If you’re craving a heartwarming meal that’s bursting with flavor and requires nearly no hands-on time, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender beef stew meat perfectly melds with baby Yukon gold potatoes, while the blend of garlic, butter, and seasonings infuses every bite with rich, comforting goodness. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy days when you still want to come home to something truly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to create this comforting feast. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable.
- Beef stew meat (2 pounds): The star protein, slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Baby Yukon gold potatoes (1½ pounds): Creamy and buttery, these small potatoes cook beautifully alongside the beef.
- Onion powder (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings that classic garlic warmth that complements the fresh garlic perfectly.
- Seasoned salt (2 teaspoons): Balances all flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
- Chopped garlic (1 tablespoon): Fresh garlic pieces create bursts of intense, savory flavor.
- Butter (5 tablespoons, cut into pads): Melts down to create a rich garlic butter sauce that coats every bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by giving your slow cooker a quick spritz with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, setting the stage for an effortless cooking experience.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Next, place your beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the opposite side. This separation helps each cook evenly. Then, sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both. Toss the beef lightly so it’s well coated, but keep it apart from the potatoes to maintain texture balance throughout the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Distribute the chopped garlic evenly across the beef and potatoes for those pockets of garlicky goodness. Then, strategically place the pads of butter on top. As the butter melts during cooking, it will combine with the garlic and seasonings, creating a luscious sauce that marries the tender beef and creamy potatoes beautifully.
Step 4: Cook
Cover your slow cooker and let it do the magic on LOW for 6 hours. This long, gentle cooking time transforms the beef into tender bites that practically melt in your mouth, while the potatoes soak up all the savory juices.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, serve the beef bites and potatoes hot, drizzling the flavorful garlic butter sauce over the top. If you want to add a pop of color and fresh brightness, sprinkle on some chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan. This finishing touch elevates the dish, making it even more inviting at the dinner table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant green contrast that brightens the dish visually and refreshes the palate. Alternatively, a touch of grated Parmesan lends a nutty richness that complements the buttery garlic sauce beautifully. Both options make the presentation pop and add an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Since the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is so hearty on its own, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Steamed or roasted green beans or asparagus are also great companions, bringing a fresh, crunchy element to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve everything straight from the slow cooker to the table to keep it warm and inviting. If you’re hosting guests, consider plating the beef bites atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for an extra special touch. You can also serve the beef and potatoes with crusty bread that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce, turning every bite into a comforting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for delicious next-day meals that reheat beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a small splash of broth or water helps restore moisture and brings back the silky garlic butter sauce without drying out the beef or potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and thin skins, small red potatoes or fingerlings can also work well. Just make sure they cook evenly alongside the beef.
Is it necessary to separate the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker?
Separating them helps ensure even cooking and keeps the texture of the potatoes intact while the beef becomes tender. However, if you prefer, you can mix them together before cooking to blend flavors more thoroughly.
Can I make this recipe on high heat instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Just keep an eye on the texture of the potatoes and beef, as the shorter time could affect tenderness slightly.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside the garlic and butter can enhance the flavor profile. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a little paprika can also add depth without overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and simple, perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends. Once you experience how the tender beef, flavorful garlic butter, and luscious potatoes come together, it will almost certainly become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef stew meat and creamy baby Yukon gold potatoes cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. Easy to prepare and hands-off, this comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekends.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Butter
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other side. This separation helps cook each ingredient evenly.
- Season the Meat and Potatoes: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the beef and potatoes. Gently toss the beef bites to coat them well with the seasonings, being careful to keep the meat separate from the potatoes to maintain texture.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Evenly distribute the chopped garlic over the meat and potatoes. Then, place pads of butter on top of both the beef and potatoes to melt during cooking, enriching the flavors and creating a luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Serve: Serve the beef bites and potatoes hot, drizzling any garlic butter sauce from the slow cooker over the dish. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking.
- If baby Yukon gold potatoes are unavailable, small red potatoes can be used as a substitute.
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to prevent heat loss and ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can also be prepared on HIGH for 3-4 hours if short on time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
