If you’re after a hearty, easy weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further than Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Each tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite of seasoned beef mingles with soft, buttery potatoes, all blanketed in an irresistible garlicky sauce. The best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen. This is the kind of carefree, flavor-packed comfort food you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes a staple is how each ingredient plays its part to create layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy—just a line-up of simple, well-chosen ingredients that combine for outstanding results.
- Beef stew meat (2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces): Opt for chuck or round for juicy bites that soak up all those savory flavors.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, halved): Their soft texture and natural sweetness make them the perfect partner for the rich, savory beef.
- Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Butter is the star here, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic intensity to every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep, umami-rich zing and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This herb blend brightens the dish and infuses a touch of classic comfort.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): For subtle sweetness and a hint of onion flavor, without any chopping required.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a pop of color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the flavors of the beef and potatoes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little peppery kick rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): A finishing touch that adds freshness, color, and a final burst of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Garlic Butter Marinade
Start by whisking together the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture is truly the magic behind Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, infusing every bite with rich and well-balanced flavor. Take a second to inhale—it already smells promising!
Step 2: Layer the Beef and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
Add the bite-sized beef pieces and halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker insert. Try to spread them in a somewhat even layer so everything cooks at the same pace. The beauty here is simplicity—no special prep, just pile it all in!
Step 3: Coat Everything in the Garlic Butter Sauce
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. Give everything a good stir to ensure each piece is well coated—this step ensures every chunk of potato and beef soaks up all that incredible flavor. Get right into the corners to make sure nothing is missed.
Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6–8 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fall-apart tender and the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork. The slow, gentle heat allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly juicy.
Step 5: Stir, Garnish, and Serve
Once everything’s cooked to perfection, give the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes a gentle stir. Top with the chopped fresh parsley just before serving. The parsley adds a bit of color and a fresh, herby note that brightens up the whole dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Garnishes
Let that beautiful butter sauce shine! Fresh chopped parsley is an obvious classic, adding a pop of green. For a little zing, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a dusting of grated Parmesan makes things extra special. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for a hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with soft dinner rolls to soak up every bit of sauce. Steamed green beans, a crisp green salad, or even roasted carrots provide a fresh, crunchy contrast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms take this meal to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes family-style right from the slow cooker for a rustic, cozy vibe. For a fun twist, scoop into small bowls or mugs for individual servings—perfect for parties or potlucks. Or, use the beef and potatoes as a hearty filling for toasted hoagie rolls for an epic sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Once the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making it a delicious option for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future busy day, simply portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to label and date your containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If things look a bit dry, add a splash of beef broth or a tiny pat of butter to revive that luscious sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat works beautifully, you can use chuck roast, round roast, or even sirloin for a slightly different texture. Just be sure to cut everything into uniform, bite-sized pieces so it all cooks evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute or even olive oil. The flavor will shift a bit, but it will still be rich and delicious—just be sure your substitute has good flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, mushrooms, or even chunks of bell pepper. Just cut everything to a similar size as the potatoes so it all cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender and easy to shred or break apart. It should feel soft but not mushy. The potatoes should be perfectly tender as well; just test with a fork before serving.
Can I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert (if your manufacturer says that’s safe), or just portion all the ingredients in a container and dump them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to start cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes has become a steady favorite in so many homes. With barely any prep, a handful of simple ingredients, and the comfort of slow-cooked goodness, this dish truly delivers on both flavor and fuss-free cooking. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and return to it again and again whenever you crave a little extra coziness at the dinner table!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender beef bites and flavorful potatoes cooked in a garlicky butter sauce in the slow cooker, creating a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Beef Bites:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Add beef and potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture over them and stir to coat evenly. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Serve: Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For added flavor, sear the beef before slow cooking.
- Variation: Substitute baby potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
