If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a big warm hug, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy beef bites and buttery, perfectly seasoned potatoes, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. With the rich aroma of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, every bite bursts with flavor and soul-warming goodness. It’s simple to make, ideal for busy days, and guaranteed to become your new go-to dinner favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role in creating the richness and depth that make this dish irresistible.
- Beef chuck or stew meat (1 1/2 lbs): Choose well-marbled pieces for the best tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 lbs): Their creamy interiors and thin skins absorb all the garlic butter goodness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds a luscious richness that coats every bite with velvety smooth flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole dish with its signature aromatic warmth.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, herbal undertone that complements the beef beautifully.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Adds a piney, fragrant note that brightens up the deep flavors.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and a hint of color to the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each element perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the beef to develop a delicious caramelized crust.
- Beef broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and enhances the meaty depth of flavor in slow cooker cooking.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A bright garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef bites generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef in batches. This caramelization is where so much flavor develops, creating a mouthwatering crust that locks in juices. Once browned, transfer the beef straight to your slow cooker—it’s the flavor foundation of this dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Cooking for just about a minute until fragrant wakes up all those garlicky aromas without burning it. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the pan. Those bits are flavor gold! Pour this garlicky, savory broth over the beef in the slow cooker, setting the stage for an ultra-flavorful finished meal.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
While the beef and broth rest in the slow cooker, toss your baby potatoes with the melted butter, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This buttery, smoky coating promises the potatoes will be tender and infused with rich flavor by the end. Lay them right on top of the beef bites, so all the flavors meld together as they cook.
Step 4: Cook the Dish
Cover the slow cooker and set it low for 6 to 8 hours—or on high for 3 to 4 if you’re short on time. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the beef to perfect softness and lets the potatoes absorb all that garlicky buttery magic. The end result is a dish where every forkful delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef and silky, flavorful potatoes.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the beef and potatoes to combine all the flavors without breaking up the tender potatoes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and mild herbaceous taste that complements the garlicky richness perfectly. Your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is now ready to make your dinner unforgettable.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish because it adds a subtle peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter and beef. You could also experiment with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of lemon zest for an extra flavor twist that surprises and delights.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands tall as a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the heartiness. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts echo the herby notes and add fresh crunch for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this crowd-pleaser family-style right from the slow cooker on a warmed platter for a rustic feel. Alternatively, plate individual portions garnished neatly, allowing each guest to admire the steam and aroma before digging in. Pair with crusty bread to mop up the flavorful juices for an experience your whole table will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe keep well in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
You can freeze portions for up to three months. Cool the dish completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. To keep the potatoes from drying out, add a splash of beef broth or a bit of butter while warming. Avoid overheating to maintain that tender texture and juicy flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck or stew meat is best for tenderness, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can work well, as long as they are suitable for slow cooking.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika for color without the smoky hint, or add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, it scales nicely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe on the stovetop?
While slow cooking is ideal for tenderizing, you can simmer the beef and potatoes together in a covered pot on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally until tender.
What can I use instead of baby potatoes?
Small Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great alternatives. You can also try fingerling potatoes for a fun shape and similar texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe truly feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together to make something extraordinary. It’s cozy, flavorful, and forgiving to prepare, perfect for any day you want to impress your family without fuss. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite one-pot meal!
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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
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe features tender beef chuck seared to perfection and slow-cooked with baby potatoes in a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. The comforting dish is easy to prepare, perfect for a hearty family meal, and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Potatoes and Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 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 browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Pour this flavorful mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the halved or quartered baby potatoes with melted butter, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the coated potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Gently stir to combine the beef and potatoes, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Searing the beef first adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Baby potatoes can be substituted with fingerling or small red potatoes.
- Adjust the smoked paprika according to your preference for smokiness and heat.
- For a richer sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled if using a larger slow cooker.
