Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

A Hearty, Comforting Slow Cooker Dinner

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 400 per serving

Tender beef bites, flavorful baby potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together in this hearty, comforting slow cooker meal. With minimal prep and long, low cooking, this dish delivers deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth beef every time. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home.

Introduction

Comfort food at its finest, Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a one-pot meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner. Using a combination of slow cooking and a garlic butter sauce, the beef becomes incredibly tender, while the potatoes soak up the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and herbs.

This recipe is versatile, forgiving, and perfect for busy cooks who want a hearty dinner without constant supervision. The slow cooking method allows flavors to develop fully, resulting in a dish that’s rich, aromatic, and satisfying.

The garlic butter sauce is the hero here. With notes of smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and onion powder, it elevates every bite. Searing the beef beforehand adds depth and caramelization, while beef broth keeps everything moist.

Whether you serve this dish as-is or with a side of green vegetables or fresh bread, it’s a complete meal that pleases adults and kids alike. This article will walk you step-by-step through preparation, cooking, and serving, along with tips to ensure perfect results every time.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Potatoes:

• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved for even cooking
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 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, for seasoning
• ¼ cup beef broth, to keep the dish moist

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or spoon

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces and halving the baby potatoes. For faster cooking and softer potatoes, you can optionally parboil them for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides. This step adds caramelization, deepening the flavor of the final dish.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if necessary for an even browning.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant, flavorful sauce that will coat the beef and potatoes.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef bites on top. Pour the garlic butter sauce over everything, then add ¼ cup beef broth to keep the dish moist during cooking.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on:

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 3–4 hours

Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and makes portioning easier. Serve as a complete meal on its own or alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites

1. Sear the Beef: Adds flavor and color before slow cooking.
2. Parboil Potatoes: Speeds up cooking and ensures even tenderness.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before slow cooking and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
4. Add Vegetables: Carrots, onions, or bell peppers make this a more colorful and nutrient-rich meal.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well for lunches or dinners later in the week.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of slow cooking and a flavorful garlic butter sauce ensures that each bite of beef is tender, juicy, and infused with aromatic herbs. Baby potatoes absorb the rich sauce, creating a cohesive dish with layered flavors. Searing the beef first adds depth, while the butter, garlic, and spices provide a comforting richness that elevates the dish beyond simple stew.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use other cuts of beef?
A: Yes. Chuck or brisket cut into bite-sized pieces works well. Avoid very lean cuts as they may dry out.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Carrots, onions, or bell peppers can be added at the start of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q3: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can simmer beef and potatoes with the garlic butter sauce in a covered skillet for 2–3 hours until tender.

Q4: Can this dish be frozen?
A: Yes. Freeze cooked beef and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q5: Can I reduce the butter?
A: Yes. Reduce to 2 tablespoons for a lighter version, or add a bit of olive oil to maintain richness.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a simple yet hearty slow cooker meal that delivers tender beef, flavorful potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Minimal prep, long, slow cooking, and a few quality ingredients transform this dish into a comfort food classic.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home, this dish offers a balance of protein, starch, and rich flavor, all in one pot. Customize with vegetables or spices, pair with a fresh side, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

With its versatility, ease, and reliable flavor, this recipe is a go-to option for anyone seeking a comforting, homemade, and satisfying dinner.