Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I entered my kitchen, the savory scent of garlic filled the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy family gathering. It’s moments like these that remind me why I adore home cooking. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, a hearty slow cooker delight that combines tender beef and creamy potatoes in a rich, buttery sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, designed for the busy cook—taking only 15 minutes of prep time. Not only does it satisfy the heart and soul, but it’s also incredibly customizable; feel free to switch up the beef cuts or add your favorite veggies. Are you ready to bring a warm, inviting meal to your table that whispers “home”? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together! Why Garlic Butter Beef Bites? Hearty Comfort: The combination of tender beef and creamy potatoes creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Effortless Cooking: With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow cooker, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it took all day. Customizable Delight: Feel free to switch between cuts of beef or add fresh veggies, making this dish your own every time. Aromatic Bliss: The rich garlic butter sauce infuses the beef and potatoes with irresistible flavor that lingers long after the meal is over. Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, reminding us all of home-cooked comfort. To elevate your meal even further, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Your family will definitely be asking for seconds! Garlic Butter Beef Bites Ingredients • Let’s gather everything you need to create this comforting dish! For the Beef Bites Beef Stew Meat – Provides a rich protein base and depth of flavor; substitute with chuck roast or brisket for different textures. Olive Oil – Used for searing beef; enhances flavor and browning, or skip for quicker prep. For the Potatoes Baby Potatoes – Adds a comforting texture; swap with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a unique twist. For the Garlic Butter Sauce Unsalted Butter – Creates a luxurious garlic butter sauce; you can use olive oil for a healthier fat option. Garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; fresh is always best. Onion Powder – Adds depth to the flavor; can substitute with finely chopped fresh onion. Smoked Paprika – Introduces a subtle smoky flavor; regular paprika works if a smoky taste isn’t desired. Dried Thyme & Rosemary – Elevates the dish with aromatic qualities; fresh can replace dried in equal amounts for vibrant flavor. Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste and dietary needs. For Slow Cooking Beef Broth – Keeps the dish moist and enhances flavor; use low-sodium broth for a healthier option. With these Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a meal that’s not just delicious but brings warmth and comfort to your family’s dinner table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Step 1: Prep Ingredients Start by preparing your ingredients for the Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking. This step allows for better seasoning and buttery flavor absorption as they cook, making the overall dish tastier. Step 2: Sear Beef Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned, which locks in the juices and enhances flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker for later. Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce In a separate bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This savory garlic butter sauce will infuse the Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes with rich flavors as they cook. Step 4: Assemble in Slow Cooker In the slow cooker, layer the halved baby potatoes followed by the seared beef pieces. Drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes. Pour in 1-2 cups of beef broth, ensuring the ingredients are well-coated and the flavors meld during cooking. This layering technique helps enhance the overall taste of your dish. Step 5: Cook Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef is done when it’s fork-tender, and the potatoes should be softly cooked. Keep an eye on the clock to ensure perfect timing, letting the tantalizing aroma fill your home as it cooks. Step 6: Rest and Serve Once cooking is complete, let the Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes rest for about 10 minutes with the lid on. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and enhances the dish’s overall richness. Serve it warm for a fulfilling meal your family is sure to enjoy, and watch them ask for seconds! What to Serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Complement your meal with delightful side dishes and drinks that elevate the comforting flavors of your slow-cooked dish. Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce, offering a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender beef and potatoes. Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes brings a crisp contrast to the hearty beef bites, balancing the meal perfectly. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Add an extra layer of flavor with roasted seasonal vegetables drizzled in olive oil and garlic. Their sweetness complements the savory beef beautifully. Creamy Polenta: The smooth texture of creamy polenta makes for a luxurious side, providing a comforting backdrop that enhances the rich flavors of the beef. Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, can elevate the meal, adding depth and complementing the robust flavors of the garlic butter beef. Chocolate Cake: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of rich chocolate cake. The indulgent chocolate pairs nicely with the savory dish, creating a delightful contrast. Helpful Tricks for Garlic Butter Beef Bites Sear Smartly: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial. It enriches the flavors and keeps the beef juicy, avoiding a dry outcome. Layering Matters: Properly layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with potatoes at the bottom to ensure they’re fully cooked and absorb all the delicious garlic butter flavor. Monitoring Cook Time: Keep an eye on cooking times. Check the tenderness of the beef around the 3-hour mark on high, or 6 hours on low; adjust as needed for your slow cooker’s performance. Versatile Substitutions: Feel free to customize the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with different cuts of beef or add vegetables like carrots. