Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? These Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are a slow-cooked masterpiece—perfectly tender beef, baby potatoes soaked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, and a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and super easy to make.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make the best Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes—from ingredient breakdowns to step-by-step cooking methods, variations, tips, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef Recipe
This recipe combines simplicity and indulgence in every bite. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Slow Cooker Convenience – Set it and forget it! The crockpot does the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- Tender & Juicy Beef – The beef stew meat cooks down to a fork-tender texture, infused with bold, garlicky flavor.
- One-Pot Meal – With protein, carbs, and fat in one dish, this makes for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the spices, add veggies, or swap proteins to make it your own.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
To create the rich and savory depth of this dish, gather the following:
For the main recipe:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks – ideal for slow cooking and absorbing flavor
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved – these cook evenly and soak up the garlic butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – the base of the garlic sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – brings the star flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a subtle smoky flavor
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth – keeps the dish moist and adds umami
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – used for searing the beef
Optional Equipment
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Skillet for browning beef
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the full process to make your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes come out perfect every time:
1. Prep the Ingredients
Begin by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces and halving the baby potatoes. Uniform sizes help everything cook evenly.
Pro Tip: For faster cooking, parboil the baby potatoes for 3–5 minutes. This is optional but can help them soften before slow cooking.
2. Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor and helps lock in juices.
Searing Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown in batches to ensure even searing.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix until it forms a rich, aromatic sauce.
4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Layer the halved potatoes and seared beef into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Add the beef broth to keep things moist during cooking.
5. Cook Low and Slow
- Low setting: 6–8 hours
- High setting: 3–4 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fall-apart tender and the potatoes are perfectly soft.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
Variations & Customizations
🥩 Try Different Cuts of Beef:
- Chuck roast – tender and marbled
- Brisket – for deeper, beefier flavor
- Sirloin or tenderloin – leaner but still flavorful if cooked properly
🌶 Spice It Up:
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter for a spicy version.
- Mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
🥦 Add Vegetables:
- Carrots, green beans, or bell peppers add color and nutrition.
- Stir in spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes for a green boost.
Serving Suggestions
This is a filling main dish, but here are some delicious ways to round out the meal:
- Garlic Bread – mop up that buttery sauce!
- Green Salad – a fresh, crisp contrast
- Steamed veggies – like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Coleslaw – adds crunch and a tangy balance
What to Do with Leftovers
Storage:
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or butter to rehydrate the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400–500
- Protein: 30–35g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25g
- Fat: 22–28g
- Sodium: 600–800mg (lower if using low-sodium broth)
Note: These values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Bites
- Don’t skip the sear. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Cut potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Use fresh garlic and herbs if you can—they elevate the flavor significantly.
- Let it rest before serving. The sauce thickens slightly and flavors deepen.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—sometimes a pinch of extra salt brings everything together.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great swap. Just reduce the cook time—2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
What can I use instead of potatoes?
Try sweet potatoes, cauliflower, turnips, or even parsnips for variation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil, though the flavor will change slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food recipe that’s as flavorful as it is easy. With a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll have a rich, buttery, satisfying meal that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Bookmark it, pin it, and come back to it often—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
