Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect hearty dish for those days when you want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Tender, juicy beef bites cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with soft, golden potatoes—every bite is pure bliss. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that fills your home with the most irresistible aroma as it cooks.
The first time I made this recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly the beef turned out melt-in-your-mouth tender. The garlic butter sauce infuses both the beef and potatoes with incredible flavor, making each bite feel like a little moment of indulgence. What I love most about this dish is how hands-off it is—just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or even add in some carrots or mushrooms for extra variety. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that delivers big on flavor with almost no fuss!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Comfort food cravings
- Busy weeknights
- Potluck parties
- Garlic and beef lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes will become your new favorite dinner:
- Tender, Flavorful Beef: The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender and packed with savory flavor.
- Garlic Butter Perfection: The garlic butter sauce adds richness and depth, making each bite irresistible.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
- Easy to Make: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work—no fuss, no mess.
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of beef and potatoes provides a filling and satisfying meal.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The garlic butter infuses the beef and potatoes with deep, savory goodness.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make this dish your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it great for meal prepping.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the tender beef and flavorful potatoes.
- Low-Maintenance Cooking: Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you can focus on other tasks or relax while it cooks.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 5 hours (including slow cooking time)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (on low setting)
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Beef Bites:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For the Potatoes:
- 3 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Beef Stew Meat: Tender beef that becomes even more flavorful and juicy when slow-cooked.
- Garlic Butter: Combines butter, garlic, and herbs for a sauce that elevates the whole dish.
- Baby Potatoes: Soft and creamy when cooked, they absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the rich beef flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef Bites:
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Season the Potatoes: In a separate bowl, toss the halved or quartered baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add Potatoes to Slow Cooker: Add the seasoned potatoes to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook:
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft and cooked through.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes:
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- As a Comfort Meal: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- On Busy Weeknights: A quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love.
- For a Casual Gathering: Serve in a large bowl or platter and let guests help themselves.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add steamed green beans or broccoli for an extra veggie boost.
- With Rice or Pasta: Serve over rice or with pasta for a heartier meal.
- For Meal Prep: Pack individual servings in containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
- As a Hearty Lunch: Leftovers make a great filling lunch option.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Add mashed potatoes as a side to complement the beef and garlic butter sauce.
- For a Cozy Dinner: Perfect for cold evenings when you need something warm and comforting.
Additional Tips
- Sear the Beef: Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances its flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic rather than garlic powder.
- Check for Tenderness: Ensure the beef is fork-tender before serving. If not, cook a bit longer.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before serving and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or onions for more variety.
Recipe Variations
- Add Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an extra savory flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- With Sweet Potatoes: Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet contrast.
- Lemon Garlic Version: Add a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a fresh, zesty twist.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley for a customized flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the dish before serving for added sweetness and depth.
- With Peppers: Add bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Special Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Essential for this easy, hands-off cooking method.
- Skillet: For searing the beef before slow cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate seasoning and ingredient measurements.
- Serving Platter or Large Bowl: For serving the finished dish family-style.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw it before searing and cooking. - How long can this dish last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze the beef and potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, onions, or bell peppers for more variety. - Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to spice it up. - Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with turkey, chicken, or even lamb. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra butter to keep the sauce creamy. - Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, cook on high for about 2-3 hours if you need to speed up the process. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything the night before and cook it the next day. - How do I make the garlic butter sauce more flavorful?
Add extra garlic or a splash of white wine for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a cozy and flavorful dish that combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef bites with buttery, seasoned potatoes. The rich, garlicky sauce infuses every bite, creating a hearty meal that’s full of comforting flavors. Perfect for busy days, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether served on its own or paired with a side of fresh greens, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This slow cooker recipe is as convenient as it is delicious, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. You can easily customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for an extra layer of depth. The slow-cooking process ensures the beef is tender and flavorful, while the potatoes soak up all the rich juices for a perfect pairing.
I’m excited to see how your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any twists you added to make this dish uniquely yours!