There’s something magical about slow-cooked meals. The way the flavors deepen, the meat turns irresistibly tender, and the aroma fills the kitchen—it’s pure comfort food at its best. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort.
Perfect for cozy family dinners, busy weeknights, or meal prep, this dish features melt-in-your-mouth beef bites, buttery potatoes, and a rich garlic-infused sauce that soaks into every bite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something hearty and delicious, this slow-cooked dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it – The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect hands-off meal.
- Rich, savory flavors – The garlic butter sauce enhances the tender beef and creamy potatoes.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum taste – A few pantry staples transform into an incredibly comforting dish.
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces if it’s not pre-cut. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Halve the baby potatoes so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious garlic butter flavors.
Step 2: Season the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the beef bites with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. This dry seasoning mix will create a rich, flavorful base for the dish.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Add the seasoned beef bites and halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in the melted butter, minced garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork, while the potatoes will be perfectly soft.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, buttery, garlicky goodness!
Helpful Tips
- Choose the right cut of beef – Stew meat works great, but you can also use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces for extra tenderness.
- Don’t skip the butter – The butter adds richness and depth, balancing the bold flavors of garlic and spices.
- Use baby potatoes – Their creamy texture holds up well in the slow cooker without turning mushy.
- Add extra veggies – Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or green beans for added nutrition and variety.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- If you prefer a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic in the oven before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep everything moist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then add all ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this dish, try these other hearty slow-cooker favorites:
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food—tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy days when you need a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Description
There’s something magical about slow-cooked meals. The way the flavors deepen, the meat turns irresistibly tender, and the aroma fills the kitchen—it’s pure comfort food at its best. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort.
Perfect for cozy family dinners, busy weeknights, or meal prep, this dish features melt-in-your-mouth beef bites, buttery potatoes, and a rich garlic-infused sauce that soaks into every bite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something hearty and delicious, this slow-cooked dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Potatoes:
2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (halved)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces if it’s not pre-cut. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Halve the baby potatoes so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious garlic butter flavors.
In a large bowl, toss the beef bites with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. This dry seasoning mix will create a rich, flavorful base for the dish.
Add the seasoned beef bites and halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in the melted butter, minced garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the ingredients evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork, while the potatoes will be perfectly soft.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, buttery, garlicky goodness!
Notes
- If you prefer a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic in the oven before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep everything moist.