Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender beef, buttery potatoes, and aromatic garlic for a rich and satisfying dish. This meal is perfect for busy days when you want something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option that gets better with time, this slow cooker recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Requires minimal prep and the slow cooker does most of the work.
• Rich and Flavorful – The garlic butter sauce enhances the deep, savory flavors of the beef and potatoes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the tender, buttery beef bites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

For extra depth of flavor, searing the beef before slow cooking is a great step. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear them for about 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. This locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This aromatic mix infuses the dish with a wonderful depth of flavor.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over the potatoes. Add the seared beef bites on top, followed by the remaining garlic butter sauce. Pour the beef broth over everything to ensure the beef stays moist and tender during cooking.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover 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. Cooking on low results in the most tender and flavorful beef.

Garnish and Serve

Once done, gently stir the beef and potatoes to coat them in the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Use the Right Cut of Beef

Chuck roast or stew meat works best for slow cooking, as these cuts break down beautifully over time, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Don’t Skip the Searing

While optional, searing the beef beforehand creates a richer, more complex flavor profile.

Choose the Right Potatoes

Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and develop a creamy texture.

Variations and Additions

Add Vegetables

For extra nutrition and color, add carrots, mushrooms, or green beans during the last hour of cooking.

Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.

Swap the Herbs

Fresh herbs like oregano or basil can be used instead of thyme and rosemary for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

• Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables – A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complements this dish well.
• Rice or Pasta – Serve the beef and potatoes over a bed of white rice or buttered egg noodles for an even heartier meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to keep the meat moist.
• Oven – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Without a Slow Cooker?

Yes! You can cook this dish in a Dutch oven at 300°F for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Can I Use Frozen Beef?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed beef to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well as a substitute, though the cooking time may be slightly shorter.

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