A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a rich, savory dish that combines tender beef, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes. This easy, hands-off meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The slow cooker ensures deep flavors and fall-apart beef with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this a hassle-free meal.
- Rich & Savory Flavors: Garlic butter infuses the beef and potatoes with a deep, comforting taste.
- Tender, Juicy Beef: The slow cooking process ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef bites.
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavors.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a perfect make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks if not already pre-cut.
- Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add the beef bites and potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the top.
- Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over everything.
4. Cook the Dish
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a side of steamed vegetables.
Variations & Additions
- Add Veggies: Include carrots, mushrooms, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the beef extra tender?
Using well-marbled stew meat and cooking on low for a longer time ensures the beef stays tender and juicy.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast, short ribs, or sirloin tips work well for this recipe.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then do a 10-minute natural release.
What potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold are best, as they hold their shape and become creamy.
Can I add more garlic?
Absolutely! Feel free to double the garlic if you love bold flavors.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a side of dinner rolls.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I use frozen beef?
It’s best to thaw the beef first, as frozen meat may release excess moisture and affect texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. With its deep, buttery garlic flavors and fork-tender beef, this dish is a comforting family favorite that requires minimal effort. Try it for your next meal and enjoy a cozy, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A rich, savory slow cooker meal featuring tender beef bites, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering deep flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks if not already pre-cut.
- Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
-
Mix the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add the beef bites and potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the top.
- Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over everything.
-
Cook the Dish
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a side of steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Variations: Add carrots, mushrooms, or green beans for more vegetables.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream in the last 30 minutes.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Slow cooker beef recipe, garlic butter beef, one-pot beef meal, beef and potatoes, easy slow cooker dinner.