There's nothing quite like the savory aroma of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes filling your home. This hearty, comforting dish brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef bites and perfectly cooked potatoes, all coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It's the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel special, even on the busiest weeknights.
I first made this dish on a cold winter evening when I wanted something warm and cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker worked its magic while I went about my day, and the result was an instant family favorite that we’ve been making ever since. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This recipe is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.
First and foremost, this dish is practically effortless. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker takes over, doing all the hard work while you relax or tackle your to-do list.
The flavors are next-level delicious. Garlic butter is the ultimate comfort combo, and when paired with tender beef and creamy potatoes, it creates a dish that feels indulgent yet accessible.
It’s a one-pot wonder. No need to dirty up multiple pans or fuss with complicated steps. Everything cooks together, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
And don’t forget its versatility. This recipe works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for a meal with guests. Plus, leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to this recipe’s irresistible flavor is its simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
Beef chuck roast is my top choice for this dish. Its marbling makes it perfect for slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. Cut it into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. If chuck roast isn’t available, stew meat or beef brisket can work as substitutes.
Baby potatoes are ideal here. Their thin skins don’t require peeling, and they hold their shape well during cooking. I love using a mix of red and yellow baby potatoes for both visual appeal and flavor variety. If you’re using larger potatoes, just cut them into chunks.
Garlic is a star player. Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a robust flavor. For garlic lovers, feel free to increase the amount for an extra kick.
Butter, of course, is essential. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish. If you want to experiment, try using a mix of butter and olive oil for a slightly lighter option.
Finally, a touch of beef broth ties everything together, keeping the beef juicy and helping the potatoes cook to perfection. For added depth, you can use a splash of red wine in place of part of the broth.
You’ll also need a slow cooker for this recipe. A 6-quart model works well for the quantities listed, ensuring everything cooks evenly without overcrowding.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Creating this flavorful dish is as easy as can be. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by prepping your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes, and rinse and halve the baby potatoes if they’re larger than bite-sized. Mince your garlic and set it aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Sear the beef cubes in batches, ensuring a golden-brown crust on all sides. This step locks in flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
Once the beef is seared, transfer it to the slow cooker along with the potatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you love, like thyme or rosemary.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth (and wine, if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds incredible depth of flavor.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
Before serving, give everything a gentle stir to coat the beef and potatoes in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
This dish takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time, with the slow cooker doing the rest. Your reward is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this recipe stores beautifully. Allow the beef and potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetables: Add carrots, mushrooms, or green beans to the slow cooker for extra color and nutrients.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, sage, or dill to tweak the flavor profile.
- Potato Swap: Sweet potatoes or parsnips are delicious alternatives to baby potatoes.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is a winner. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Bring the cozy vibes to your dinner table with this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this dish is sure to satisfy. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to comfort food in our home. Happy cooking!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a delicious, hearty meal packed with juicy beef, buttery garlic flavor, and tender potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear beef bites until browned on all sides.
- Transfer beef to the slow cooker and add baby potatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Pour over beef and potatoes.
- Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture.
- Add carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
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