If there’s a sure-fire way to win over both hearty appetites and picky eaters, it’s with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Tender beef bites, creamy potatoes, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce come together effortlessly in one pot, making this a weeknight hero and a Sunday supper favorite. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the straightforward ingredient list; each item is easy to find and packs a big punch in terms of flavor, color, and comfort. Let’s shine a little light on every element.
- Beef sirloin or stew meat: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender bites that practically melt in your mouth after simmering all day.
- Baby potatoes: These little gems keep their shape and become incredibly tender, adding comforting heft to each spoonful.
- Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, real butter delivers rich flavor and a luscious mouthfeel – don’t skimp!
- Fresh garlic: Essential for that unmistakably bold aroma and sharp, savory flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- Beef broth: Helps the beef stay moist and builds a savory sauce foundation, infusing everything with even more depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that gives both subtle earthiness and an herbaceous lift to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Tune these to your taste – a pinch of each is all you need to make the other flavors pop.
- Fresh parsley: A quick sprinkle just before serving brings a pop of color and a dose of fresh, herby brightness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Potatoes
Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces, trimming off any excess fat. Give your baby potatoes a good scrub (peeling isn’t necessary!) and halve any that are larger than a golf ball so they cook evenly. This simple step ensures every forkful captures the perfect bite.
Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional)
For an extra boost of savory goodness, quickly sear the beef pieces in a hot skillet with a touch of oil until you see some color. While completely optional, this adds a beautiful depth and “umami” note to your finished Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes.
Step 3: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Layer the potatoes on the bottom of your slow cooker, then pile the beef on top. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined and fragrant. Pour this garlicky butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, then add the beef broth.
Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or high for about 3–4 hours. Go about your day as the magic happens – the beef will become fork-tender, and the potatoes will soak up all that garlicky, buttery sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
When your kitchen smells so good you can hardly stand it, check that the beef and potatoes are tender. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the pieces in sauce, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also use finely chopped chives or a light dusting of grated Parmesan to add extra flair and a pop of flavor. A squeeze of lemon over the top at the table cuts through the richness beautifully and adds brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to mop up that silky garlic butter sauce. For something lighter, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans; the freshness balances out the comfort of the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the beef and potatoes into shallow bowls, pouring extra sauce over the top for serious comfort food vibes. For a party, try serving the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes in small bowls or even on skewers for a handheld appetizer that will fly off the platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to airtight containers. Stored this way, your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes will be just as inviting up to three days later, and might even taste richer as the flavors meld.
Freezing
Want to save some for a rainy day? Place cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure everything is well-sealed. The potatoes may become slightly softer, but the garlicky richness remains fabulous even after thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan on low, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from separating. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep everything nice and saucy.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes?
Great question! I recommend beef sirloin for tenderness, but stew meat or chuck roast work perfectly, too. Any well-marbled cut that stands up to slow braising will yield deliciously tender bites.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, pearl onions, or even mushrooms would be right at home in this dish. Just make sure to cut them into similarly-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No need at all. Baby potatoes have thin, delicate skins that become even more tender after hours in the slow cooker, adding a lovely texture and visual appeal.
Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based butter to keep that garlicky richness. Just choose one with a mild flavor, and use the same amount as the recipe suggests.
Is it necessary to sear the beef first?
It isn’t required, but searing adds a deeper flavor and a subtle caramelized note. If you’re in a rush, simply skip this step and your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes will still be super tasty.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve tried Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, it’ll find a regular spot in your dinner rotation. It’s impossibly easy, packed with comfort, and just plain delicious. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and get ready to wow your family or guests with this unfussy yet unforgettable meal!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—tender, bite-sized pieces of beef slow-cooked with creamy potatoes and a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Set it and forget it for an easy, family-friendly main course perfect for cozy weeknights or when you need a satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef Bites
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds baby or Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker – Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little butter to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the Beef – In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef cubes with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika until the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Layer the Potatoes and Beef – Place the halved potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker and season them with salt and pepper. Layer the seasoned beef on top of the potatoes.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce – In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Pour the sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Cook – 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. Give everything a gentle stir halfway through if possible.
- Serve – Garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve hot directly from the slow cooker. Enjoy these beef bites and potatoes as a stand-alone meal, or pair with a green vegetable for extra color and nutrition.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the beef bites in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil before adding to the slow cooker (optional but recommended).
- You can substitute red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for Yukon golds.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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