Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Savory Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Transforming humble slow cooker garlic butter beef bites into a mouthwatering meal sparks culinary magic in kitchens everywhere.

Tender chunks of meat nestle alongside golden potatoes, creating comfort on a plate.

Salt and pepper whisper subtle flavors through each perfectly seasoned bite.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction when dinner emerges rich and steaming.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack serious flavor punch.

Aromatic garlic melts into butter, coating every morsel with irresistible richness.

Trust me, you’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this hearty dish.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have all the spices?

You can replace smoked paprika with regular paprika, swap thyme with dried rosemary, and use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic if needed.

  • Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Chuck roast, sirloin tip, or stew meat work perfectly. Choose a cut that’s suitable for slow cooking to ensure tender results.

  • Is it necessary to sear the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing helps develop deeper flavor and creates a nice brown crust, but it’s optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a delicious meal.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes

  • Create One-Pot Comfort: This slow cooker marvel delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess, combining tender beef and soft potatoes in a single delightful dish.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, returning to a hearty meal that feels like home-cooked love.
  • Boost Family Meal Excitement: Packed with rich garlic butter flavors and perfectly seasoned beef, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will adore.
  • Master Hands-Off Cooking: Using a slow cooker ensures consistent, gentle cooking that transforms tough beef cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites without constant monitoring.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes

Main Protein:
  • Beef Bites: Tender chunks of meat that create a hearty and flavorful main dish.
Vegetables:
  • Baby Potatoes: Small, creamy potatoes that absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sear and brown the beef bites for extra flavor.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth garlic butter sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, sweet onion undertone.
  • Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky and slightly spicy dimension.
  • Thyme: Brings an earthy and herbaceous note to the recipe.
Liquid:
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall flavor of the dish.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the beef and potatoes.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Step 1: Sear The Beef Bites

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature. Brown the beef pieces thoroughly on all sides, ensuring a rich caramelized exterior.

Transfer the seared beef bites directly into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Companions

Add whole baby potatoes into the slow cooker alongside the browned beef, creating a hearty base for the dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Freshly minced garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients together until well incorporated. Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Moisture Base

Pour beef broth into the slow cooker, providing essential liquid for tenderizing the meat and creating a rich cooking environment.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and select your preferred cooking method:
  • Low setting: Cook for 6-7 hours
  • High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

The dish is ready when beef becomes fork-tender and potatoes are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the beef and potatoes just before serving, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor.

Tips for Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes

  • Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results.
  • Pat beef bites dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance meat's caramelization.
  • Keep potatoes uniform in size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil and use low-sodium beef broth to reduce calorie content.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

Flavor Twists for Garlic Butter Beef Bites

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the same garlic butter seasoning and cooking method.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Substitute thyme with rosemary and oregano, adding kalamata olives and diced bell peppers for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Remix: Replace smoked paprika with Cajun seasoning, add diced andouille sausage, and include some cayenne pepper for a zesty, heat-packed alternative.
  • Instant Pot Express: Convert the slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot by reducing liquid and cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes, achieving similar tender results in a fraction of the time.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites

  • Rustic Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty meal directly from the slow cooker with crusty bread on the side for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the beef bites and potatoes into meal prep containers for easy weekday lunches, keeping them fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Steakhouse-Style Plating: Arrange beef bites and potatoes on a large wooden cutting board, sprinkle extra fresh parsley, and add a small dish of extra garlic butter for dipping, creating a restaurant-quality presentation at home.
  • Comfort Bowl Delight: Layer the beef bites and potatoes over creamy mashed cauliflower or rice for a comforting one-bowl meal that maximizes flavor and satisfaction.
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Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Garlic butter beef bites & potatoes bring tender meat and hearty potatoes together in one comforting slow cooker meal. Savory flavors meld perfectly, creating a simple dinner that satisfies hunger and delights palates.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes, halved

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Liquids and Aromatics:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear beef bites in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until golden brown on all surfaces, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
  2. Transfer browned beef pieces directly into the slow cooker, ensuring an even layer at the bottom of the pot.
  3. Arrange baby potatoes around and between the beef chunks to maximize flavor absorption and cooking efficiency.
  4. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking melted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
  5. Drizzle the aromatic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  6. Pour beef broth into the slow cooker, creating a moist cooking environment that will tenderize the meat.
  7. Secure the lid and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and potatoes to become perfectly soft.
  8. Once cooking is complete, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous finish and added visual appeal.

Notes

  • Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the depth of flavor and creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in rich, meaty taste.
  • Choose well-marbled chuck roast or stew meat for maximum tenderness and juiciness during the long, slow cooking process.
  • For a low-carb version, swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and cooking method.
  • Leftover beef bites can be transformed into sandwiches, salads, or quick lunch wraps, making this recipe an excellent meal prep option for busy households.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 349 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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