Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Meal
Calling all comfort food lovers! If you’re looking for a rich, savory, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the perfect choice. Tender beef stew meat, baby yellow potatoes, and garlic butter seasoning come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Introduction
Few things are as comforting as a slow-cooked beef and potato dish that’s infused with buttery garlic goodness. This easy one-pot meal is rich, flavorful, and incredibly tender, making it a fantastic option for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day.
The best part? This recipe is versatile and customizable—you can adjust the seasoning to your preference, add vegetables for extra nutrition, or even tweak the cooking time depending on your schedule. Whether you serve it as is or alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread, these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
To prepare this flavor-packed slow cooker meal, gather the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 5 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a slightly smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (for an herby touch)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for a little heat)
- ½ cup beef broth (for extra juiciness)
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef stew meat and cutting the potatoes into bite-sized pieces if they are larger than baby potatoes. This helps everything cook evenly and absorb the garlic butter seasoning more effectively.
2. Season the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the beef bites with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. If you’re adding paprika or dried herbs, mix them in as well. This seasoning blend will infuse the beef with bold, savory flavors as it slowly cooks.
3. Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Place the baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a bed for the beef. This allows the potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices while cooking. Next, add the seasoned beef on top. Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the meat and sprinkle the chopped garlic over everything.
4. Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes. If using beef broth, pour it over the meat and potatoes before cooking for extra moisture.
5. Stir and Serve
Once the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft and infused with flavor, give everything a gentle stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra garlic butter for extra richness.
Helpful Tips
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin work best for this recipe. These cuts become tender after slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter adds richness and helps the beef stay moist during cooking.
- Customize the Flavors: Try adding Worcestershire sauce for depth, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Check for Doneness: The beef should be fall-apart tender and the potatoes should be soft but not mushy.
Cooking Tips
To make your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes even better, follow these extra tips:
- Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor: If you have an extra 5 minutes, sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step locks in flavor and texture.
- Add Vegetables for Variety: Toss in carrots, green beans, or bell peppers in the last 2 hours of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic has a bolder flavor compared to garlic powder alone.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and savory dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with:
- Steamed vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus) for extra nutrition
- A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette for contrast
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce
- Mashed cauliflower or rice if you want a lower-carb option
Nutritional Information
Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Iron: 20%
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra butter or beef broth.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe bags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 35 minutes with a natural release for ultra-tender beef.
What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal because they become tender after slow cooking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and color.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, check out these other delicious slow cooker meals:
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, buttery potatoes, and rich garlic flavor in every bite. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s an excellent option for busy families, meal prep, or a cozy dinner at home. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! 🍽️