Description
There’s something magical about walking through the door after a long day and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of a home-cooked meal that’s been simmering low and slow all day. For me, it brings back memories of chilly autumn evenings at my grandmother’s house. She believed deeply in the slow-cooked way of life—meals weren’t just food; they were a form of love. And dishes like this one—tender garlic butter beef bites with golden potatoes—were a staple at her table.
This dish captures that same warmth and tradition. It’s simple but deeply satisfying, hearty without being heavy, and brimming with flavor. Garlic, butter, herbs, and juicy beef come together with melt-in-your-mouth potatoes to create a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without fuss, or for lazy Sundays when you just want the house to smell like heaven.
It’s also one of those recipes that everyone loves—kids, adults, picky eaters, and foodies alike. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 ½ lbs baby gold potatoes, halved
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Get things prepped
Start by trimming any excess fat off the beef and cutting the meat into uniform chunks—this helps everything cook evenly and stay super tender. If you’re using baby gold potatoes, just halve them; no peeling needed! Their skins add a nice texture and they hold their shape beautifully during slow cooking.
Step 2: Mix the buttery garlic magic
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture smells amazing already, and it’s the flavor base that makes this dish so special. Don’t skimp on the garlic—it’s what gives that irresistible aroma and depth.
Step 3: Layer it all in the slow cooker
Add the beef and potatoes to the slow cooker. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over everything, then toss gently to coat. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just make sure everything gets a little love from that buttery mix.
Step 4: Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft but not falling apart. Stir once or twice if you’re around, but it’s okay to just let it do its thing.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Give everything a good stir before serving. The butter and juices will have created a light, savory sauce. Plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them—or just grab a fork and dig in!
Notes
You can easily double this recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week. It keeps well and actually deepens in flavor overnight.