If you’re craving a meal that marries tender, flavorful beef with perfectly cooked potatoes in one comforting, easy dish, then this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine juicy beef bites infused with garlic and herbs, mingling with buttery, paprika-kissed baby potatoes all slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor and warmth, perfect for busy days or cozy dinners with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward easy, mouthwatering deliciousness. Each item on this list plays a crucial role, from the rich beef chuck that melts in your mouth to the fresh herbs that brighten and the butter that adds that irresistible silky finish.
- Beef chuck or stew meat (1 1/2 lbs): Cut into bite-sized pieces, this cut provides tender, juicy meat that stands up beautifully to slow cooking.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 lbs): Halved or quartered if larger; they soak up all the flavors and keep a soft but firm texture.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted to beautifully coat the potatoes with rich flavor and to add depth to the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Minced and sautéed to unleash its fragrant, savory aroma that infuses the entire meal.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): A subtle herb that complements the beef, adding earthiness to every bite.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Provides piney notes and a touch of brightness to the savory profile.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smoky warmth and a lovely deep color to the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sear the beef and build a flavorful base.
- Beef broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and deepens the savory notes in the slow cooker.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning those beef bites generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Then, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until each piece boasts a beautiful brown crust. This step creates a deeper flavor base and locks in juices. Once browned, transfer the beef straight into your slow cooker—it’s the first building block of your meal.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Don’t waste the savory bits left in the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute just until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up all that browned goodness stuck to the pan. This step unlocks incredible flavor that you want to capture. Pour this garlicky broth base into your slow cooker, merging all those lovely tastes.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
While your slow cooker is getting flavorful, toss the baby potatoes with melted butter, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This seasoning combo ensures the potatoes have a subtly smoky, buttery bite that pairs perfectly with the rich beef. Layer the potatoes right on top of the beef in the slow cooker, so all those flavors mingle as they cook.
Step 4: Cook the Dish
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the beef will tenderize and the potatoes soften until fork-tender, soaking up all those aromatic flavors. Slow cooking allows the garlic butter, herbs, and spices to infuse every bite with cozy, comforting richness.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to combine the beef and potatoes, letting that garlic butter coat every morsel evenly. Sprinkle with a handful of fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh vibrancy that perfectly balances the dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to brighten this dish, but feel free to add a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to elevate the flavors even more. A light dusting of cracked black pepper at the end also adds a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is hearty on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans for a fresh contrast. Crusty bread is an excellent addition too, perfect for mopping up all the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe straight from the slow cooker, garnished with parsley. If you want to fancy it up, plate individual servings with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. You could also toss the beef and potatoes over creamy polenta or buttered noodles for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. For best texture, separate the potatoes and beef if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too dry. Slow reheating preserves the tender texture of the beef and potatoes beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck or stew meat is ideal for slow cooking because of its tenderness, you can use other cuts like brisket or sirloin tips. Just keep in mind that some cuts may cook faster or drier, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef is highly recommended as it adds rich flavor and a lovely caramelized crust. It also enhances the overall depth of the dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, though the flavor might be less robust.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for browning and garlic, then pressure cooking on high for about 35 minutes. Just make sure to use the natural release for best results.
What other vegetables work well in this dish?
Carrots, pearl onions, or mushrooms are great additions. Just add them along with the potatoes so they cook evenly and soak up the savory garlic butter flavors.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil. The dish will still be flavorful and tender, though the buttery richness will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is your go-to. It’s a beautiful blend of simple ingredients and slow-cooked magic that leaves you with tender beef and perfectly seasoned potatoes bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it will be on regular rotation for cozy weeknight dinners and weekend family meals alike. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender, seared beef chuck simmered to perfection with baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe combines the flavors of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika for a savory, melt-in-your-mouth meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Potatoes and Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef bites with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with melted butter, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the beef.
- Cook the Dish: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir gently to combine the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, sear the beef well to develop a rich crust before slow cooking.
- You can adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s heat settings to ensure beef and potatoes are tender.
- Use waxy baby potatoes for best texture; russet potatoes may become mushy.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried thyme and rosemary if preferred: use about 1 tablespoon fresh each.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
