Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. The garlic butter sauce envelops both the beef and potatoes, creating a savory, melt-in-your-mouth meal that gets better as leftovers. It’s a simple recipe with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it the perfect go-to for a quick, stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides (2-3 minutes per side) and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Add broth: Pour beef broth into the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low)
Variations
- Protein swap: Try pork shoulder or chicken thighs instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Vegetable additions: Add carrots, mushrooms, or green beans for more variety.
- Herb variations: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a unique flavor profile.
- Potato alternatives: Swap baby potatoes for Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a change in texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the meal juicy. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months and reheat when ready.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the beef first for even cooking and better texture.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal as they hold their shape during slow cooking.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like some heat.
Can I make this without searing the beef?
Yes, although searing the beef adds depth of flavor. If you skip it, just add the raw beef directly to the slow cooker.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Carrots, green beans, or mushrooms are great additions that will cook along with the beef and potatoes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use another type of fat instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version, though the butter provides a richer flavor.
What can I serve this with?
Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Can I use a different broth?
Beef broth is recommended, but chicken broth or vegetable broth could also work in a pinch.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s a comforting meal that requires minimal effort while delivering rich, savory goodness. The best part? Leftovers are even better, making this dish a wonderful option for meal prep.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe delivers tender beef, golden potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for busy days, this comforting meal requires minimal prep and offers maximum flavor. Serve it with a fresh salad for a complete dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat (1 ½ lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Baby potatoes (1 lb), halved
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp), melted
- Garlic (3 cloves), minced
- Onion powder (1 tsp)
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
- Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Dried rosemary (½ tsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Beef broth (¼ cup)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
Instructions
- Sear beef in a skillet until browned on all sides.
- Add potatoes to the slow cooker and top with beef.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef and potatoes.
- Add beef broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream at the end.
