There’s something truly magical about a slow cooker meal—especially one that fills your home with the rich aroma of garlic, butter, and savory beef. If you’re looking for a hearty, no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this dish combines melt-in-your-mouth beef bites with tender, buttery potatoes, all infused with a garlicky, herby goodness. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work! Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen.
Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
For the Beef & Potatoes:
- Beef stew meat (2 lbs): Cut into bite-sized chunks for extra tenderness.
- Butter (5 tbsp): Sliced and divided for that rich, velvety texture.
- Baby yellow potatoes (1 lb): Halved or quartered for even cooking.
- Seasonings:
- Onion powder (1 tbsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Fresh chopped garlic (1 tbsp)
- Seasoned salt (2 tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp, optional)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp, optional)
- Beef broth (½ cup): Helps keep the beef moist and flavorful.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a deep umami richness.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ tsp): If you love a little heat.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 tsp): For an extra boost of fresh, herby flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before we even touch the slow cooker, let’s get everything ready:
- Wash and Cut the Potatoes – Since baby yellow potatoes have thin skin, there’s no need to peel them. Just wash them well and halve or quarter them so they cook evenly.
- Cut the Beef (if needed) – If your stew meat isn’t pre-cut into smaller chunks, take a few minutes to dice it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the beef gets nice and tender in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Season Everything Like a Pro
Now, this is where the magic starts! In a large mixing bowl, add the beef bites and potatoes, then sprinkle on:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Seasoned salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika & Italian seasoning (if using)
Pro Tip: Toss everything together using your hands or a spatula to evenly coat the beef and potatoes in that flavorful seasoning blend. This ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness!
Step 3: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Time to layer everything into the slow cooker:
- Butter Base – Place half of the butter slices at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a buttery foundation that infuses flavor into every bite.
- Layer the Beef & Potatoes – Add the seasoned beef and potatoes right on top of the butter.
- Add the Garlic & Liquid Goodness – Sprinkle the chopped garlic over everything, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for moisture and deep, rich flavor.
- Top with More Butter – Finally, add the remaining butter slices over the top to melt into the dish as it cooks.
At this point, your slow cooker is ready to work its magic!
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now that everything is prepped and loaded into the slow cooker, it’s time to choose your cooking method:
- LOW for 6–8 hours – This is the best option if you want ultra-tender, fall-apart beef. The slow heat breaks down the fibers in the meat, creating melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- HIGH for 3–4 hours – If you’re short on time, cooking on high still gives you tender beef, though it may not be as fall-apart soft as the low setting.
Pro Tip: If possible, give everything a stir once or twice during cooking. This helps redistribute the butter and seasonings so every bite is full of flavor.
How to Know When It’s Done
By the time your slow cooker timer dings, your kitchen will smell incredible. Here’s how to tell when your Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes are ready:
- The beef is fork-tender – You should be able to easily shred or cut the beef with minimal effort. If it’s still a little tough, let it cook for another 30-60 minutes.
- The potatoes are soft – Stick a fork into a potato chunk. If it slides in easily, they’re done!
- The sauce is rich and buttery – The melted butter, beef juices, and seasonings should have combined into a flavorful, garlicky sauce.
Step 5: Time to Serve!
Now that everything is perfectly cooked, it’s time to dish up! Here’s how to serve this meal for the best experience:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs – A sprinkle of chopped parsley, fresh thyme, or rosemary adds color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Drizzle with Extra Garlic Butter – Want to take it over the top? Melt a little extra butter with some minced garlic and drizzle it over your plate for even more richness.
- Pair with a Side Dish – While this meal is hearty on its own, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread (to soak up that sauce!) or a simple green salad for balance.
Make It a Complete Meal: If you want to add some veggies directly to the slow cooker, throw in some carrots, green beans, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Bites
- Use the Right Cut of Beef – Beef stew meat is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. You can also use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter – The butter melts into the beef and potatoes, creating a luxurious sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, add an extra tablespoon at the end!
- Adjust the Seasoning to Taste – Taste the dish before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or garlic if needed.
- Make It Spicy – Love a little heat? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQ: Common Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is the most convenient option, you can also use chuck roast, sirloin tips, or even short ribs cut into bite-sized pieces. Just make sure it’s a cut that benefits from slow cooking to achieve that fall-apart tenderness.
2. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot:
- Use the “Sauté” function to brown the beef with a little butter.
- Add the potatoes, seasonings, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
3. What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
No problem! You can use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, just cut them into evenly sized chunks. If using Russets, consider peeling them first, as their skin can be a bit tough in slow-cooked dishes.
4. How can I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or butter to bring back the moisture.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that potatoes can become a bit softer after freezing, so they may not have the same firm texture when reheated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is the perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation. The combination of tender, buttery beef, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and rich garlic-infused sauce makes this a dish that everyone will love.
- Minimal prep? Check.
- Full of flavor? Check.
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience? Double check.
Now, go enjoy your cozy, slow-cooked masterpiece—you’ve earned it!
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SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES AND POTATOES
- Total Time: 3 hours, 10 mins
Description
Tender, juicy beef bites slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with perfectly seasoned potatoes—this is comfort food at its best! This dish is packed with flavor and effortless to make, thanks to your slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Beef & Potatoes:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 5 tablespoons butter, sliced (for ultimate richness)
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (fresh for bold flavor!)
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (adjust to taste!)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth!)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra herby goodness!)
- ½ cup beef broth (keeps the beef juicy and flavorful!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami & richness!)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a slight kick!)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (adds a fragrant, savory note!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
Cut the stew meat into bite-sized chunks if not already pre-cut.
2️⃣ Season the Beef & Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the beef bites and potatoes with:
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Seasoned salt & black pepper
Paprika & Italian seasoning (if using)
Stir well to coat everything evenly.
3️⃣ Load the Slow Cooker
Place half of the butter slices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add seasoned beef bites & potatoes.
Sprinkle the chopped garlic over the top.
Pour in the beef broth & Worcestershire sauce for moisture and flavor.
Top everything with the remaining butter slices.
4️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (for ultra-tender beef).
OR Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours (if short on time).
Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme.
Serve with extra garlic butter drizzled on top for even more richness!
Notes
- Want it extra saucy? Add an extra ¼ cup beef broth or a splash of heavy cream for a creamy twist.
- Serving suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the beef tender.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
