Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal with Minimal Effort

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty meal that requires little effort but delivers big on flavor, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect dish. Tender chunks of beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes make this a satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this slow cooker recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Rich, Buttery Flavor – The garlic butter sauce infuses the beef and potatoes with incredible taste.
• Tender, Juicy Beef – Slow cooking ensures the beef bites are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• One-Pot Convenience – Fewer dishes to wash means less cleanup.
• Customizable – Easily adjust seasonings, swap ingredients, or add vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (or sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
• Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

• Add halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker along with the seared beef.
• Pour the garlic butter mixture over everything.
• Add beef broth to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fork-soft.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
• Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Recipe Variations

• Add Vegetables – Carrots, mushrooms, or green beans make great additions.
• Make It Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer texture.
• Use a Different Protein – Swap the beef for chicken thighs or pork for variety.
• Spicy Twist – Increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne for extra heat.
• Herb Substitutions – Fresh thyme and rosemary can replace dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.

Servings and Cooking Time

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: Up to 8 hours, depending on setting

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the beef using the sauté function, then add all ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

Stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin work well. Look for well-marbled cuts for the best tenderness.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes can be used instead of baby potatoes. Cut them into uniform pieces.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use less butter, swap for ghee or olive oil, and add more vegetables.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

No, but it enhances flavor and texture. If skipping, expect a slightly different taste.

What should I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread, rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad pair well.

How do I prevent my potatoes from getting mushy?

Use firm potatoes like baby or Yukon Gold and avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Set it to cook the next day.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a flavorful, comforting dish that makes dinnertime effortless. With its rich garlic butter sauce and melt-in-your-mouth beef, this meal is sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it to your taste, you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to make. Enjoy a stress-free dinner with this one-pot wonder!

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