When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of a slow-cooked meal filling your home. This dish—tender beef bites and buttery, herbed potatoes—is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Inspired by rustic family dinners where simplicity meets indulgence, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you still crave a hearty, homemade meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish promises to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless to prepare: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Rich, comforting flavors: Savory garlic butter and tender beef pair perfectly with creamy potatoes.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or served alongside fresh greens for a complete meal.
- Meal prep friendly: Great for leftovers, and the flavors only deepen over time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces and halving your baby potatoes. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites in batches until they’re browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the dish its rich, savory base.
- Mix the Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create your aromatic garlic butter mixture.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Add the potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the seared beef. Pour the beef broth over the top, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The beef will become fork-tender, and the potatoes will soak up the buttery, herbed broth.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and brightness.
Helpful Tips:
- Cut the Potatoes Evenly: Halving the potatoes ensures they cook at the same rate as the beef.
- Searing is Key: Don’t skip searing the beef. It adds depth to the dish and keeps the meat juicy during slow cooking.
- Layer Strategically: Placing the potatoes on the bottom helps them absorb all the buttery juices while cooking.
- Make it Your Own: Add carrots or mushrooms for extra veggies, or swap dried herbs for fresh if you have them on hand.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (on low) or 3–4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the beef and potatoes after cooking, then thicken the juices with a cornstarch slurry.
- For extra flavor, top with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon gold or red potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Beef chuck is ideal as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender during slow cooking. Stew meat is another great option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and can be made up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
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Conclusion
There’s something magical about a slow-cooked meal that feels both effortless and indulgent. These Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes are a testament to how simple ingredients, cooked with care, can create a dish packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. So grab your slow cooker, and let this dish work its magic in your kitchen. Enjoy!