Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I prepared this dish for my family. The house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and butter as the beef slowly cooked to tender perfection. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe delivers generous flavors with minimal effort. It truly encapsulates the beauty of slow cooking—allowing robust ingredients to meld together beautifully without taking up your entire day in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe special

There are so many reasons to love this dish! First, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Beef stew meat is often more affordable than other cuts, making this a great choice for families looking to save. Plus, you can throw everything into the slow cooker before heading out for the day, allowing the beef and potatoes to work their magic. When you return home, dinner will be ready for you—no last-minute scrambling.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or even a cozy get-together with friends. There’s something special about gathering around the table, enjoying tender bites of beef and buttery potatoes while sharing stories. As one delighted home chef put it:

"This recipe is a game changer! So easy and the flavors are out of this world. My family devoured every bite!"

The cooking process explained

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is simple yet rewarding. You’ll start by layering your ingredients in the slow cooker, which sets the stage for the delightful blend of flavors. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Season the beef with warm spices.
Arrange the potatoes.
Scatter the garlic and butter generously over the mixture.
Let the slow cooker do its thing for 6–8 hours.

Once done, you’ll find the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the potatoes are perfectly cooked, making it an ideal dish for any home cook.

What you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting classic:

2 lbs beef stew meat
5 tbsp butter, sliced
1 lb baby yellow potatoes
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped garlic
2 tsp seasoned salt

If you prefer, you can substitute the beef with a different cut like chuck roast or use sweet potatoes instead of baby yellow potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.

Step-by-step instructions

Begin by placing the beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt until evenly coated.
Next, arrange the baby yellow potatoes on one side of the slow cooker, opposite the beef for even cooking.
Scatter the sliced butter and chopped garlic over both the meat and potatoes.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and potatoes are fork-tender.
Once cooked, gently stir everything together before serving.

Pair this hearty dish with a fresh salad or some warm dinner rolls, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving is half the fun! To plate, scoop a generous serving of beef and potatoes into bowls, allowing those rich juices to coat everything. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for an added splash of color and freshness.

For sides, crispy green beans or a light salad makes for a delightful contrast. And don’t forget those warm dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy!

Storage and reheating tips

Leftovers never go to waste with this dish! To ensure freshness, let the beef bites and potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, to keep that tender texture.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some expert cooking tips to elevate your dish:

Sear the beef first: For even more flavor, consider searing the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This will deepen the flavor profile.
Customize the flavors: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Avoid overcooking: If your slow cooker runs hot, check your beef at the 6-hour mark to prevent it from drying out.

Creative twists

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you could try:

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in your favorite vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition of the dish.
Creamy Touch: Stir in some sour cream or heavy cream just before serving for a rich, creamy sauce.

Your questions answered

How long do I need to cook this recipe?

This dish requires about 6 to 8 hours on low heat for the best flavor and tenderness.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Chuck roast or lamb stew meat can work beautifully, too.

How do I store the leftovers safely?

Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

In summary, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a comfort food classic that combines ease and flavor perfectly, making it an essential addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the journey of slow cooking and the delightful end result!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

A comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef bites and buttery baby potatoes, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat Can substitute with chuck roast or lamb stew meat.
5 tbsp butter, sliced For scattering over the meat and potatoes.
1 lb baby yellow potatoes Can substitute with sweet potatoes.
1 tbsp onion powder For seasoning the beef.
1 tsp garlic powder For seasoning the beef.
1 tbsp chopped garlic Scatter over the mixture.
2 tsp seasoned salt For seasoning the beef.

Instructions

Preparation

Begin by placing the beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt until evenly coated.
Next, arrange the baby yellow potatoes on one side of the slow cooker, opposite the beef for even cooking.
Scatter the sliced butter and chopped garlic over both the meat and potatoes.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and potatoes are fork-tender.
Once cooked, gently stir everything together before serving.

Notes

Serve with crispy green beans or a light salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water as needed.

Keyword Beef Bites, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Garlic Butter, Slow Cooker