Are you searching for a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and will warm your soul? Look no further! Our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution. This comforting dish features tender beef stew meat infused with garlic and butter, paired with perfectly cooked baby potatoes. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, making it a family favorite.

In this article, we will guide you through every step of creating this delicious dish, including the ingredients you need, detailed cooking instructions, and helpful tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time. Let’s get started on this delightful culinary adventure!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

To whip up this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

Why These Ingredients?

Each ingredient in this recipe has a specific purpose that contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Beef stew meat: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful over time.
Baby potatoes: These little gems hold their shape well while absorbing the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Butter and garlic: Together, they create a rich, savory base that elevates the entire dish.
Seasonings: The onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper add layers of flavor that enhance the beef and potatoes.
Beef broth: It adds moisture and richness, ensuring that the beef and potatoes stay tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Directions for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal that your family will love.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef stew meat, halved baby potatoes, melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

Toss everything together until the beef and potatoes are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. This step ensures that every bite is infused with the rich garlic butter flavor.

2. Transfer to Slow Cooker

Once your ingredients are well mixed, it’s time to transfer them to the slow cooker. Begin by drizzling olive oil in the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Then, add the beef and potato mixture to the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. This helps with even cooking and ensures that every piece of meat and potato gets the same delicious treatment.

3. Add Broth

Next, pour beef broth over the mixture in the slow cooker. The broth will help create a flavorful sauce as the dish cooks and adds moisture to the beef and potatoes.

4. Cook

Now it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic! Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to allow the beef to become tender and the potatoes to cook through.

As the ingredients cook, the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and savory dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

5. Serve

Once your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes have finished cooking, remove the lid and give everything a good stir.

This will help distribute the garlic butter sauce throughout the dish. Serve the beef bites and potatoes hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors that this dish offers!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 serving, approximately 1 cup):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 36g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 3g

This dish is packed with protein and provides a hearty serving of vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal for your family.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

When it comes to beef stew meat, you have a few options. Chuck roast is a popular choice due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can become tough during the cooking process.

Customize Your Vegetables

While this recipe features baby potatoes, feel free to add other vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. Carrots, green beans, or peas make excellent additions. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.

Make It Ahead of Time

One of the fantastic benefits of slow cooker meals is that they can be made ahead of time. Prepare everything in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll come home to a delicious meal waiting for you.

Leftovers Storage

If you have leftovers (which is likely, given the generous serving size), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the stovetop until heated through. The flavors will continue to develop and may taste even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?

Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat in this recipe. However, be aware that it may take longer to cook. If you’re starting with frozen meat, it’s best to cook it on the low setting for the entire 8 hours to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

How Can I Thicken the Sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker toward the end of the cooking time and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Stir it back into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.

What Can I Serve with This Dish?

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’d like to add some sides, consider serving it with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even a side of steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Always double-check labels to ensure that there are no hidden sources of gluten.

Can I Use a Different Type of Potatoes?

Absolutely! While baby potatoes work beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute them with Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and is packed with flavor. The combination of tender beef, savory garlic, and buttery potatoes creates a delightful meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for the weekend, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out today, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy slow cooker dish!

For more delicious dinner ideas, check out these recipes:

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes! This easy one-pot meal features tender beef stew meat simmered with buttery garlic and baby potatoes, creating a delightful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef stew meat, halved baby potatoes, melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef and potato mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Add Broth: Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the slow cooker.
Cook: 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.
Serve: Once cooked, stir well and serve hot, enjoying the rich flavors!

Notes

For added flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or green beans.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Slow cooker beef recipe, garlic butter beef, comfort food, easy beef stew, one-pot meals