When it comes to comfort food, few things can match the rich, savory flavors of beef and potatoes. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s perfect for those who love a hearty meal with minimal effort: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes.
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are a kitchen staple for many, and for good reason. They allow you to prepare meals with minimal hands-on time, letting the flavors meld together beautifully over hours of gentle cooking. Plus, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a meal that’s been simmering all day.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a rich garlic butter sauce that coats the beef and potatoes, infusing them with flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until they are browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Add the halved baby potatoes on top.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth, which will help keep everything moist and add even more flavor as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked through.
- Serve: Once done, serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for an added touch of freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you’re looking to change things up a bit, swap out baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots for a sweeter flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
A serving size of 1 1/2 cups contains approximately:
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 9g, Unsaturated Fat: 11g)
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
In Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the comforting blend of tender beef and buttery potatoes with every bite!
This blog post provides a detailed yet concise guide to preparing a delicious slow-cooked meal that promises warmth and comfort in every serving.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender beef bites and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a stress-free meal prep recipe.
Ingredients
- 1½ 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
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
Add beef broth to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and potatoes are fully cooked.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can substitute baby potatoes with chopped sweet potatoes or carrots for a different flavor profile.
Browning the beef adds more depth to the flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a rush.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
