A simple slow-cooker meal with beef, potatoes, and garlic butter that is easy to make and full of flavor.
introduction
This recipe makes tender beef bites and soft potatoes in a garlic butter sauce. It cooks slowly and needs little hands-on time. For a different serve, try a pasta pairing like the garlic butter steak bites with shell pasta recipe which uses similar flavors.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a warm, easy meal that feeds a few people and fills the kitchen with good smells. It uses common ingredients and cooks mostly by itself. If you like rich garlic butter with seafood, you may also enjoy the garlic butter lobster tails recipe for a special night.
how to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Follow the ingredient list and the steps below. Brown the beef first to lock in flavor, then let the slow cooker finish the cooking. The garlic butter sauce makes the beef and potatoes tasty and moist.
Ingredients :
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef)
Directions :
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
how to serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Serve hot from the slow cooker. Spoon the beef and potatoes onto plates and spoon extra sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
how to store Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
tips to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Sear the beef well for more flavor.
- Cut potatoes similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Use room-temperature butter so it melts easily into the sauce.
- Do not lift the slow cooker lid often; it slows cooking.
- Taste and add a bit more salt or pepper at the end if needed.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped carrots or onions to the slow cooker for more vegetables.
- Use baby Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Swap beef stew meat for cubed sirloin for a slightly different texture.
- Add a splash of red wine to the broth for deeper flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: It is not recommended. Thaw beef first and then sear for best texture and food safety.
Q: Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes. Sear on sauté, then cook on high pressure for about 25–30 minutes with a natural release.
Q: Do I need to parboil the potatoes?
A: No. Parboiling is optional. It helps if you want very soft potatoes faster or if your potatoes are large.
Q: Can I reduce the butter?
A: Yes. You can reduce butter if you want less fat, but the sauce will be less rich.
Q: Is smoked paprika necessary?
A: No. You can use regular paprika or leave it out. It adds a mild smoky flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is simple and comforting. For a similar skillet version with potatoes, see the Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes – The Country Cook. If you want another garlic butter idea for a special meal, try the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – KJ and Company.
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A simple slow-cooker meal featuring tender beef bites and soft potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound Baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Sear the beef well for more flavor. Ensure uniform potato sizes for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg