If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. This recipe combines tender beef chunks, perfectly cooked potatoes, and rich garlic butter seasoning that all come together in a slow cooker for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The convenience of the slow cooker ensures that the dish is effortlessly cooked to perfection, making it an ideal option for busy days when you want a comforting meal waiting for you.

The garlic butter flavor adds an irresistible richness, while the mix of thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika brings depth to the beef and potatoes. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this slow cooker dish will certainly become a favorite. It’s also a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you have a complete, satisfying meal that’s ready to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a perfect recipe for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. The slow cooking process results in tender beef and potatoes that are infused with rich, garlicky goodness. The seasoning blend of thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika brings an earthy depth to the dish, while the garlic butter provides a decadent richness. It’s a complete meal all in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile — you can adjust the seasoning to your liking or swap out the beef for other proteins if you prefer.

Ingredients

Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
Unsalted butter, melted
Garlic, minced
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Beef broth
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can make a few substitutions to suit your taste:

Other meats: While this recipe calls for beef, you can substitute the chuck or stew meat with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, onions, or bell peppers to the slow cooker to make the dish even more hearty.
Herbs: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, you can substitute with other herbs like oregano, basil, or even Italian seasoning for a unique twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the beef bites with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until it’s browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then add the mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Toss the halved or quartered baby potatoes with the melted butter, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the potatoes to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the beef.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once cooked, gently stir to combine the beef and potatoes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Sear the beef for extra flavor: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor. Be sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lot more flavor than pre-minced garlic. It’s worth the extra effort to mince it yourself.
Don’t skip the resting time: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and give the beef time to absorb the juices.
Add more vegetables: For added variety and nutrition, consider adding some carrots or green beans to the slow cooker with the potatoes.

How to Serve

This dish is a one-pot meal that’s satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with some great sides to round out the meal:

Green salad: A light, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette will complement the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Bread: Serve with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any delicious juices from the dish.
Roasted vegetables: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, to add some extra color and texture to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover beef and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

For long-term storage, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, you can place the leftovers in the microwave or gently reheat them on the stove over low heat. If the dish has thickened, add a little more beef broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round steak. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if needed.

2. Can I make this dish without browning the beef?

While browning the beef adds extra flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time and still have a tasty result.

3. Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well in this recipe. Just cut them into chunks to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

5. Can I add more garlic to the recipe?

Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves to suit your taste.

6. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster than beef.

7. How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef will be tender and easily shreddable when it’s done. You can check by piercing the meat with a fork.

8. Can I use dried potatoes instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes for this recipe, as dried potatoes may not absorb the flavors as well.

9. How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?

Make sure you cut the potatoes into even pieces, and avoid overcooking them. If they cook too long, they may break apart.

10. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes! If you love cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of richness.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. The combination of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and rich garlic butter seasoning will leave you craving more. With easy preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying, one-pot meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.