Growing up, Sundays in our home meant one thing: slow-cooked meals that filled the kitchen with warmth and mouthwatering aromas. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a tribute to those cozy afternoons and my grandmother’s knack for transforming simple ingredients into something magical. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab a crusty piece of bread and mop up every last drop of that rich, buttery sauce.
Perfectly balanced for both winter comfort and a laid-back summer evening, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s just as great for a cozy family dinner as it is for weekly meal prep. And the best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it—your slow cooker will handle the magic.
- Versatile: Perfect for both chilly nights and summer potlucks.
- Flavor-Packed: Garlic butter, herbs, and tender beef create an irresistible combo.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
To serve 4 hearty portions, you’ll need:
- 1½ 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
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a deep savory base to the dish.
Step 2: Build the Slow Cooker Layers
Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the seared beef bites on top.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this fragrant sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the beef broth to help the flavors meld during cooking.
Step 5: Let It Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on:
- Low for 6–8 hours, or
- High for 3–4 hours
The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, give everything a gentle stir. Plate it up and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like an extra pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with:
- A side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Steamed green beans or a crisp salad for balance
- A sprinkle of shredded parmesan for extra indulgence
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the beef is cooked safely and remains juicy.
- Swap the Potatoes: Fingerlings or red potatoes work just as well.
- Add Heat: A pinch of chili flakes adds a subtle kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months.
Why It Works All Year Long
The garlic butter beef bites bring a richness that’s perfect for winter, while the minimal effort and slow cooker method make it ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. This dish is a year-round staple that adapts beautifully to your schedule and cravings.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is one of those comforting classics you’ll keep coming back to. It’s rich, hearty, and practically cooks itself. Give it a try, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you sit back and enjoy the delicious results.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1½ 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
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Sear for Flavor
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a deep savory base to the dish.
Step 2: Build the Slow Cooker Layers
- Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the seared beef bites on top.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this fragrant sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes.
Step 4: Add the Broth
- Pour in the beef broth to help the flavors meld during cooking.
Step 5: Let It Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on:
- Low for 6–8 hours, or
- High for 3–4 hours
- The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, give everything a gentle stir. Plate it up and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like an extra pop of color and freshness.
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