Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Tender beef bites and buttery, seasoned potatoes come together in this irresistible slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, this dish delivers big on flavor thanks to seared beef, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked potatoes. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the potatoes soak up all the savory juices.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is how little active cooking time it requires. After a quick sear for the beef and a simple garlic sauté, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. This one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty without hovering over the stove. The end result? A wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or serving guests, this is one slow cooker meal that consistently earns rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tender and Flavorful Beef – Slow cooking transforms the beef into ultra-tender bites full of rich flavor.
2. Garlic Butter Perfection – The garlic butter blend adds a luscious, savory coating to the entire dish.
3. Minimal Prep – A few simple steps and your slow cooker does the rest.
4. Complete One-Pot Meal – With meat and potatoes in one dish, there’s no need for additional sides.
5. Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck or stew meat
• Baby potatoes
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Beef broth
• Fresh parsley

Variations

Add Veggies

Include carrots, green beans, or pearl onions for extra color and nutrition.

Make It Spicy

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

Swap the Protein

Use pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs for a different twist.

Herbed Finish

Top with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Creamy Version

Stir in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a creamy garlic butter sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season beef bites with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the beef in batches until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Toss halved baby potatoes with melted butter, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add them to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the beef.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and potatoes are fork-soft.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Gently stir everything to combine. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sear the beef to lock in flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Use waxy potatoes (like baby Yukon Golds) so they hold their shape while cooking.
• Scrape the skillet well when adding broth—those browned bits add major flavor.
• Don’t over-stir before serving to keep the potatoes from breaking apart.
• Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking if needed—slow cooking can mellow spices.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty dish on its own or alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. A warm dinner roll or slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. For a fancier presentation, garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I skip searing the beef?

Yes, but searing adds a richer flavor. If you’re short on time, it will still be delicious.

2. What type of beef should I use?

Beef chuck or stew meat works best for slow cooking because it becomes very tender.

3. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, just cut them into uniform bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly.

4. Can I add cheese?

Sure! Add shredded parmesan or mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

5. How can I make it less buttery?

Reduce the butter by half or swap some for olive oil if you prefer a lighter dish.

6. What if my potatoes are still hard?

Make sure they’re fully submerged and cook for an extra 30–60 minutes on high.

7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, though fresh garlic adds better depth of flavor. Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute.

8. Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially broth) are labeled gluten-free.

9. Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and allow for a slightly longer cooking time.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—all with minimal hands-on time. The savory beef, buttery potatoes, and aromatic garlic create a combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals for the week, this slow cooker meal is as reliable as it is delicious. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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