A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Comfort Meal
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. With tender, slow-cooked beef bites, buttery golden potatoes, and a rich garlic-infused sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prep. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef is fork-tender, while the garlic butter sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks – Use well-marbled beef like chuck roast for the most tender results.
- 5 tablespoons butter, sliced – Adds richness and depth of flavor as it melts into the beef.
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved or quartered – These creamy potatoes hold their shape well and soak up all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder – Enhances flavor without the need for chopped onions.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory, garlicky kick.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (fresh) – Brings bold, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the meat and potatoes. Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the seasoning with a mild spiciness.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) – A blend of dried herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ cup beef broth – Keeps the beef juicy and flavorful as it slow-cooks.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Provides umami richness and enhances the beefy flavor.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – For a mild, spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary – Adds a fragrant, herby note for a more refined taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Trim excess fat from the beef stew meat and cut it into bite-sized chunks if needed.
- Wash and dry the baby yellow potatoes, then halve or quarter them, depending on size.
- Mince the fresh garlic for the best flavor infusion.
2. Season the Beef
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef bites with onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Mix well to coat all the beef evenly.
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavorful juices.
- Add the seasoned beef bites on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the chopped garlic evenly over the beef.
- Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything.
4. Add the Butter
- Slice the butter into pieces and distribute them evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- If using fresh thyme or rosemary, add it now for an extra layer of herby flavor.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Stir gently halfway through cooking to ensure the flavors distribute evenly.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once fully cooked, give everything a final stir to coat the potatoes and beef in the garlic butter sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – For an even heartier meal.
- With a Side of Roasted Vegetables – Such as green beans, carrots, or asparagus.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Hands-off cooking with minimal prep.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Slow cooking makes the beef ultra-tender.
Rich and Buttery Flavor – A simple garlic butter sauce enhances every bite.
Hearty and Filling – A complete meal with protein and potatoes in one dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners.
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!