If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s a recipe that combines fantastic flavors with ease of preparation, and that’s exactly what Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes deliver! When I first made this dish, I couldn’t believe how effortless it was to put together.
With tender beef bites infused in a garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked potatoes, every bite tastes like pure comfort. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work. I just tossed everything in, set it, and a few hours later, my kitchen smelled heavenly and dinner was ready.
It’s become such a hit in my home that I’ve started making it at least once a month. If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty meal that’s both fuss-free and family-friendly, this recipe is your answer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This slow cooker recipe is full of reasons to love it, but I’ve narrowed it down to the top five for you:
1. Perfect for Busy Days
Set it and forget it! This dish is made for those days when you’re too busy to babysit the stove. Just prep the ingredients, pop them into the crockpot, and come back to a ready-to-eat meal.
2. A Comfort Food Classic
Who doesn’t love the classic combination of meat and potatoes? The rich garlic butter sauce ties everything together, creating a hearty dish that warms the soul.
3. Customizable Flavors
You can easily adjust the seasonings or add extra ingredients to suit your personal flavor preferences. Love spice? Add a touch of chili powder. Prefer fresh herbs? Toss in some rosemary or thyme.
4. Minimal Ingredients
With only a few simple ingredients required, this recipe is surprisingly affordable. Plus, you probably already have most of the items in your pantry!
5. Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s a family dinner or a weeknight gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Who wouldn’t be delighted by tender, buttery beef bites and creamy potatoes?
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to get started on this delectable dish:
- 1 ½ lb beef stew meat
- 1 ½ lb mini potatoes
- 1 stick butter, sliced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (to taste)
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular butter for vegan butter or a similar dairy-free alternative.
- Add Vegetables: Throw in carrots, green beans, or chunks of sweet potato for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Herbal Touch: Fresh rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker: Essential for hands-free cooking.
- Knife: For slicing butter and halving potatoes if needed.
- Tongs: Handy for placing the meat and potatoes evenly.
- Non-stick Spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleaning up easier.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes?
Making this recipe is as simple as 1-2-3! Follow these easy steps for a mouthwatering dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker 🍲
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. If you have some extra time, sear the beef on a hot skillet for a deeper flavor. Trust me, it adds incredible richness, though it’s completely optional.
Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients 🥔
Place the stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the potatoes on the other. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then season both the meat and potatoes generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter 🧄
Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the meat and potatoes. Then, lay butter slices across the top. This ensures everything blends together in a flavorful, creamy sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook and Wait ⏳
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4–5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked. Stir occasionally to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy 🍽️
Once done, stir everything gently, letting the garlic butter coat the beef and potatoes. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Keep these tips in mind to take your recipe to the next level:
- Don’t Skip Seasonings: Generously season the beef and potatoes for the best flavor. The seasoning blends with the garlic butter for an irresistible taste.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure the potatoes are similar in size for even cooking. If they’re large, cut them into halves or quarters.
- Experiment with Butter: Try a garlic-infused butter or a compound butter with herbs for an added punch.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking as the beef can lose its tenderness. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
- Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and brightness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes?
When it comes to serving this delicious dish, you have plenty of options:
- Family-Style: Serve straight from the slow cooker for a rustic, cozy dinner vibe.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
- Fancy Presentation: Plate the beef bites and potatoes on a serving platter, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information
Here are the basic nutritional highlights of this dish per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 28g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe works well for meal prep or leftovers!
You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and dump them into the slow cooker in the morning. Leftovers? Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick, cozy meal on busy days.
Whether you’re prepping in advance or indulging in leftovers, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes remains just as savory and satisfying each time.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes Recipe
If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s a recipe that combines fantastic flavors with ease of preparation, and that’s exactly what Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes deliver! When I first made this dish, I couldn’t believe how effortless it was to put together.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb beef stew meat
- 1 ½ lb mini potatoes
- 1 stick butter, sliced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. If you have some extra time, sear the beef on a hot skillet for a deeper flavor. Trust me, it adds incredible richness, though it’s completely optional.
- Place the stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the potatoes on the other. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then season both the meat and potatoes generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the meat and potatoes. Then, lay butter slices across the top. This ensures everything blends together in a flavorful, creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4–5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked. Stir occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Once done, stir everything gently, letting the garlic butter coat the beef and potatoes. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Notes
- Don’t Skip Seasonings: Generously season the beef and potatoes for the best flavor. The seasoning blends with the garlic butter for an irresistible taste.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure the potatoes are similar in size for even cooking. If they’re large, cut them into halves or quarters.
- Experiment with Butter: Try a garlic-infused butter or a compound butter with herbs for an added punch.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking as the beef can lose its tenderness. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
- Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and brightness.