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on the ingredients. Allow Resting Time: Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle in and meld together for a more flavorful experience. Garlic Butter Beef Bites Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these Garlic Butter Beef Bites for your family’s taste! Different Cuts: Swap in sirloin or short ribs for varied textures and richer flavors. Veggie Boost: Toss in carrots or green beans for added nutrition and a pop of color in your dish. These vibrant veggies will bring a beautiful freshness that balances the richness of the beef. Flavor Reinvent: Add a touch of red pepper flakes to spice it up, or try different spices to put your unique spin on the dish. A hint of heat can transform the whole flavor profile, making your meal more exciting and adventurous. Sweet Twist: Substitute baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness. This will give a delightful contrast to the savory garlic butter flavors. Dairy-Free: Use margarine or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version that maintains that creamy texture. Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added at the end to brighten the dish. They infuse the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with a fresh, aromatic finish. Broth Alternatives: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for lighter flavors, perfect if you want to reduce the meatiness of the dish. For even more delicious inspirations, consider trying the Mongolian Ground Beef or make a treat at home with these High Protein Bites. With these variations, you’re ready to create a dinner everyone will love! Make Ahead Options These Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can prep the beef by cutting it into bite-sized pieces up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, halve the baby potatoes and keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the beef, make the garlic butter sauce, and assemble everything in the slow cooker. For best results, try to combine the ingredients just before cooking to ensure the flavors remain vibrant. This way, you’ll enjoy a quick, stress-free dinner that’s just as delicious as if you made it last minute! How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Beef Bites Fridge: Store leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: Place cooled beef bites in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy identification. Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth for moisture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Serving Fresh: When ready to eat, serve alongside your favorite sides such as crusty bread or a fresh salad to enhance your hearty meal experience. Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe FAQs What type of beef should I use for Garlic Butter Beef Bites? I recommend using well-marbled cuts like beef stew meat or chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. Avoid lean cuts, as they can dry out during cooking. Chuck roast provides a rich, juicy base that beautifully complements the buttery sauce. How should I store leftovers from Garlic Butter Beef Bites? Absolutely! To store your leftovers, allow the dish to cool fully before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain its delightful texture. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Beef Bites? Yes! To freeze, wait until the beef bites have cooled completely. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring to squeeze out any excess air. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. What if my beef isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time? Very! If you find your beef isn’t fork-tender after cooking for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, it simply may need a bit more time. Just cover the slow cooker back up and give it another 30 minutes to an hour. The longer cooking helps the connective tissues break down, leading to that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Are there any dietary considerations I should know? Definitely! This recipe uses beef broth, which often contains gluten. If you have gluten sensitivities or allergies, opt for a gluten-free beef broth. Additionally, if you’re cooking for pets, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before sharing any human food, especially dishes rich in seasonings or fats. What can I do if I accidentally added too much salt? Not to worry! If your garlic butter beef bites taste too salty, you can balance the flavor by adding a bit more beef broth or some diced potatoes. The potatoes will absorb some of the excess salt as they cook. Just mix everything well, and allow it to simmer for additional time to meld the flavors. Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: Comfort in Every Bite A hearty slow cooker recipe featuring tender beef and creamy potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce—perfect comfort food for busy cooks. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 7 hours hrsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 7 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef Bites1 pound Beef Stew Meat Substitute with chuck roast or brisket if desired.1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for searing beef.For the Potatoes1 pound Baby Potatoes Can swap with sweet potatoes or cauliflower.For the Garlic Butter Sauce½ cup Unsalted Butter Can use olive oil for a healthier option.4 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh is best.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can substitute with finely chopped fresh onion.1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika works if a smoky taste isn’t desired.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh can replace dried in equal amounts.1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Fresh can replace dried in equal amounts.to taste Saltto taste Black PepperFor Slow Cooking1-2 cups Beef Broth Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option. Equipment Slow CookerSkilletmixing bowl Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsStart by preparing your ingredients for the Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Halve the baby potatoes.Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.In a separate bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until combined.In the slow cooker, layer the halved baby potatoes followed by the seared beef pieces. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes, then pour in 1-2 cups of beef broth.Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker to enrich the flavors and maintain juiciness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
