Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Tender beef bites, creamy baby potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday staples into a comforting, mouthwatering meal. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe guarantees a savory experience with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. Simply sear the beef, sauté the garlic, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The result is tender beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce that infuses every bite. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re a fan of smoky paprika or prefer a little more garlic, this recipe can be customized to your taste. Ready to dig in? Let’s explore why you’ll love this dish and how to make it yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple & Easy to Prepare

This recipe requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

2. Hearty & Filling

Beef and potatoes are a classic combination, making this dish not only delicious but also satisfying. It’s perfect for when you need a meal that will keep you full and content.

3. Rich, Flavorful Sauce

The garlic butter sauce adds a burst of flavor to both the beef and potatoes, elevating this dish to something special. The smokiness of the paprika and the herbs bring out the depth of flavor in every bite.

4. One-Pot Meal

The slow cooker allows you to cook everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. No need to worry about multiple pans or dishes—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker work its magic.

5. Versatile

This dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to make variations based on your preferences. Add more garlic for extra flavor, or experiment with different herbs and spices to create your perfect version of this dish.

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
Olive oil
Beef broth
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Variations

Vegetables: Add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.
Herbs: Switch up the herbs by adding oregano or basil for a different aromatic profile.
Spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Cheese: Top with shredded cheese like Parmesan or cheddar for an extra layer of richness.
Low-Carb: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version of this recipe.

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. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. 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 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

Stir gently to combine the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Searing the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step. It helps develop flavor and adds a nice brown crust to the beef.
Even Potato Sizes: Make sure to cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Low and Slow: For the best results, cook the dish on low for the full 6-8 hours. This will ensure that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. More garlic, paprika, or herbs can be added for extra flavor.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect on its own as a hearty one-pot meal. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Serve it with a crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce or with a side of rice to complete the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, you can either warm the dish in the microwave or heat it in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a little beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like round steak or brisket, but the cooking time may vary depending on the meat’s tenderness.

2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it in a Dutch oven or on the stovetop, though the cooking time will be shorter.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid and simmer it in a pan to reduce, or mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add carrots, celery, or parsnips for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the beef before using it in this recipe to ensure even cooking.

6. How do I prevent the potatoes from turning mushy?

Cut the potatoes into similar sizes and avoid stirring too much while cooking to prevent them from breaking down.

7. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a rush, but cooking on low for 6-8 hours will yield more tender results.

8. What can I serve this with?

This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad, steamed veggies, or bread to soak up the sauce.

9. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for some heat.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything and store it in the fridge the night before, then cook it the next day.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish that’s simple to prepare for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With endless variations, you can tailor it to your tastes and make it as spicy or as mild as you prefer. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender textures of this one-pot wonder!