“`html
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful meal brings together tender, savory beef bites with soft, flavorful baby potatoes, all infused with the rich combination of garlic and butter. The slow cooker does the magic, turning simple ingredients into a luscious dinner that’s perfect for busy days or cozy weekends, making every bite utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in bringing depth, flavor, and a wonderful texture to your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. From the buttery richness to the savory herbs, everything works in harmony to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender during slow cooking.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved: Adds a creamy texture and earthy flavor, perfectly soaking up the delicious juices.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Essential for that indulgent garlic butter coating that elevates every bite.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch that complements the beef and potatoes beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the beef, locking in flavors and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a lovely hint of color.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory profile without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an aromatic earthiness essential to classic slow-cooked meals.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: The flavorful liquid that keeps everything moist and tender during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the beef bites for about 2 to 3 minutes, making sure to brown all sides. This step lock in the meat’s juices and builds flavorful crusts that will make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your perfectly seared beef into the slow cooker. Add the halved baby potatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together so the spices are evenly distributed, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Add It
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic. Drizzle this garlicky goodness over the beef and potatoes inside the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to infuse as they slowly cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or choose high and cook for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites, while the potatoes soak up every ounce of savory goodness.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Once your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe has finished cooking, give everything a gentle stir. Sprinkle fresh, chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an absolute must for garnish—not only does it add a beautiful green hue, but it also cuts through the richness with a mild herbal freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a slight kick.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for a fresh contrast. A crusty bread is also perfect to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beef bites and potatoes over creamy mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option, or spoon the mixture into buttered dinner rolls for a cozy sandwich. For dinner parties, present the dish in individual ramekins garnished with parsley to add a touch of elegance and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or a small pat of butter during reheating helps restore moisture and richness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! Chuck roast is a great alternative that also becomes tender after slow cooking. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces similar to stew meat for even cooking.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt the recipe by cooking it in a covered Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Just make sure to check the liquid occasionally to prevent it from drying out.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, pearl onions, or mushrooms work beautifully in this dish. Add them along with the beef and potatoes to let the slow cooker do its magic.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure the beef broth you use does not contain any hidden gluten to keep it safe.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is perfectly cooked when it’s fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. If you can easily pierce the meat and potatoes with a fork, your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe — it turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal with minimal effort. If you’re craving comfort food that tastes like it took hours of love and skill, this recipe is a must-try. Cozy up with a plate of this deliciousness soon, and you might just find it becoming a new family favorite.
“`
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful garlic butter beef bites paired with baby potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty and comforting meal. This dish combines savory seared beef with aromatic herbs and rich garlic butter, making it ideal for an easy yet delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear them for 2-3 minutes, browning all sides to lock in flavor and create a rich crust.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker along with the halved baby potatoes. Pour in beef broth and sprinkle paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients. Mix gently to combine all flavors.
- Add Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, allowing the beef and potatoes to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Alternative High Setting: If short on time, cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours until the beef is fully cooked and potatoes are soft.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the beef and potatoes to distribute the garlic butter and seasonings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish warm for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking improves texture and flavor.
- You can use other types of potatoes, but baby potatoes cook best evenly in this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference; consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
