Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender beef chunks and creamy baby potatoes, all infused with a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is effortless to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day, ensuring a flavorful and hearty meal that your family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is as simple as it gets—just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with rich flavors from the garlic butter, rosemary, and thyme. The beef becomes incredibly tender, while the potatoes soak up all that savory goodness. Plus, this meal is perfect for meal prep, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Add halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and potatoes.
Add beef broth to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, green beans, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for more variety and nutrition.
Herb Options: Experiment with rosemary, Italian seasoning, or paprika to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Potato Alternatives: Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds for a slightly different taste and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow to cool, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to retain moisture, or microwave in a covered dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the beef first to ensure even cooking and better texture.

What type of potato is best for slow cooking?

Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal because they hold their shape well during slow cooking.

Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. 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 if you enjoy spice, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Can I add vegetables like carrots?

Yes, carrots, green beans, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I keep the beef tender in the slow cooker?

Make sure to cook the beef on low for several hours to allow it to become tender and juicy.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can be used in place of smoked paprika.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor and slightly sweeter taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The slow cooker is perfect for making this dish ahead of time and letting it cook while you go about your day.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you can come home to a delicious, comforting meal. The combination of tender beef, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes makes this dish a family favorite. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal prep option, this recipe will not disappoint