Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the epitome of a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. With tender pieces of beef, perfectly roasted potatoes, and the rich, aromatic taste of garlic butter, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prepping, this dish requires minimal prep and cooking time, yet delivers an incredibly satisfying, savory meal. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The rich garlic butter sauce infuses every bite of beef and potato, making this dish flavorful, filling, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a dinner for your family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers a balance of savory beef, crispy potatoes, and the delightful warmth of garlic butter.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that requires little effort. The ingredients come together quickly, and the slow cooker does the rest.
• Tender, Flavorful Meat: The beef bites cook slowly and absorb the rich garlic butter sauce, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. The slow cooking process also helps the beef remain juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Perfectly Roasted Potatoes: The potatoes in this dish are cooked alongside the beef, soaking up the savory garlic butter sauce. They become crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect complement to the beef.
• Versatile and Easy to Adapt: This recipe can be easily customized to your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning, add vegetables, or even change up the type of potatoes. It’s a versatile dish that works for a variety of occasions.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a great dish to make in advance. It reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. It’s the kind of dish that gets better as it sits, so it’s perfect for leftovers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7-8 hours (on low) or 4-5 hours (on high)
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories, depending on serving size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds beef stew meat (or cubed chuck roast)
• 4-5 medium potatoes (russet or baby potatoes work best)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or stock)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef and Potatoes

Start by cutting the beef into bite-sized cubes if it isn’t pre-cut already. This will ensure the meat cooks evenly and absorbs all of the flavorful garlic butter sauce. If using beef stew meat, make sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. You can also use cubed chuck roast for a more tender option.

Next, prepare the potatoes. If using russet potatoes, peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If using baby potatoes, you can leave the skin on for added texture and flavor. Just slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook, so aim for bite-sized chunks.

2. Season the Beef and Potatoes

In a large bowl, combine the beef, potatoes, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything together until the beef and potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings. Be sure to add salt and pepper to taste. You want to make sure that both the beef and potatoes are well-seasoned to get the best flavor in your dish.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and stir it into the butter. Let the garlic infuse into the butter for 1-2 minutes. This allows the garlic to release its full flavor, making the sauce even more fragrant and delicious.

Once the garlic butter is ready, pour it over the beef and potatoes, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Stir well to make sure the garlic butter mixture covers all the pieces.

4. Add Beef Broth

Pour the beef broth (or stock) into the slow cooker to help create a flavorful cooking liquid. The broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce, ensuring the beef and potatoes cook evenly while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the garlic butter.

5. Slow Cook the Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Transfer the beef, potatoes, garlic butter, and beef broth mixture into the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should become incredibly tender, and the potatoes will soak up the garlic butter sauce while becoming soft and slightly crispy on the edges.

During the cooking process, give the mixture a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even cooking, but it’s not necessary to stir constantly. The slow cooker will do most of the work.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through, it’s time to serve! You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. The freshness of the parsley will add a pop of color and a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the garlic butter.

Serve the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes as is, or alongside a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

• Use Tender Cuts of Beef: For the most tender results, use beef stew meat, chuck roast, or even sirloin if you want a leaner cut. Tougher cuts of beef can work in a slow cooker but may require longer cooking times.
• Adjust Potatoes for Texture: If you prefer crispy potatoes, consider adding them to the slow cooker later in the cooking process. The longer potatoes cook, the softer they become. For crispier results, add them 2-3 hours before the beef is finished cooking.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Adding a pinch of paprika, Italian seasoning, or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat can elevate the flavor profile of this dish. You can also try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for the remaining time, and the sauce will thicken up.
• Beef Broth Substitutes: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that beef broth will add a deeper, richer flavor to the dish.
• Add Vegetables: This dish is great with added vegetables. Consider adding carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the slow cooker to make it a complete one-pot meal. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots can be added early, but delicate vegetables like bell peppers should be added in the last hour to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Variations of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

• Garlic Butter Beef and Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans to the slow cooker for a heartier meal. The vegetables will absorb the garlic butter sauce and add a fresh contrast to the beef and potatoes.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Beef Bites: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce. The spice will complement the richness of the garlic butter and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it melt and create a gooey, cheesy topping that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Mashed Potatoes: Instead of using cubed potatoes, try mashed potatoes as a base for this dish. Simply prepare mashed potatoes as you normally would, then top them with the garlic butter beef mixture for a creamy, indulgent meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is perfect for leftovers and meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The beef and potatoes reheat beautifully and will remain flavorful for several days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container and let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steam some broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy and light side dish that complements the savory flavors of the beef.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are great for soaking up the garlic butter sauce, making them a perfect side to this hearty meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic vinegar add a flavorful and slightly tangy side that complements the richness of the beef.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a simple, comforting dish that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. With tender beef, flavorful garlic butter sauce, and perfectly roasted potatoes, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, an easy weeknight meal, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on taste and ease. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making it a great choice for meal prep.