If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection alongside creamy baby potatoes, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce bursting with flavor, makes this dish a no-fail crowd pleaser. It’s comfort food elevated, combining simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe promises hearty satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, bringing a unique note to the dish—whether it’s the rich butter coating, the punch of garlic, or the blend of herbs and spices that elevate the beef and potatoes.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose tender, bite-sized pieces for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes: Halved or quartered depending on size; they soak up all those savory juices.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted to create the irresistible garlic butter sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic: Minced freshly for a bold, aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a subtle tangy umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An herby medley that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild sweet smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory background without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning everything perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, colorful garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if it isn’t already, and halve or quarter the baby potatoes depending on their size. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to penetrate every bit.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the beef and potatoes directly into your slow cooker. This base will cook together and soak up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce you’ll prepare next, making every bite incredibly tender and tasty.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, generously coating the beef and potatoes with rich, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Coat and Cook
Pour the sauce over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 and a half to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked through.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Give the beef and potatoes a gentle stir to mix any settled sauce before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and a fresh taste that balances the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here, scattering vibrant green flecks over the dish to brighten both the look and flavor. If you like a little extra zing, a pour of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add delightful complexity.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty enough to work as a stand-alone dinner, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans. A fresh garden salad or crusty bread can also make the meal complete and even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe family-style in a rustic deep dish to showcase that cozy, home-cooked charm. For dinner parties, plate individual portions with a side of colorful roasted veggies and drizzle the pan sauce over everything for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes splendidly. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for tenderness, you can also try chuck roast cut into cubes. Just make sure the beef is suitable for slow cooking so it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender over time.
Is it possible to add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Chopped carrots, onions, or celery work wonderfully and add layered flavors. Just be mindful of cooking times for softer vegetables to avoid overly mushy results.
Can I cook this recipe on high heat only?
You can, but the beef will cook faster and may not be as tender as the low-and-slow method. If using high, check doneness around 3 and a half hours and adjust as needed.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce combined with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar can mimic its tangy, umami flavor pretty well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious choice for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce brand to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the ease and comfort of the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe to bring people together around the dinner table. It’s a true crowd favorite that delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal effort. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight meal that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes are slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasonings, resulting in an irresistible dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat and baby potatoes into the slow cooker, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the garlic butter sauce mixture over the beef and potatoes, then toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3 1/2–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked through.
- Final Stir and Garnish: Before serving, gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to combine flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker to develop a rich crust.
- You can add chopped carrots or onions for extra vegetables and enhanced flavor.
