When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals that practically cook themselves, slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver. One dish that stands out for its rich flavors and comforting appeal is Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes.
Packed with tender beef bites, baby potatoes, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal-prepping for the week ahead. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering recipe.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the ingredients meld into a deliciously savory dish.
- Rich and Hearty Flavors: The combination of garlic butter, smoked paprika, and herbs creates a robust flavor profile that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Whether you’re meal-prepping or need a quick dinner solution, this recipe fits the bill with minimal hands-on time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this dish shine:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: Halved for even cooking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted to create the rich garlic butter sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs add an earthy, fragrant touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Season to taste.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the beef bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the beef a beautiful crust. Once seared, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Add the Potatoes
Halve the baby potatoes and add them to the slow cooker alongside the beef. Their natural sweetness complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
4. Add Beef Broth
Pour 1/4 cup of beef broth into the slow cooker. This prevents the dish from drying out and enhances its savory flavors.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
- On low for 6-8 hours, or
- On high for 3-4 hours.
The slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes tender and the potatoes cook through while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes warm. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Boost Creaminess: For an extra indulgent touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Swap out baby potatoes for sweet potatoes, carrots, or even parsnips for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
- Don’t Skip Searing: While it’s tempting to skip this step, searing the beef locks in flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious. Here’s what you get in a generous 1 1/2-cup serving:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 22g (9g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! While stew meat works perfectly for this recipe due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast or sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil to make this dish dairy-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is more than just a meal—it’s comfort food at its finest. The tender beef bites, creamy potatoes, and rich garlic butter sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Whether you’re meal-prepping or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe work its magic. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Tender beef bites and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This hearty, flavorful dish is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a fuss-free meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear on all sides until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then pour the sauce over the beef and potatoes.
4. Add Broth:
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
5. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
6. Serve:
Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots to achieve a sweeter flavor profile.
- Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg