Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Tender beef, golden baby potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together in your slow cooker to create a savory, melt-in-your-mouth meal that requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish promises flavor-packed goodness in every bite.

The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, while the potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors from the garlic, butter, and herbs. The addition of rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika gives the dish a warm, aromatic flavor, making it an instant family favorite. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to spend more time relaxing and less time in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare, this Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe will quickly become a go-to dinner in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking

This recipe is a breeze to prepare with minimal hands-on time. Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you can let it cook while you go about your day.

2. Tender and Flavorful

The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, and the potatoes soak up all the delicious garlic butter and herb flavors, making every bite irresistible.

3. Comfort Food in a Bowl

With its savory beef and hearty potatoes, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, especially on chilly evenings.

4. One-Pot Meal

Everything cooks in the slow cooker, making this a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.

5. Versatile

This recipe is easy to customize. Feel free to swap out herbs, add other vegetables like carrots or peas, or experiment with different seasonings to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
Unsalted butter, melted
Garlic, minced
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Beef broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some extra spice.
Herb Variations: Swap the thyme and rosemary for other herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the beef bites with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, then add this mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

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

Step 4: Cook the Dish

Cover the slow cooker 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.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the beef and potatoes are done, stir gently to combine. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Searing the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps develop a deeper flavor and color in the dish.
Adjust Cooking Time: If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high, but cooking on low will yield the most tender beef and flavorful potatoes.
Use Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes work best as they hold their shape and absorb the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave. If needed, add a little beef broth to loosen up the sauce as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket, round, or sirloin, but chuck or stew meat works best for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add carrots, peas, or green beans for extra color and flavor.

3. Can I use frozen potatoes?

While fresh potatoes are recommended, you can use frozen potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind they may break down a bit more during cooking.

4. Can I cook this on high in less time?

Yes, if you’re in a rush, you can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours, but for the best results and more tender beef, cooking on low for 6-8 hours is preferred.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish for an extra kick.

6. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time—chicken typically cooks faster than beef.

7. What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though the flavor profile will be a bit different.

8. Can I use russet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can, but baby potatoes hold their shape better during slow cooking and absorb the flavors more effectively. If using russet potatoes, cut them into larger chunks.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially if you’re cooking in a larger slow cooker.

10. Can I make this without the garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can leave it out or replace it with a few tablespoons of onion powder or shallots for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, this dish becomes a satisfying, one-pot meal that will leave you and your family wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please. Let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a tender, flavorful dish that’s packed with savory goodness!