Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Short Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that features tender, slow-cooked beef bites infused with rich garlic butter flavors alongside perfectly seasoned potatoes. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy days, offering a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Rich, Buttery Flavor: The garlic butter sauce deeply enhances the beef, creating an indulgent taste that pairs perfectly with tender potatoes.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requires simple pantry staples, yet delivers an incredibly flavorful meal.
• Tender and Juicy Beef: Slow cooking ensures that the beef bites are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• One-Pot Convenience: Fewer dishes to clean up after cooking, making it a practical option for any household.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Baby potatoes, halved
• Butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
2. Season the Beef: In a bowl, mix the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
3. Sear the Beef (Optional): For extra flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet with a little butter until browned on all sides.
4. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add the potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the seasoned beef bites on top.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter and mix it with minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and beef broth.
6. Pour and Cook: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
7. Garnish and Serve: Stir everything together, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Include carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or radishes.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I ensure the beef stays tender?

Slow cooking on low for a longer time (6-8 hours) helps break down the fibers in the beef, making it tender and juicy.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While beef chuck is ideal, brisket, round steak, or short ribs also work well.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the pressure cook function on high for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing is optional but adds extra depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Can I use other potatoes?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes also work; just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

What can I serve with this dish?

This meal pairs well with steamed veggies, crusty bread, or a side salad.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.

Can I use frozen beef?

For best results, use fresh or thawed beef. Frozen beef may release excess moisture, affecting texture and flavor.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavors with minimal effort. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this one-pot wonder guarantees tender beef and perfectly seasoned potatoes every time. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal!

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