Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is a mouthwatering, slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. This hearty dish combines tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a garlic-infused butter sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish to warm you up on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is the answer.
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The Benefits of Slow Cooking Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Slow cooking is the key to unlocking the full flavor potential of this dish. By allowing the ingredients to simmer together for an extended period, the beef becomes incredibly tender and the potatoes soak up all the delicious garlic-infused butter. This method also fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles, as the slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The result is a meal that’s both mouthwatering and hassle-free.
Ingredient Breakdown for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
The secret to the exceptional taste of Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes lies in the carefully curated ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each component:
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces: This hearty cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes meltingly tender after hours of simmering.
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved: Small, bite-sized potatoes are ideal for this dish, as they cook evenly and soak up the flavorful butter mixture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The rich, creamy butter provides a luxurious base for the garlic and spices.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh, aromatic garlic is the star of this dish, infusing every bite with its savory essence.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other seasonings.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A touch of smoky paprika lends a warm, earthy note to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Fragrant dried thyme enhances the overall savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Adjust the salt to your personal preference.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a pleasant kick of heat.
- ¼ cup beef broth: The broth helps create a moist, flavorful cooking environment for the beef and potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A small amount of olive oil is used to sear the beef before slow cooking.
Preparing Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Searing the Meat
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites on all sides until they’re nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. Once seared, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Adding the Potatoes
Next, add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker, arranging them alongside the seared beef bites.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
Pouring and Adding Broth
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated. Then, add the beef broth and give everything a gentle stir to incorporate.

Cooking Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
Cover the slow cooker and cook the Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender, and the potatoes should be cooked through when the dish is done.
It’s important not to open the slow cooker too frequently, as this can disrupt the cooking process and extend the overall time. Instead, resist the temptation and let the dish simmer away, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to develop.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
When the Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes are ready, use a spoon to scoop the tender beef and potatoes onto plates. If desired, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or other herbs for a touch of color and extra flavor.
This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying dinner. The combination of the savory beef, creamy potatoes, and garlic-infused butter is sure to delight your taste buds and leave your family satisfied.
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the beef, as well as complex carbohydrates from the potatoes. The dish also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals, making it a great option for a healthy, wholesome dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller batches of Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes?
When adjusting the cooking time for larger or smaller batches, it’s important to consider the increased or decreased volume of ingredients. For larger batches, you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour on LOW, as more ingredients can affect the cooking temperature. Conversely, for smaller batches, reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure the beef doesn’t become overcooked and dry. Always check for doneness by ensuring the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
Can I use frozen beef or potatoes in this recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen beef or potatoes. If using frozen beef, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Frozen potatoes can be added directly to the slow cooker, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 15-30 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture of frozen ingredients may differ slightly from fresh ones, but the dish will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes spicy?
Yes, you can easily add a spicy twist to Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes by incorporating ingredients such as crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. Mix these spicy elements into the garlic butter mixture or sprinkle them over the beef and potatoes before cooking. Start with small amounts to gauge heat levels and adjust according to your preference. This will enhance the flavor profile while giving the dish a nice kick.
How do I ensure my beef bites are tender and not tough?
To ensure your beef bites are tender, it’s crucial to sear them properly before adding them to the slow cooker; this locks in moisture and flavor. Additionally, cooking on LOW for an extended period (typically 6-8 hours) helps break down the connective tissues in the beef, resulting in a more tender texture. Avoid opening the slow cooker frequently, as this can disrupt the cooking process and increase cooking time. Lastly, using the right cut of beef, like chuck or round, will also contribute to tenderness.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Birria Tacos
- Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice
- One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is a must-try slow cooker recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender beef, creamy potatoes, and flavorful garlic butter sauce come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
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Discover the Amazing Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is a mouthwatering, slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. This hearty dish combines tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a garlic-infused butter sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound beef stew meat
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites on all sides until they’re nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Next, add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker, arranging them alongside the seared beef bites.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
4. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated. Then, add the beef broth and give everything a gentle stir to incorporate.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook the Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender, and the potatoes should be cooked through when the dish is done.
6. When ready, use a spoon to scoop the tender beef and potatoes onto plates. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs.
Notes
This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams