Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

A Comforting, Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The beef is slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, while the potatoes absorb all the savory goodness, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor. This one-pot meal requires minimal effort, making it a great choice for anyone who loves delicious, home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this dish perfect for hands-off meal prep.
• Rich & Savory Flavor: Garlic butter enhances the beef’s deep umami taste, while slow cooking ensures tenderness.
• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup with a well-balanced meal in one dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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 per side until browned. This step locks in flavor.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

• In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary.

3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the seared beef bites on top.
• Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
• Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.

4. Slow Cook

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

5. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations & Additions

• Add Vegetables: Carrots, mushrooms, or green beans can be added for extra nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar over the dish before serving.
• Swap the Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a different twist.

Servings & Cooking Time

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: Up to 8 hours

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Chuck roast, short ribs, or sirloin work well for this recipe.

Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?

It’s optional, but searing enhances flavor and texture.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but a side of crusty bread or a green salad pairs well.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use triple the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Will this recipe work with chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the butter for dairy-free alternatives like ghee or olive oil.

How do I make it gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.

Why are my potatoes mushy?

Cooking too long on high heat can cause this. Stick to low heat for best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal—flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a household favorite!

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