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This slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly tender, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself. The combination of butter, garlic, and slow-simmered beef creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every bite of meat and potato with savory goodness.
I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting but had zero energy for cooking. The incredible aroma that filled my home and the way my family raved about it instantly elevated this dish to regular rotation status in our household.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat: Cut into bite sized chunks provides the perfect texture for slow cooking and absorbs all the wonderful flavors
- Butter: Creates the luxurious sauce that makes this dish extraordinary; use unsalted if you want to control the saltiness
- Baby yellow potatoes: Hold their shape beautifully during slow cooking while absorbing the savory flavors
- Onion powder: Infuses the dish with sweet aromatic flavor without texture issues some people have with fresh onions
- Garlic powder: Works with fresh garlic to create layers of flavor throughout the dish
- Fresh chopped garlic: Adds bold bright flavor that mellows beautifully during cooking
- Seasoned salt: Brings the perfect blend of salt and seasonings to enhance everything else
- Black pepper: Adds necessary warmth and subtle spice to balance the richness
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a gentle smokiness that adds complexity
- Italian seasoning: Incorporates classic herbs that complement beef beautifully
- Beef broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that makes the sauce incredibly rich
How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Season The Ingredients:
- Combine the beef chunks and halved potatoes in a large bowl. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. This initial seasoning step is crucial for developing deep flavor throughout the dish.
- Layer The Slow Cooker:
- Place half of your butter slices across the bottom of your slow cooker insert, spreading them out evenly. This creates the base for your sauce. Add the seasoned beef and potatoes on top, distributing them in an even layer. Sprinkle the fresh chopped garlic over everything, then pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the edges. Top with the remaining butter slices, positioning them to melt over different areas of the food.
- Slow Cook To Perfection:
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours for the most tender results. The slow, gentle cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the potatoes absorb the flavors without falling apart. If you're short on time, you can cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, though the beef might not be quite as tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Finish And Serve:
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir everything to coat with the garlic butter sauce that has formed. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs just before serving. The garlic butter sauce should be spooned generously over each serving.
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The fresh garlic is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. While it starts off pungent and sharp, after hours in the slow cooker it transforms into something sweet, mellow, and absolutely irresistible. My grandmother always said a dish isn't worth making if it doesn't have enough garlic—this recipe would definitely earn her approval with its perfect balance of garlic flavor.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare all ingredients the night before. Season the meat and potatoes, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply transfer everything to your slow cooker and start cooking. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want to come home to a ready meal.
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Easy Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. Swap baby red potatoes for the yellow ones, or use sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Not a beef fan? Try chicken thighs instead, reducing the cooking time to 4 hours on LOW. Add carrots or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for more vegetables. For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese just before serving.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes until thickened. If the beef isn't as tender as you'd like, continue cooking for another hour on LOW.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich meat. Crusty bread is essential for sopping up the delicious garlic butter sauce. For a heartier meal, serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or buttered rice. A glass of medium-bodied red wine complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use another cut of beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, chuck roast or sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces work well. They become tender after slow cooking.
- → Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, browning isn't necessary for this recipe. The slow cooker will tenderize the beef and develop flavor.
- → Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes. Just cut them into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a little extra heat.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.