If you’re craving a rich, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender beef chunks, buttery baby potatoes, and an aromatic garlic herb sauce, this dish is a hands-off way to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dinner any day of the week.
With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll come home to a warm, comforting meal bursting with savory goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even entertaining guests with minimal fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- Set-it-and-forget-it: Just prep and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Tender beef bites: Slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Perfectly soft potatoes: Absorb the garlicky butter sauce for extra flavor.
- Rich, buttery garlic sauce: A delicious, fragrant coating that ties it all together.
- Flexible and customizable: Add veggies or adjust seasoning to your taste.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for an umami boost)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce (if using)
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried thyme
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Mix well until combined and fragrant.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place the baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the beef chunks on top of the potatoes.
This layering helps the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the beef juices.
Step 3: Pour the Garlic Butter Mixture
Drizzle the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss everything if you want to ensure the sauce coats every piece well.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and size of meat chunks.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
- Give the beef and potatoes a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce.
Serve this savory delight with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Warm crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce
Tips & Variations
- Add vegetables: Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or green beans in the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Use stew meat or sirloin tips: Both work great, but sirloin tips will be a bit leaner and cook slightly faster.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to increase garlic or herbs to match your flavor preferences.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For thicker sauce: Remove lid during the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen beef or potatoes?
It’s best to use fresh ingredients for even cooking. If using frozen beef, increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
Q2: Can I brown the beef before slow cooking?
Yes! Browning beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker will deepen the flavor, but it’s optional.
Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.
Q4: What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
Q5: Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: Variable based on sauce ingredients
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: Comfort Food Made Effortless 🥩🥔🧄
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting and easy meal featuring tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with herbs and savory seasonings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into chunks
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami boost)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place beef chunks and baby potatoes into the slow cooker.
- Pour the butter and seasoning mixture over the beef and potatoes, tossing gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use sirloin tips for a leaner cut, or stew meat for more flavor.
- Add carrots or pearl onions for extra veggies.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a fuss-free, flavorful dinner. The marriage of tender beef, buttery garlic sauce, and soft potatoes makes every bite a comforting experience.
Set it up in the morning, come home to a delicious meal, and enjoy the savory goodness without the hassle. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.