute Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into similar bite-size pieces for equally tasty results.
Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
Butter is key to that rich, garlic-infused sauce, but you can replace it with olive oil for a lighter version. Keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile, but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients and assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Just cover and refrigerate, then cook the following day as directed for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The optional crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick that complements without overpowering. You can omit or increase them based on your heat preference.
What can I substitute for beef stew meat?
Beef chuck roast cut into cubes is a great substitute, providing similar tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. Just ensure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe enough if you’re craving a fuss-free yet incredibly comforting meal. It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with cozy warmth every time it’s on. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker dinner!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful beef stew meat and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers deep, savory flavors with minimal 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)
Broth and Garnish
- 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 spread out evenly.
- 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 crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, stirring gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Add Broth and Soy Sauce: Mix the beef broth and soy sauce in another bowl, then pour this liquid over the ingredients in the slow cooker, which will keep everything moist and infuse additional depth of flavor during cooking.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook 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, absorbing all the delicious seasonings.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish to add a bright, fresh element and a pop of color.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ensure to cut the beef into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes if preferred.
- Use low sodium soy sauce if you want to control salt content.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
