This slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender beef bites are slow-cooked with buttery garlic and perfectly seasoned potatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: A slow cooker does all the work for this one-pot meal.
- Rich and flavorful: Garlic butter enhances the tender beef and potatoes beautifully.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite seasonings or add vegetables.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or weekend comfort meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- 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. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add this to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the potatoes: Toss the potatoes with the melted butter, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the beef.
- Cook the dish: 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.
- Finish and garnish: Stir gently to combine the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Variations
- Add vegetables: Include carrots, green beans, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- Herb swap: Use fresh thyme and rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
- Vegan option: Replace beef with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin tips work well. Just ensure the cut is suitable for slow cooking.
Do I need to sear the beef first?
Searing adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it if short on time.
Can I use larger potatoes?
Yes, chop larger potatoes into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of regular butter.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function to sear the beef and cook garlic, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a quick release.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
How can I make the potatoes crispier?
Transfer cooked potatoes to a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes for a golden, crispy finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the broth and seasonings used are gluten-free.
Can I add onions?
Absolutely! Add sliced onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all. With tender beef, buttery potatoes, and savory garlic, it’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Try this recipe today for a no-fuss meal that delivers big on flavor!
PrintSlow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Tender beef bites and golden potatoes are cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce in your slow cooker. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef (Optional):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with half of the garlic butter sauce.
- Add the seared beef bites on top of the potatoes and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Pour the beef broth over everything.
- 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.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Stir gently to coat the potatoes and beef in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add vegetables like carrots or green beans for more color and nutrition.
- For a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan, add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water, and simmer until thickened.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.